Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)
Molecular Biologist
Cellular and molecular life sciences
What this life looks like
You explore life at its most fundamental level — the molecules that store, transmit, and express genetic information. Molecular Biologists study DNA, RNA, and proteins, generating knowledge that drives advances in medicine, agriculture, and our understanding of evolution.
What she actually does
You conduct experiments to study gene expression, genetic regulation, and molecular interactions; use techniques such as PCR, CRISPR, gene sequencing, and protein purification; investigate how mutations cause disease; develop molecular diagnostic tests; work on gene therapies; and contribute to understanding how molecular mechanisms evolved across species.
Where you can work
| Sector | Places in Africa |
|---|---|
| Research Institutes | KEMRI Kenya, MRC Gambia, WACCBIP Ghana, AHRI South Africa, H3Africa sites |
| Pharmaceutical & Biotech | Molecular diagnostics companies, drug development labs, vaccine manufacturers in Africa |
| Hospitals | Molecular diagnostics laboratories at major African teaching hospitals |
| Government | Public health laboratory systems, NAFDAC, national biosafety agencies |
Why it matters in Africa
Molecular biology is at the heart of Africa's most urgent scientific needs — from understanding why African populations respond differently to certain drugs (pharmacogenomics), to developing rapid molecular diagnostics for tropical diseases, to improving crop varieties through molecular breeding. African molecular biologists are essential for the continent's scientific sovereignty.
Your pathway in
- Study Biology and Chemistry at school
- Pursue a degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or Biomedical Sciences
- Develop core molecular biology techniques during laboratory courses and research attachments
- Consider postgraduate study — a research degree is typically needed for advanced molecular biology careers
- Engage with African genomics and molecular research communities through H3Africa at h3africa.org
Skills you will need
- PCR, gel electrophoresis, and cloning techniques
- CRISPR and gene editing basics
- Protein expression and purification
- Bioinformatics basics
- Laboratory safety and biosafety protocols
- Scientific writing
A woman in this field
Dr. Damaris Matoke-Muhia
Kenya
Damaris is a leading Molecular Biologist and the Entomology Division Head at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). She specializes in using molecular tools to study the genetic makeup of disease vectors, such as mosquitoes, to understand how they develop resistance to insecticides.
Take your first step
- Study Biology and Chemistry at school, focusing on genetics and cell biology
- Research molecular biology and genetics degree programmes at universities in your country
- Learn what PCR is and why it became famous during COVID-19 — this introduces you to molecular biology's importance
- Follow H3Africa at h3africa.org and read about African genomics research