Biochemists and biophysicists 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 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.

  • 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.
  • Manage laboratory teams or monitor the quality of a team's work.
  • Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.
  • Write grant proposals to obtain funding for research.
  • Design or perform experiments with equipment, such as lasers, accelerators, or mass spectrometers.
  • Determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules.
  • Design or build laboratory equipment needed for special research projects.
  • Prepare reports or recommendations, based upon research outcomes.
  • Study spatial configurations of submicroscopic molecules, such as proteins, using x-rays or electron microscopes.
  • Study the chemistry of living processes, such as cell development, breathing and digestion, or living energy changes, such as growth, aging, or death.
  • Study the mutations in organisms that lead to cancer or other diseases.
  • Research the chemical effects of substances, such as drugs, serums, hormones, or food, on tissues or vital processes.
  • Research transformations of substances in cells, using atomic isotopes.
  • Develop or execute tests to detect diseases, genetic disorders, or other abnormalities.
  • Develop or test new drugs or medications intended for commercial distribution.
  • Isolate, analyze, or synthesize vitamins, hormones, allergens, minerals, or enzymes and determine their effects on body functions.
  • Examine the molecular or chemical aspects of immune system functioning.
  • Research how characteristics of plants or animals are carried through successive generations.
  • Prepare pharmaceutical compounds for commercial distribution.
  • Develop methods to process, store, or use foods, drugs, or chemical compounds.
  • Investigate the nature, composition, or expression of genes or research how genetic engineering can impact these processes.
  • Produce pharmaceutically or industrially useful proteins, using recombinant DNA technology.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 85% responded "Every day".
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 75% responded "Extremely important".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 84% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 50% responded "Every day".
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work — 55% responded "Some freedom".
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 50% responded "Some freedom".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 53% responded "Extremely important".
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Work Activities
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
  • Develop biological research methods.
  • Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
  • Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
  • Research diseases or parasites.
  • Develop biological research methods.
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Knowledge

Biology
  • Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Chemistry
  • Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Skills

Science
  • Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing
  • Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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Abilities

Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Written Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Operating system software
  • Linux Hot Technology
Enterprise application integration software
  • Extensible markup language XML Hot Technology
Object or component oriented development software
  • Practical extraction and reporting language Perl Hot Technology
  • Python Hot Technology
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Education

Get started on your career:

Job Outlook

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Salary
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