PhD in Molecular biology is a minimum 3-year full-time course and stands for Doctorate of Philosophy with the specialisation in molecular biology. The course duration depends on the thesis completion and research work. PhD molecular biology is a course which is designed for students willing to have strong knowledge about the biological aspects and concepts at the molecular level focussing on subjects like biology, chemistry, biotechnology, biochemistry etc.Candidates holding a Masters in Biological Science or an equivalent degree from a recognized organization with 55% aggregate marks are eligible for this course. The basic aim of studying PhD molecular biology is to learn in-depth about the features of macromolecules, its structure and functions or nourishing the skills for pursuing a career in the same field. The course focuses on the concepts and study of biological activity amidst the cells, its synthesis, modification, mechanisms and interactions.
Course Level | Doctorate |
Full Form | Doctorate of Philosophy in Molecular Biology |
Duration | 3 years (minimum) |
Examination Type | Semester type + research thesis |
Eligibility | Candidate with Masters degree in the respective field from a recognized university with minimum 55% marks. |
Admission Process | Entrance-based + Interview |
Course Fee | INR 10,000 to 3 lakhs |
Average Salary | INR 2 to 20 lakhs |
Top recruiting companies | Camris International, Astra Zeneca, Sorrento Therapeutics, AECOM, Takeda Pharmaceutical, Amyris |
Job Positions | Research Biologist, Microbiologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Environmental Scientist, Scientific Communications Manager |
Most universities require students to take a graduate entrance exam, such as the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or MCAT (Medical College Admission Test), although some may waive this requirement. Additionally, some universities may require subject-specific GRE scores, such as in biology or biochemistry.
Entrance Exam |
CSIR UGC NET |
UGC NET |
IIT JAM |
GPAT |
VITMEE |
Each university offering a PhD Molecular Biology follows a set of systems for admissions of students. Mainly, the admission for PhD Life Science is done on the basis of PhD Entrance Examination, interview and research proposal assessment of each student. Some of the universities allow the students to appear in Entrance examinations like GATE/NET/SET/M.Phil/ JRF examination to register for the admissions; however some universities conduct their own entrance examination.
1. Some of the important PhD Molecular Biology admission knowledge are mentioned below:
2. The universities start a portal in the month of September/October for the registration of the students.
3. The potential candidate needs to submit the registration form along with the required documents.
4. Candidates are required to appear in the entrance examination, either one held by the college or centralized examination like NET/RET in order to check the subject matter knowledge.
5. Once the examination is clear, an interview is held for the further assessment.
6. Some universities also check and scrutinize your research proposals for combined evaluation.
The eligibility criteria for studying PhD Molecular Biology are mentioned below:
The duration of a PhD program in Molecular and Cell Biology typically takes around 4-6 years to complete, although this may vary depending on the specific program and the student's research progress.
The selection criteria for admission to a PhD program in Molecular and Cell Biology varies by institution, but generally includes the applicant's academic records, research experience, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and entrance exam scores. Some programs may also require an interview or additional testing.
To apply for a PhD program in Molecular and Cell Biology, students typically need to submit an online application through the university's website or through a centralized application system. |
The application usually includes transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, entrance exam scores, and a research proposal. |
Some universities may also require an application fee. |
It is recommended that students carefully review the admission requirements and deadlines for each program they are interested in applying to. |
The application form and process for a PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology varies by institution, but typically involves submitting an online application, transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, entrance exam scores, and a research proposal. It is important to carefully review the admission requirements and deadlines for each program you are interested in applying to.
The application fee for a PhD program in Molecular and Cell Biology also varies by institution, but typically ranges from updated Soon.
The syllabus for a PhD program in Molecular and Cell Biology varies depending on the institution and the specific focus of the program.
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Graduates with a PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology can pursue careers in a variety of fields, including academic research, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and government research. Salaries vary depending on the specific job and location, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for biochemists and biophysicists was $94,490 in May 2021.
Some of the career opportunities available to graduates with a PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology include research scientist, postdoctoral fellow, professor, medical scientist, biotech researcher, and pharmaceutical researcher.
JOB POSITION | JOB DESCRIPTION |
Research Biologist | Research Biologists are responsible for recommending improvements to ensure quality, comparing actual results, evaluating existing research techniques, and suggesting solutions to correct the deviations. They may also prepare complete documentation of research activities. |
Microbiologist | Microbiologists are responsible for preventing, diagnosing and pronging of diseases, as well as health care, and they may carry out various functions such as epidemiological surveillance, quality auditing, biotechnology development, basic research, management and teaching related to the career, scientist management. |
Clinical Laboratory Scientist | Clinical Laboratory Scientists are responsible for information for patient diagnosis and treatment by performing laboratory tests in chemistry, toxicology, microbiology laboratories, and immunology. They maintain quality results by running standards, verifying equipment function, equipment maintenance, and monitoring quality measurements. |
Environmental Scientist | Environmental Scientists are responsible for investigative pieces exposing illegal activity, or emerging environmental problems. They also work in types of environmental journalism involving doing background research, sometimes including conducting interviews. |
Scientific Communications Manager | Scientific Communications Managers are responsible for ensuring that employees are aware of changes and projects within the company. They prepare presentations and conduct meetings to share information. They may also develop print materials and branding strategies for employee use. |
Some top institutions offering PhD programs in Molecular and Cell Biology include:
PH.D. ADMISSION PROCEDURE
DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST
FAQs About Ph.D. Program
Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.
Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?
ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.
Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?
ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.
Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?
ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.
Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.
Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?
ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?
ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.
Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?
ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.
Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?
ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.
Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?
ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.
Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?
ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.
Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?
ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.
Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?
ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.