Diagnostic molecular scientists perform diagnostic tests, design and process DNA and RNA isolation tests, and conduct research in infectious diseases. They require at least an undergraduate degree in organic or biochemistry and often have a master’s degree in molecular chemistry or biology. They can find job opportunities in research or medical laboratories, in the public and private sectors. The role requires attention to detail and precision, and the work is critical to deepening our understanding of diseases and eradicating them. Continuing education and career advancement often require additional degrees.
A diagnostic molecular scientist has three areas of responsibility: performing diagnostic tests, designing and processing DNA and RNA isolation tests, and completing research in infectious diseases. A diagnostic molecular scientist has at least an undergraduate degree in organic or biochemistry from an accredited school. The vast majority of scientists in this field have master’s degrees in molecular chemistry or biology. Diagnostic molecular scientists can find job opportunities in research or medical laboratories, in the public and private sectors.
People who enjoy working with technology, focus on details, and are very precise report the most satisfaction as a diagnostic molecular scientist. Scientists working with DNA and RNA are at the forefront of technological and diagnostic development. The role of the diagnostic molecular scientist is critical to deepening our understanding of how diseases work and the options available to eradicate them.
The primary role of the diagnostic molecular scientist is to perform diagnostic tests. The scientist uses a combination of manual processes and computerized equipment to analyze substances at the molecular level. The type of equipment needed and the complexity of the processes depend on the material being tested and what the scientist is looking for.
Designing and running DNA isolation tests is a large part of the daily work of a diagnostic molecular scientist. There are two types of testing: identification and isolation. The identification test focuses on sufficient detail to properly code and label the molecular structure for comparative purposes.
The isolation test focuses on separating the DNA and RNA strands for more detailed analysis. This type of testing is necessary when working with new pathogens or diseases. It is at this minuscule level that scientists can find commonalities between diseases, postulate about related diseases, and identify possible weaknesses at the structural level that can be exploited to reduce the pathogen’s effectiveness.
Infectious disease research is an important part of the diagnostic work done by molecular scientists. They are usually in charge of large laboratories, with several researchers working on different aspects of the same disease. Coordination, information sharing and prioritization are all skills needed in this job. Most research is funded by public or private bodies, which have strict reporting requirements. It is the scientist’s responsibility to use research funding wisely and report progress to the community by publishing research results in a respected and recognized academic journal.
A career as a diagnostic molecular scientist requires dedication to continuing education. Career advancement in this field typically requires additional education. Most people enter this field with a master’s degree and quickly find that they need to complete a doctorate. Leading scientists are often invited to travel to other countries and participate in joint international projects.
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