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Exploring Molecular Biology as a Specialty Pathway

ASCP Ambassador Katrina Jezzela Dela Pena posted 03-24-2026 09:18

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some guidance from those of you who have experience in molecular biology, research labs, or industry settings.

Over the past years, I've become increasingly interested in molecular pathology and molecular diagnostics and have been considering entering a research fellowship. I am considering getting certified for MB. I just want to know if this is worth doing and would it open doors in research laboratories, academic/industrial settings or other roles.

For those who have taken this path, id love to hear your experience. Did it help you transition into research or more advanced lab roles?

any insight, advice, or cautionary notes would be incredibly helpful. Thank you all! appreciate this community and the collective wisdom here.

Nimita Fifadara posted 03-25-2026 00:33

Hi Katrina,

I believe that you will have few different opportunities as you have identified yourself, once you obtain that certification. Just remember to be patient (it may take some time depending on what route you qualify+will need to study). Don't give up and continue to work while try to obtain MB certification. I pursued specialized certifications in the area of my expertise after my PhD and post doctoral, which allows me to innovate, lead, teach and work in the academic teaching and research, government, industry and consulting sectors. An MB certification with undergrad major in biotech, micro, nursing, biology or biochemistry will open a wide opening for job sectors like gov public health, travel tech, food industry, forensic, clinical industry lab, military (if young), hospital lab or CRO research labs.

Hope this helps, and do not hesitate to reach out, if you need any other advice or support. Best wishes.

Sopheak Son posted 03-25-2026 01:20

Hi, I do not know what differences will it make in the research side. As a clinical lab scientist who works in molecular pathology, molecular genetics, molecular diagnostics, immunogenetics and organ transplant, MB certification is a starting point. You can go up further by having certifications or licenses as a specialist.

Sopheak Son

Ogochukwu Ugwunna posted 03-25-2026 08:45

Hi Katrina, you have got the passion already hence I would say go for it. Also, as licensed MLS, Molecular biology license will be an added advantage for you. Go for it.

Tarulata Nitin Patel posted 03-25-2026 08:51

2 ways to get certified MB- CLS+ experience in Molecular lab or there is graduate program for Molecular Diagnostics. I did mine at Michigan University(one year on line and two weeks lab). Taking the certification is always added credentials.

Helen Risser posted 03-25-2026 12:19

Others have given useful advice about molecular biology, but I have some "cautionary notes" about research fellowships.

I was scammed into a "research fellowship" that actually turned out to be a severely understaffed lab with serious quality and safety issues. Excellent fellowship programs exist, but here's some questions I would advise anyone ask when looking into a fellowship:

Who is in charge of the fellowship program and is it a reputable institution?
What is the organizational structure of the program? Who do I go to if I'm struggling?
What kinds of work will I be performing? Does that sound feasible, or too good to be true?
Who will I be working with? Does the PI care about professional mentoring? Are there other staff who can help me with day to day tasks?
Can I speak to others who have gone through this program/worked in this lab? What do they say about their experiences?

Most importantly, I would suggest asking these questions of yourself:

How far will I be from home? Can I afford to leave if I need to?
Who can I go to for support? How easy or difficult will it be to make new connections and build a social support system?
What's my backup plan if this turns out to be a really bad situation?

I hope things go well for you, whatever path you choose.