Biochemists & Biophysicists

research organism cell chemical composition hormone tissue investigative mechanical energy physical principle vital process

Analytical Research Chemist, Biochemist, Biophysics Researcher, Scientist

What they do:
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.
On the job, you would:
  • 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.
  • Study physical principles of living cells or organisms and their electrical or mechanical energy, applying methods and knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology.

Knowledge

Math and Science

  • biology
  • chemistry

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Education and Training

  • teaching and course design

Engineering and Technology

  • computers and electronics

Skills

Basic Skills

  • using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems
  • reading work related information

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

People and Technology Systems

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
  • figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it

Abilities

Verbal

  • communicate by writing
  • read and understand what is written

Ideas and Logic

  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
  • group things in different ways

Math

  • choose the right type of math to solve a problem
  • add, subtract, multiply, or divide

Visual Understanding

  • see hidden patterns

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Integrity
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Persistence
  • Attention to Detail
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Dependability

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Analytical or scientific software

  • IBM SPSS Statistics Hot Technology
  • Minitab

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology In Demand

Graphics or photo imaging software

  • Adobe Photoshop Hot Technology
  • Graphics software

Education

Education: (rated 5 of 5)
post-doctoral training or
doctoral degree
usually needed

Get started on your career:

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Job Outlook

Bright
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about biochemists and biophysicists.