Biochemist

Description

A Biochemist is a scientist who studies the chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms. Their work is at the intersection of biology and chemistry, exploring how biological molecules like proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and enzymes contribute to the structure and function of cells and tissues. Biochemists are essential in various fields, including medicine, agriculture, environmental science, and biotechnology. They play a key role in developing new drugs, treatments, and technologies that can improve health and enhance the quality of life.

Here are some typical duties of biochemists:

  • Conduct experiments to study the structure, function, and interactions of biological molecules.
  • Investigate chemical reactions that occur in living organisms, including metabolism, cell communication, and energy transfer.
  • Develop and test new drugs, therapies, and diagnostic tools in collaboration with pharmaceutical or medical research teams.
  • Analyze biological samples to understand diseases, genetic mutations, and cellular functions.
  • Research the effects of drugs, hormones, and nutrients on cellular processes.
  • Collaborate with other scientists in fields such as genetics, microbiology, and pharmacology.
  • Prepare detailed reports and publish research findings in scientific journals.
  • Supervise and train laboratory staff and technicians in experimental procedures.
  • Ensure laboratory safety and compliance with ethical guidelines when conducting experiments.

Other titles

The following job titles also refer to biochemist:

biochemistry studies scholar
bio-chemsit
biochemistry studies research analyst
biochemistry studies researcher
biochemistry science researcher
biochemistry research scientist
biochemistry scientist
biochemistry research analyst
chemical biotechnologist
biochemistry studies scientist
biochemistry studies research scientist
biochemistry scholar
biochemistry analyst
biochemistry studies analyst
biochemistry researcher
biological chemist

Working conditions

Biochemists primarily work in laboratory environments, where they conduct experiments, analyze data, and prepare reports. Their work often involves using advanced equipment, such as mass spectrometers, chromatography systems, and microscopes. The role requires attention to detail and precision, as biochemists may be working with sensitive biological materials and chemicals. Some biochemists may also work in the field, collecting samples or collaborating with industrial teams on product development. While most biochemists work standard hours, research deadlines or complex experiments may sometimes require additional or flexible working hours.

Minimum qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, chemistry, or a related field is the minimum educational requirement for entry-level positions. However, most research and higher-level positions, especially in academia or the pharmaceutical industry, require a master’s or PhD in biochemistry or molecular biology. Hands-on experience in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and the use of specialized instruments is essential. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are critical, as is the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Continuous education and staying current with scientific advancements are important for career growth.

ISCO skill level

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

  • the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
  • the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
  • the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Biochemist is a Skill level 4 occupation.

Biochemist career path

Similar occupations

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to biochemist.

immunologist
toxicologist
microbiologist
pharmacologist
analytical chemist

Essential knowledge and skills

Essential knowledge

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of biochemist.

  • Analytical chemistry: Instruments and methods used to separate, identify and quanitfy matter – the chemical components of natural and artificial materials and solutions.
  • Biological chemistry: Biological chemistry is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
  • Genetics: The study of heredity, genes and variations in living organisms. Genetic science seeks to understand the process of trait inheritance from parents to offspring and the structure and behaviour of genes in living beings.
  • Pharmacology: Pharmacology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
  • Biotechnology: The technology that uses, modifies or harnesses biological systems, organisms and cellular components to develop new technologies and products for specific uses.
  • Communicable diseases: Communicable diseases is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
  • Laboratory techniques: Techniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.
  • Molecular biology: The interactions between the various systems of a cell, the interactions between the different types of genetic material and how these interactions are regulated.
  • Biology: Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.
  • Pharmaceutical chemistry: The chemical aspects of identification and synthetic alteration of chemical entities as they relate to therapeutic use. The way various chemicals affect biological systems and how they can be integrated in drug development.
  • Scientific research methodology: The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

Essential skills and competences

These skills are necessary for the role of biochemist.

  • Perform laboratory tests: Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.
  • Maintain laboratory equipment: Clean laboratory glassware and other equipment after use and inspect it for damage or corrosion in order to ensure its proper functioning.
  • Analyse chemical substances: Study and test chemical substances to analyse their composition and characteristics.
  • Perform scientific research: Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
  • Perform chemical experiments: Perform chemical experiments with the aim of testing various products and substances in order to draw conclusions in terms of product viability and replicability.
  • Apply safety procedures in laboratory: Make sure that laboratory equipment is used in a safe manner and the handling of samples and specimens is correct. Work to ensure the validity of results obtained in research.
  • Apply scientific methods: Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
  • Calibrate laboratory equipment: Calibrate laboratory equipment by comparing between measurements: one of known magnitude or correctness, made with a trusted device and a second measurement from another piece of laboratory equipment. Make the measurements in as similar a way as possible.

Optional knowledge and skills

Optional knowledge

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of biochemist. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

  • Microbiology-bacteriology: Microbiology-Bacteriology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
  • Production processes: Materials and techniques required in the production and distribution processes.
  • Clinical biochemistry: The various types of tests performed on bodily fluids such as electrolytes, renal function tests, liver function tests or minerals.
  • Virology: The structure, characteristics, evolution and interactions of viruses and the diseases they cause.
  • Evolutionary biology: The study of evolutionary processes from which the diversity of Earth’s life forms originated. Evolutionary biology is a subdiscipline of biology and studies Earth’s life forms from the origin of life to the dawn of new species.
  • Pest control in plants: Types and features of pests in plants and crops. Different kinds of pest control methods, activities using conventional or biological methods taking into account the type of plant or crop, environmental and climate conditions and health and safety regulations. Storage and handling of products.
  • Toxicology: The negative effects of chemicals on living organisms, their dose and exposure.
  • Medical laboratory technology: The various types and uses of technology and equipment employed in medical laboratories to perform tests on samples in order to identify possible disease-related substances.
  • Plant disease control: Types and features of diseases in plants and crops. Different kinds control methods, activities using conventional or biological methods taking into account the type of plant or crop, environmental and climate conditions and health and safety regulations. Storage and handling of products.

Optional skills and competences

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of biochemist. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

  • Write research proposals: Synthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the relevant subject and field of study.
  • Prepare lesson content: Prepare content to be taught in class in accordance with curriculum objectives by drafting exercises, researching up-to-date examples etc.
  • Perform lectures: Present lectures to various groups.
  • Analyse cell cultures: Analyse cell cultures grown from tissue samples, performing also screening of the cervical smear to detect fertility issues.
  • Analyse blood samples: Analyse blood samples using computer-aided and manual techniques, looking for white or red blood cell abnormalities and other risk factors.
  • Develop scientific theories: Formulate scientific theories based on empirical observations, gathered data and theories of other scientists.
  • Supervise laboratory operations: Supervise the staff working in a laboratory, as well as oversee that equipment is functional and maintained, and procedures occur in compliance with regulations and legislation.
  • Develop scientific research protocols: Develop and record the procedural method used for a specific scientific experiment in order to enable its replication.
  • Prepare compliance documents: Prepare documents with legal value that prove that an installation or a facility conforms to the regulations.
  • Archive scientific documentation: Store documents such as protocols, analysis results and scientific data using archiving systems to enable scientists and engineers to take methods and results from previous studies into account for their research.
  • Recommend product improvements: Recommend product modifications and process improvements.
  • Write scientific papers: Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
  • Assess environmental impact: Monitor environmental impacts and carry out assessments in order to identify and to reduce the organisation’s environmental risks while taking costs into account.
  • Lead clinical pharmacology studies: Plan and monitor the safety of patients during clinical tests, reviewing the medical history and assessing their eligibility criteria. Perform ongoing medical monitoring of subjects enrolled into studies for medication testing.
  • Contribute to registration of pharmaceutical products: Participate in the registration process that allows the sale and distribution of substances that treat or prevent human and animal diseases or enable medical diagnosis.
  • Advise on the causes of crop disorders: Identify crops that have a specific susceptibility to particular disorders and advise on the procedures that are suitable for their treatment.
  • Develop product design: Convert market requirements into product design and development.
  • Control production: Plan, coordinate, and direct all production activities to ensure the goods are made on time, in correct order, of adequate quality and composition, starting from intake goods up to shipping.

ISCO group and title

2131 – Biologists, botanists, zoologists and related professionals


References
  1. Biochemist – ESCO
  2. Biochemists and Biophysicists : Occupational Outlook Handbook – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
  3. Biochemist Job Description – Indeed.com
  4. Biochemist | Explore careers – National Careers Service
  5. Featured image: By Делфина – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
Last updated on October 16, 2024