Career Discovery Tool
Science Buddies

Biochemist

Overview and Key Facts

person with fluids
Education
Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Median Pay
Median Pay
$102,270
Job Growth
Job Growth
15.30%
(Above US Average)
Jobs in 2031
Jobs in 2031
43,200

What Do They Do?

A biochemist could...

Overview Listen to this section

Growing, aging, digesting—all of these are examples of chemical processes performed by living organisms. Biochemists study how these types of chemical actions happen in cells and tissues, and monitor what effects new substances, like food additives and medicines, have on living organisms.
Roselle Rojas shows us some of the latest biochemistry projects taking place at Gatorade's Sport Science Institute and what her typical day is like inside and outside the lab. Watch this video to find out why the company that makes Gatorade employees biochemists.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Biochemist?


  1. Science: ?
  2. Reading Comprehension: ?
  3. Writing: ?
  4. Critical Thinking: ?
  5. Active Listening: ?

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Biochemist might do:
  • Prepare reports and recommendations based upon research outcomes.
  • Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.
  • Manage laboratory teams, and monitor the quality of a team's work.
  • Share research findings by writing scientific articles and by making presentations at scientific conferences.
  • Develop and execute tests to detect diseases, genetic disorders, and other abnormalities.
  • Develop and test new drugs and medications intended for commercial distribution.
  • Study the mutations in organisms that lead to cancer and other diseases.
  • Study spatial configurations of submicroscopic molecules, such as proteins, using x-rays and electron microscopes.
  • Study the chemistry of living processes, such as cell development, breathing and digestion, and living energy changes, such as growth, aging, and death.
  • Determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules.
  • Prepare pharmaceutical compounds for commercial distribution.
  • Research the chemical effects of substances such as drugs, serums, hormones, and food on tissues and vital processes.
  • Research how characteristics of plants and animals are carried through successive generations.
  • Develop methods to process, store, and use foods, drugs, and chemical compounds.
  • Investigate the nature, composition, and expression of genes, and research how genetic engineering can impact these processes.
  • Study physical principles of living cells and organisms and their electrical and mechanical energy, applying methods and knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology.
  • Produce pharmaceutically and industrially useful proteins, using recombinant DNA technology.
  • Isolate, analyze, and synthesize vitamins, hormones, allergens, minerals, and enzymes, and determine their effects on body functions.
  • Design and perform experiments with equipment such as lasers, accelerators, and mass spectrometers.
  • Teach and advise undergraduate and graduate students, and supervise their research.
  • Research transformations of substances in cells, using atomic isotopes.
  • Examine the molecular and chemical aspects of immune system functioning.
  • Design and build laboratory equipment needed for special research projects.

Salary & Job Openings

Steps to Get There: Becoming a Biochemist

Try it Out with an Activity or Project

On the Job

More Information

Please create a free account to view this career and access our full library of over 160 STEM careers.

Students    Teachers / Parents

With a free account you will have access to our full library of over 160 STEM careers. Each career profile includes detailed information to help you learn about a career and the requirements to get there. You can explore:

  • salary information by state
  • recommended high school coursework
  • fun projects and activities to test out a career
  • videos and interviews with professionals in the field
  • details on what a day on the job is like
Top
We use cookies and those of third party providers to deliver the best possible web experience and to compile statistics.
By continuing and using the site, including the landing page, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
OK, got it
Free science fair projects.