Molecular Biophysics: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Molecular biophysics is an advanced scientific discipline dedicated to understanding the physical principles governing the structure, function, and behavior of biological macromolecules and complex molecular assemblies. This program integrates core concepts from physics, chemistry, biology, and computational science to explore how biomolecules interact, change shape, and transfer energy at the molecular level.
- Structural dynamics: Investigates how proteins, nucleic acids, and other large biomolecules move and change conformation over time, revealing the mechanisms behind their biological activity.
- Energy transduction: Explores the processes by which biological systems convert and utilize energy, particularly in cellular processes like ATP synthesis and signal transduction.
- Electron and proton transfer mechanisms: Analyzes the fundamental pathways through which charged particles move within biological systems, critical for processes such as photosynthesis and respiration.
- Supramolecular architecture: Studies the organization and assembly of molecular complexes beyond individual macromolecules, including how they self-assemble into functional higher-order structures.
- Bioinformatics and automated analysis: Applies computational tools and data-driven methods to model, simulate, and interpret complex biological data from experimental and theoretical sources.
- Specialized research techniques: Emphasizes hands-on training in cutting-edge methodologies such as cryo-electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and single-molecule spectroscopy.
Molecular Biophysics Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Molecular Biophysics Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Molecular Biophysics degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Biochemists and Biophysicists and Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 188,640 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Biochemists and Biophysicists 19-1021 | $103,650 | $64,890 - $168,900 | 34,520 | $49.83 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1042 | $83,460 | $50,760 - $169,560 | 53,250 | N/A |
Molecular Biophysics Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $78,133 in Indiana to $153,337 in California—a 96% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 188,640 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Molecular Biophysics by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 6 institutions offering Molecular Biophysics programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Molecular Biophysics is found at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (173 graduates), Johns Hopkins University (JHU) (5 graduates), Florida State University (FSU) (3 graduates), University of Denver (DU) (2 graduates), and Washington University in St Louis (WashU) (2 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 187 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center |
Post-Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
173 | Dallas, Texas | Public | utsouthwestern.edu |
| Johns Hopkins University (JHU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Baltimore, Maryland | Private | jhu.edu |
| Florida State University (FSU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Tallahassee, Florida | Public | fsu.edu |
| University of Denver (DU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Denver, Colorado | Private | du.edu |
| Washington University in St Louis (WashU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | wustl.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | pitt.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Molecular Biophysics programs
How much can I earn with a Molecular Biophysics degree?
Salaries for Molecular Biophysics graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Biochemists and Biophysicists earn around $103,650. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $153,337 compared to $78,133 in Indiana. Approximately 188,640 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Molecular Biophysics programs?
Currently 6 accredited institutions offer Molecular Biophysics degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (173 graduates), Johns Hopkins University (JHU) (5 graduates), and Florida State University (FSU) (3 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Molecular Biophysics growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 22 in 2010 to 187 in 2023-24. This represents a 750% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Molecular Biophysics degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Biochemists and Biophysicists, and Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 188,640 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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