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 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 fulfill 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 B.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.
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. A molecular and cell biologist may find themselves working on research that involves cloning, sub cloning, synthetic RNA transcription, gene expression, cell growth and development, cell and organelle structure and assembly, and DNA dynamics and chromosome structure, and other types of laboratory work. Recording and analyzing 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 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 salary varies between Rs 15, 000- Rs 30, 000.
Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology Thycaud PO, Poojappura Thiruvananthapuram - 695 014 Kerala, India Phone: +91- 471-2341716, 2347975, 2348104, 2348753, 2345899 Fax: + 91- 471-348096 Email: rgcbnet@sancharnet.in, disc@rgcb.res.in Website: http://rgcb.res.in/
Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology Hyderabad, AP Phone 040-27160222-31, 27160232-41 (India) Phone: +91-40- 27160222-31, 27160232-41 (International) Website: http://www.ccmb.res.in
Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants P.O. - CIMAP, Near Kukrail Picnic Spot, Lucknow - 226 015, India Tel: +91-522-2359623 Fax: +91-522-2342666 E-mail: director@cimap.res.in Website: http://www.cimap.res.in/
International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology ICGEB Campus, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg 110 067 New Delhi, INDIA Tel: +91-11-26741358, 361, 2360, 357 Fax: +91-11-26742316 Website: http://www.icgeb.trieste.it
Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research Jakkur, Bangalore-560 064, India Ph: 91-80-22082900 Fax: 91-80-22082766. E-mail: academic@jncasr.ac.in Website: http://www.jncasr.ac.in/
National Botanical Research Institute Rana Pratap Marg, Post Box No. 436, Lucknow-226 001, U.P, India Tel: +91-0522-2205831-35, Ext- 208, 209 Fax: +91-0522-2205673 Website: http://www.nbri-lko.org/
National Centre for Cell Sciences NCCS Complex, University of Pune Campus Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007, Maharashtra, India Phone: +91-20-25708000 Fax: +91-20-25692259 Gram: ATCELL Website: http://www.nccs.res.in/
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