What: Molecular Biology is the branch of Biology that deals with the study of the structure and function of living systems at the molecular level. The branch focuses mainly on DNA, RNA, Protein Synthesis and their regulatory mechanism. A molecular biologist aims to understand the functions of cells at molecular level.

The academic programs include instruction on the molecular basis of gene regulation in microbial and animal cells, the biological features of different types of micro-organisms, the molecular basis for animal development, the structure of animal cells and the functions of their internal organelles.

The molecular basis for cancer and other diseases, the interaction of animal cells with micro-organisms and viruses, and the application of recombinant DNA techniques to problems in basic science and biotechnology.

The salary of Molecular Biologists is satisfying both in government and private sectors. However, private companies working on research and development (R&D) for drug development offer more salaries and benefits to the professionals. The average monthly starting salary varies between Rs 15, 000- Rs 30, 000

How: Since Molecular Biology is a rare field of Science, hence competition is expected to be less as compared to other fields of basic and applied sciences. However, the career is challenging and rewarding. Those who have sufficient interests and relevant academic qualification can only make a career in Molecular Biology.

Molecular and Cell Biologists find employment opportunities in research labs established by Government of India or in the R&D departments of various private drug companies. They can work on developing therapeutic drugs to working on stem cell research and in many other areas within the medical development field.

Recording and analysing various types of data are important parts of working as a molecular and cell biologist. Proper application of research to solve health problems and cure diseases will also be an option for molecular and cell biologists.

The programs in Molecular Biology are offered mainly at post-graduation level. A candidate would be eligible to pursue MSc in Molecular Biology if he/she has studied Biology at the Intermediate and Graduation Level. A B.Sc. in Genetics, Microbiology, Zoology or Botany also fulfil the eligibility criteria of pursuing M.Sc. in Molecular Biology.

In order to be eligible for carrying out research work in the field, one must qualify the CSIR-UGC-NET exam or ICMR JRF examination with Life Science. Engineering or Pharm graduates with Biotechnology as a subject of study, having qualified in GATE examination with a minimum of 85 percentile may also apply for award of Research Fellowship subject to their qualifying in the written test/interview.

Where: Aspirants in this field can also find promising jobs in many of the organisations abroad. Jobs in the field of molecular biology are mainly focused and research based jobs. They can also pursue their career in the field of teaching. They can work as lecturers or assistant professors in any of the reputed colleges/ universities offering this course.

Institutions:

• The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Baroda
• University of Madras, Chennai
• B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Allahabad
• University of Delhi, New Delhi
• Jawaharlal University, New Delhi
• Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology- Hyderabad
• Institute of Microbial Technology- Chandigarh
• Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow