Biochemist
Quick Facts
Median Salary$91,904
Most Common EducationBachelor's degree
Projected 10-Year Growth+15.21%
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What They Do
A Biochemist studies the chemical composition of cells and organisms and conducts research using advanced technologies. Studies the chemical interactions involved in biologic processes such as metabolism, reproduction, and growth, or the effect of drugs or hormones on cells, or conducts research to isolate, analyze or synthesize proteins, enzymes and other molecules.
Core Tasks:
- Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.
- Teach or advise undergraduate or graduate students or supervise their research.
- Manage laboratory teams or monitor the quality of a team's work.
- Study physical principles of living cells or organisms and their electrical or mechanical energy, applying methods and knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology.
- Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.
- Write grant proposals to obtain funding for research.
- Design or perform experiments with equipment, such as lasers, accelerators, or mass spectrometers.
- Determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules.
- Prepare reports or recommendations, based upon research outcomes.
- Design or build laboratory equipment needed for special research projects.
- Study spatial configurations of submicroscopic molecules, such as proteins, using x-rays or electron microscopes.
- Study the chemistry of living processes, such as cell development, breathing and digestion, or living energy changes, such as growth, aging, or death.
- Study the mutations in organisms that lead to cancer or other diseases.
- Research the chemical effects of substances, such as drugs, serums, hormones, or food, on tissues or vital processes.
- Research transformations of substances in cells, using atomic isotopes.
- Develop or execute tests to detect diseases, genetic disorders, or other abnormalities.
- Develop or test new drugs or medications intended for commercial distribution.
- Isolate, analyze, or synthesize vitamins, hormones, allergens, minerals, or enzymes and determine their effects on body functions.
- Examine the molecular or chemical aspects of immune system functioning.
- Research how characteristics of plants or animals are carried through successive generations.
What to expect as a Biochemist
1Earn a Bachelor's degree
56% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Biochemist related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
532 openings for Biochemists
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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