Biochemist Job Description, Career as a Biochemist, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job
interview income biochemists research biochemistry degree
Education and Training: Doctoral degree
Salary: Median—$68,950 per year
Employment Outlook: Good
Definition and Nature of the Work
Biochemists are scientists who study the chemistry of living things. Their work includes studying the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity.
Some biochemists do basic research that expands scientific knowledge about the chemistry of living things. Others do applied research—that is, they work to create new products or to solve practical problems. In the field of medicine, for example, biochemists doing basic research may study the ways hormones are formed. Biochemists doing applied research may use the basic findings about hormone formation to develop synthetic hormones that can be produced on a large scale.
Biochemists working in medicine are sometimes called molecular biologists. They study bacteria, viruses, and other organisms to better understand the chemical basis of life. They also determine the effects of chemicals on medical problems such as cancer, aging, or obesity.
Biochemists in nutrition analyze food products to measure their vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, and minerals. They research the effects of freezing or cooking and compute the caloric value of foods.
About half of all biochemists work for colleges and universities, where they teach or do research. Many are employed by private firms such as breweries, drug companies, petroleum producers, and manufacturers. Others work for nonprofit research centers or government agencies. A few biochemists are self-employed consultants who advise government or industry.
Although their jobs may differ widely, almost all biochemists do laboratory research at least some of the time. They plan research projects to test theories or to develop new products or processes. They are often assisted by laboratory technicians or research assistants. Biochemists perform a number of tasks, such as weighing chemicals, filtering liquids, distilling ingredients, and growing cultures of microorganisms. They use a variety of tools and instruments, including test tubes, beakers, flasks, electron microscopes, centrifuges, and spectrophotometers. Sometimes they make use of radioactive isotopes. Biochemists must use exact scientific methods in their work. They are often aided by computerized
Biochemists conduct their research in laboratories and then use scientific methods and computer programs to analyze their data.
Education and Training Requirements
High school students interested in biochemistry should take chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, English, and a foreign language. By participating in science clubs, science fairs, and summer programs sponsored by the National Science Foundation, secondary school students can get experience in science-related work. You usually need a doctoral degree to become a biochemist. You should major in biochemistry, biology, or chemistry as an undergraduate and continue with specialized training in biochemistry in graduate school. Individuals with bachelor's degrees are sometimes hired as research assistants or technicians. They often do routine testing and analysis, but their opportunities for advancement are limited. People who have earned master's degrees in biochemistry are qualified for more responsible jobs in applied research and for some teaching jobs. You usually need a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) to teach and do research at a university or to move into a management or administration job. It generally takes four years to earn a bachelor's degree and another one or two years to receive a master's degree. You need to spend an additional three or four years for a doctoral degree. To keep up with new developments in the field, you should continue to read and study throughout your career.
Some biochemists get a doctoral degree in biochemistry after they have completed medical school and received the degree of doctor of medicine (M.D.). Medical training is needed by scientists who want to do certain kinds of research involving human beings.
Getting the Job
Your professors and college placement service are probably the best sources for jobs in biochemistry. Recruiters from industry sometimes visit colleges to interview candidates. In addition, professional journals, newspaper classifieds, and Internet job banks often list openings for biochemists. You can also apply directly to research centers, private firms, and government agencies that hire biochemists. You may need to pass a civil service exam to get a government job.
Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook
There are several ways for biochemists to advance, especially those with doctoral degrees. They can become supervisors of other biochemists or directors of research in laboratories run by universities, the government, or private industry. They can become professors and combine research and teaching. They can also advance to positions as executives in private companies or as higher administrators in colleges and universities. For many biochemists, the highest form of achievement is being recognized as an authority by others in the field. This recognition generally comes after they have done a great deal of research and have published the results of that research in scientific journals.
Employment of biological scientists in general is projected to grow about as fast as average for all occupations from 2004 to 2014, as biotechnological research and development continues to drive job growth. Biochemists do most of their work in biotechnology, so the job market for them through 2014 should be good. However, the federal government has recently tightened its budget and reduced the number of grants awarded to researchers. At the same time, the number of advanced degrees awarded has continued to increase. As a result, there will be considerable competition for research positions. Colleges and universities will add only a few positions each year.
Opportunities for those with bachelor's or master's degrees in biochemistry are expected to be better than the opportunities for those with doctoral degrees. Jobs will be plentiful in private industry, large hospitals, and medical centers. There will be a great number of sales-related positions in sales, marketing, and research management. Some recent advances in biochemistry have commercial applications, particularly in the expanding genetic engineering field. Increased public awareness and interest in preserving the environment and finding cures for such diseases as AIDS, cancer, heart disease, and arthritis are also likely to provide the stimulus for increased spending by private pharmaceutical and new biotechnology companies.
Working Conditions
Biochemists generally work in well-lighted and well-equipped laboratories. Sometimes they spend time in offices and classrooms as well. The basic workweek is usually forty hours long. Hours are sometimes flexible, and they often total more than forty hours a week. Sometimes biochemists must work in rotating shifts if a project needs to be monitored around the clock. Biochemists also need to spend time reading and studying to keep up with other scientists' findings that are related to their own work.
Because biochemists work in a field that requires precision, they need to be careful and patient workers who can use scientific methods and equipment. They must be inquisitive as well as persistent. Often experiments are carried out over long periods of time. Biochemists should be imaginative and independent workers who can devise and carry out projects on their own. They also need the ability to work as part of a scientific team when a cooperative approach seems more useful for solving a research problem. The ability to communicate their ideas, orally and in writing, is also essential for biochemists.
Earnings and Benefits
Earnings depend on the education and experience of the biochemist as well as the location and type of job. The median annual income of biochemists was $68,950 in 2004. Benefits generally include paid holidays and vacations, health insurance, and pension plans.
User Comments
8 months ago
BioChem
I just finished my BS in BioChem, and as much as I loved it, I very much regret my major. There are VERY VERY few jobs, and the few that exist really require at least a MS, but realistically a PhD w/ a post-doc and published research papers. For you kids out there, this is about 12 years of school, to make about 65K/year.
For those that think they want to do this for pre-med/pharm/dental/vet, it's a good choice as long as you understand that the majority of pre-meds don't get into med school, and will have studied harder most any other degree that will allow them to make 15-25 dollars an hour as a lab tech.
If you want to follow your dreams of studying science, then its super great, but if you have any desire to make a living, it's a pretty bad choice.
12 months ago
Wow man this is just too awesome, this site has helped me find answers to questions I couldnt answer for years, so thank you all so much, thanks to all the guys and girls who too the time to write comments, they're really helpful in so many ways, never knew biochemistry is so interesting
about 1 year ago
Colten
Although im just a freshman in high school This has helped me find a job field that includes things i love to do so thank you
4 months ago
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5 months ago
Im really impressed with d ans i got on dis site.it unravelled my mystery abt biochemistry.hw i which 2 study biochemistry but was offered crop protection instead.wow biochem is a life changing course.
5 months ago
Fokansin s.
please i want to know if after my bsc in microbiology i can go for masters in medical and science laboratory.thanks
10 months ago
Sonya
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almost 2 years ago
Don't go into biochemistry. While it appears that there are jobs out there, really this pales in comparison to the number of applicants in the hundreds to thousands per job. Unless you are a university professor, you will probably make no more than 45-55k after a PhD and that is if you can find a job. Most currently graduating biochemists from the top universities have not been finding employment. A MS usually increases earnings over a BS, but a PhD does not increase over a MS unless you are cut-throat and practically knock people out of your way to become a research tenure track professor at a top tier institution, egotistical workaholics. Anyway, even if you are awesome and well qualified, you will likely not make it because it is all about politics and who you know, not your abilities. Don't waste your time on a PhD in biochemistry. Get out while you can.
over 3 years ago
Thanks so much for having all this information in one place. I thought I was going to have to spend hours doing research but all I needed was right here. Now I can do my project!
over 3 years ago
i love all this information dude and now i really HAVE TO become a biochemist
about 1 year ago
Colten
Although im just a freshman in high school This has helped me find a job field that includes things i love to do so thank you
11 months ago
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over 1 year ago
when ma parents heard that i wanted to offer biochemistry they were disappointed in me. But when I read through these pages I now know I am on the right course as I've always wanted to find a cure to some of the diseases causing pain to the people in ma country. I now have hope of finding this cure now that I am reading biochemistry. THANKS TO YOU GUYS.
about 1 year ago
Colten
Although im just a freshman in high school This has helped me find a job field that includes things i love to do so thank you
9 months ago
someguy
I just finished my junior year in college majoring in Biochemistry and I highly suggest that you think about all career options before you commit to something as intensive as this. Do not go into this field unless you are genuinely interested in it and do not take money into account at all. Otherwise, you will not do well. As a reference in high school I had a 3.8 GPA with mostly A's in my science courses but after my junior year in college I have a 2.9 with mostly C's in my upper chemistry courses.
over 1 year ago
onyekachi
let no one be lowspirited in his effort to belong to the noble profession called biochemistry. I am very sure that by the next five years to come, biochemistry would have become noblest course. we only have to increase our perchant for the course.Long live all biochemists, both young and old.
over 1 year ago
i recently got admission to study biochemistry in the prestigous university of nigeria, nsukka but discouragingly enough, all the congratulatory messages sent to me ended with " but remember not to spend more than a year in the field"
10 months ago
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10 months ago
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about 3 years ago
I am so glad this page was created it has helped me learn more about what i want in life and i was also confused about what i was to do if i read biochemistry. But now my doubts are cleared thanks so much
over 3 years ago
thanks so much for having so much information,now i have no doubt i am giong to become a BIOCHEMIST
11 months ago
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12 months ago
i hereby being honoured for just reading this page that gave me the opportunity to pride my self with what i want to do in life.I thank who ever took his/her time writting this for young stars who dream big for their future and i always wanted to become a Doctor in medicine,but i never know where to starts but today i knew thanks to you.As am speaking now am studying Biochem,Microb....etc.cheasing my dream to become a doctor....AM HONOURED
over 3 years ago
i loved how u included all the information needed to become a biochemist and this has intrigued me to become a biochemist more than ever. thanks, i may only be in the 7th grade but i am preparing myself earlier then everyone else.
10 months ago
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7 months ago
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9 months ago
i love biochemists because of their there research for cancerous growths and how to cure them
10 months ago
SomeOne
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about 3 years ago
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9 days ago
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4 months ago
dude7285
5 months ago
am so happy 4 dis information,nw i have no fear of becoming a biochemist. I salute all biochemist. Long live biochemist family,long live biochemist,long live u all,let left d biochemistry barner high. I luv biochemistry n wan't 2 become a biochemist in d next 2years.
over 3 years ago
thanks for all the info in one place
over 3 years ago
Thank yall so much for having all this wonderful info in one place! it helped a ton with my chemistry project. The only thing I can think to add is the drawbacks and benifits of this career. Thanks again! -Hanna
over 3 years ago
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9 months ago
someguy
I just finished my junior year in college majoring in Biochemistry and I highly suggest that you think about all career options before you commit to something as intensive as this. Do not go into this field unless you are genuinely interested in it and do not take money into account at all. Otherwise, you will not do well. As a reference in high school I had a 3.8 GPA with mostly A's in my science courses but after my junior year in college I have a 2.9 with mostly C's in my upper chemistry courses.
11 months ago
Tyrone
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5 months ago
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10 months ago
Amy
is this up to date?
over 3 years ago
This site has helped me so much in doing my project for my biology class. I was worried that I wouldn't find all the information I needed for my paper on biochemistry in time, but this included everything I needed and more. Now i'm sure i'll have a good grade<= thanks a bunch
over 3 years ago
Thank you soo much for posting this page on the internet...i was really curious about the biochemist's field for a degree and i wanted to further investigate what else i would be doing when i further myself in this career....i am currently taking microbiology, and this course really interested me...i just spent 2 years taking up classes to go into the medical field, but this interests me more....
over 3 years ago
Wonderful!Thanks for letting me know all information in one place. Now I knew that I am on the right track to become a biochemist.
over 3 years ago
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10 months ago
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9 months ago
i love biochemists because of their there research for cancerous growths and how to cure them
9 months ago
i need the job
3 months ago
kavi
hey iam very much impressed by luking it,but i think it is not that much easy to get jobs in this feild
5 months ago
uwa dequeen chiamaka
I'm so glad about this because it has enlightened me more about the course i want to study, i have been thinking how and where biochemist works and now i have find out that we have a long way to go and and achieve.
5 months ago
tessiey
thx 4 helping me wit my bio homework
5 months ago
cammy
i love itt , in school now and finding lots of answers .!
5 months ago
Fokansin s.
please i want to know if after my bsc in microbiology i can go for masters in medical and science laboratory.thanks
5 months ago
I´m biochemist, but in my country I havent work. I made basic science in the area the molecular biology where to learn many things in the laboratory and with aplication in the diagnosis of diseases.Now I`m in Chile without job and I would like to get a job in another country where the science have more development. I let my email if someone need a biochemist with experience in molecular biology like me, thanks:blopezmonsalve@gmail.com
5 months ago
abigail
im grateful about this site. i just came online to find careers in agriculture and i saw this im overwhelmed this can help any body find what they want to do when they leave secondary school.
5 months ago
sanele zuma
i one day will achies this dream biochem
6 months ago
Im a biochemistry graduate but cant get a job.
6 months ago
The information from this site has help clear my mind about a career now i understand what biochemistry is all about and i love to study biochemistry in the University thanks guys.
6 months ago
I am undergraduate of Delta state university Abraka
6 months ago
a href="http://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/387/Biochemist.html">Biochemist Job Description, Career as a Biochemist, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job
6 months ago
Iam M.phil holder in biochemistry .ihad completed my M.Phil in 2006.I need guidance .how to get apt job with Bio- chemistry
Is it possible work as a scientist ?
7 months ago
being a biocmemist this site is much informative and explores the mind that what to do to get a job as i recently completed my Master in Biocemistry, AS I HAVE ALREADY A medical lab technologist
7 months ago
OWHERE, Emonena Amos
Nice write up. Please, keep it up!
7 months ago
wow this course is too good...i realy have to do it b4 i die
8 months ago
Pls suggest me some topics for my M.Sc project
about 1 month ago
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about 1 month ago
manikantakorada
sir I am doing my M.Sc. biochemistry
first year in Gitam university Vishakapatnam .A.p, INDIA.My M.sc.biochemistry WILL COMPLETE WITHIN ONE YEAR . I AM IN GREAT FINANCIAL CRISIS THOUGH MY PARENTS SPENDING MONEY ON ME TO SETTLE MYSELF AND TO LOOK AFTER THEM.SIR IS THERE ANY CHANCE TO STUDY FURTHER OR GETTING JOB IN AMERICA.BASICALLY I CAME FROM A POOR FAMILY
about 1 month ago
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about 1 month ago
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about 1 month ago
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about 1 month ago
please i will like to be a biochemist and i want to know the best universities for biochemistry.
2 months ago
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2 months ago
i am seriously in search of job here in lagos, nigeria. i studied biochemistry in the university of lagos
2 months ago
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4 months ago
Thanks to u guys for d enlightment I know now that i'm on the right path.
4 months ago
I will like to get more information about medical biochemistry, please.
5 months ago
i like biochemistry
5 months ago
Pls help me to select frm Biochemistry n Statistic which will help me to work in the Hospital