Job Description - Biochemist and Biophysicist:
Biochemists and biophysicists are biological scientists, professionals who study living organisms and their relationship to the environment. A biochemist studies the chemical composition of living things, while a biophysicist studies how physics, such as electrical and mechanical energy, relates to living cells and organisms.
Employment Facts - Biochemist and Biophysicist:
There were 23,000 biochemists and biophysicists employed in the U.S. in 2008.
Educational Requirements - Biochemist and Biophysicist:
Biochemists and biophysicists who want to do independent research should have a Ph.D. but those who plan to work in applied research, product development, management or inspection can do so with a bachelor's degree in applied science.
Other Requirements - Biochemist and Biophysicist:
One who aspires to be a biochemist or biophysicist must be able to work independently or as part of a team. He or she must have good oral and written communication skills. Biochemists or biophysicists who want to work in managerial or administrative positions should also have strong business skills and familiarity with regulatory issues and marketing and management techniques.
Advancement Opportunities - Biochemist and Biophysicist:
With experience, a biochemist or biophysicist can become a lead researcher who directs a team of scientists and researchers.
Job Outlook - Biochemist and Biophysicist:
The job outlook for biochemists and biophysicists is excellent. These occupations are projected to experience faster growth, through 2018, than other occupations requiring at least a master's degree (The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Earnings - Biochemist and Biophysicist:
Biochemists and biophysicists earned a median annual salary of $82,390 in 2009.
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A Day in a Biochemist's and Biophysicist's Life:
On a typical day a biochemist's and biophysicist's tasks might include:
- preparing reports and recommendations based on the outcomes of his or her research
- developing new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes
- managing a laboratory team and assessing its performance
- writing research papers and making presentations at scientific conferences
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Biological Scientists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos047.htm (visited March 22, 2010).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Biochemists and Biophysicists, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/19-1021.00 (visited November 8, 2010).
