Also called: RNA Scientist, mRNA Platform Scientist
Designs and tests messenger RNA medicines and vaccines at biotech and drug companies, tuning RNA sequences and the fat particles that deliver them.
Tweaks an mRNA sequence so cells make more of a protein, packages it in tiny fat bubbles, and tests it in cells, the same technology behind COVID vaccines.
Estimate; industry pays more than universities.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 10 years after high school. PhD in biology or a related field, often plus a postdoc.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology.
Growing faster than average. Tracks BLS life scientists (medical scientists and biochemists grow faster than average).
Medium risk for 10 years. AI optimizes mRNA sequences and lipid mixes; lab testing, safety and moving medicines to trials keep scientists central.
Classes: AP Biology, AP Chemistry, Statistics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-1042.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.