What is a Biochemist or Biophysicist?
Job Description & Duties Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.
Life As a Biochemist or Biophysicist
- Determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules.
- Research transformations of substances in cells, using atomic isotopes.
- Develop methods to process, store, or use foods, drugs, or chemical compounds.
- Develop or test new drugs or medications intended for commercial distribution.
- Examine the molecular or chemical aspects of immune system functioning.
- Isolate, analyze, or synthesize vitamins, hormones, allergens, minerals, or enzymes and determine their effects on body functions.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Biochemist or Biophysicist?
Biochemists and Biophysicists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Types of Biochemist or Biophysicist Jobs
- Clinical Biochemist
- Director of the Biophysics Facility
- Professor of Physics/Researcher in Biophysics
- Laboratory Director
- Clinical Laboratory Scientist
What Kind of Biochemist or Biophysicist Job Opportunities Are There?
In the United States, there were 31,500 jobs for Biochemist or Biophysicist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 3,600 new jobs for Biochemist or Biophysicist by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 3,200 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Biochemist or Biophysicist are Utah, Florida, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in West Virginia, Nevada, or Illinois. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Biochemist or Biophysicist Salary
The average yearly salary of a Biochemist or Biophysicist ranges between $49,230 and $177,680.
Biochemists and Biophysicists who work in New Jersey, New Hampshire, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.
How much do Biochemists and Biophysicists make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $87,520 |
| Arizona | $96,610 |
| California | $101,770 |
| Colorado | $82,940 |
| Delaware | $93,530 |
| Florida | $82,830 |
| Georgia | $89,450 |
| Illinois | $111,760 |
| Indiana | $107,040 |
| Iowa | $63,890 |
| Kentucky | $84,320 |
| Maine | $74,430 |
| Maryland | $99,370 |
| Massachusetts | $104,650 |
| Michigan | $79,560 |
| Minnesota | $77,740 |
| Missouri | $92,000 |
| New Hampshire | $102,910 |
| New Jersey | $145,180 |
| New York | $68,990 |
| North Carolina | $90,150 |
| Ohio | $62,140 |
| Oregon | $79,130 |
| Pennsylvania | $94,860 |
| Tennessee | $95,440 |
| Texas | $88,680 |
| Utah | $67,210 |
| Washington | $74,370 |
| Wisconsin | $82,170 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Biochemists and Biophysicists
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Biochemists and Biophysicists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Python
- Email software
- Word processing software
- SAP
- Microsoft Visio
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- SAS
- Linux
- Extensible markup language XML
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Minitab
- Practical extraction and reporting language Perl
- Graphics software
- Statistical software
- Presentation software
How to Become a Biochemist or Biophysicist
Are there Biochemists and Biophysicists education requirements?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Biochemists and Biophysicists Work
The table below shows the approximate number of Biochemists and Biophysicists employed by various industries.
Related Careers
Those interested in being a Biochemist or Biophysicist may also be interested in:
Are you already one of the many Biochemist or Biophysicist in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Shrout, Bill via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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