Biochemists study the chemical composition and behavior of living things and the effects of food, drugs, hormones, and other chemicals on various organisms. Their work is essential to a better understanding of health, growth, reproduction, and heredity in human beings and to progress in the fields of medicine, nutrition, and agriculture.
Most biochemists are involved in basic research; those engaged in applied research use the results of basic research to solve practical problems. For example, basic research into how an organism forms a hormone has been used to synthesize and produce hormones on a mass scale.
Laboratory research can involve weighing, filtering, distilling, and culturing specimens or the operation of electron microscopes and centrifuges. Biochemists sometimes design new laboratory apparatus or develop new techniques to carry out specific research projects.
About half of all biochemists are employed in colleges and universities, where they combine their research work with teaching positions. Other job opportunity fields for biochemists are the drug, insecticide, and cosmetic industries and nonprofit research foundations and government agencies in the areas of health and agriculture.
Places of employment and working conditions
Biochemists are employed in all regions of the country, mainly in areas where chemical, food, and drug industries and colleges and universities are located. Laboratory work can involve the handling of dangerous or unpleasant substances. Biochemists involved in research projects may work irregular or extended hours during certain phases of a project.
Qualifications, education, and training
Keen powers of observation, a curious mind, patience and perseverance, mechanical aptitude, and good communication skills are among the abilities necessary for the biochemist. Anyone planning a career in this field should be able to work either independently or as part of a team.
An advanced degree is the minimum required, even for many beginning jobs in this field. The prospective biochemist should begin with an undergraduate degree in chemistry, biology, or biochemistry, which will also involve courses in mathematics and physics.
A Ph.D. degree is almost mandatory for anyone who hopes to do significant biochemical research .or advance to management and administrative levels. This degree requires extensive original research and the writing of a thesis.
Potential and advancement
Job prospects in the next ten years are expected to be very good, as a result of efforts to cure major diseases, concern for the safety of food and drug products, and public awareness of environmental and pollution problems. Biochemists will also be needed in the drug manufacturing industry, in hospitals and health centers, in colleges and universities, and in federal regulatory agencies.
Beginners in biochemistry jobs usually start work as technicians or assistants doing testing and analysis. They may advance, through increased experience and education, to positions that involve planning and supervising research. Positions in administration and management can be achieved by those with experience and advanced degrees, but many prefer to remain in the laboratory-doing biochemical research.
Income
Salaries for experienced biochemists in industry average $25,000 to $42,000 a year for those with a bachelor's degree or master's degree and $39,000 to $61,000 with a Ph.D.
Biochemists employed by colleges and universities receive salaries comparable to other faculty members, with average salaries much lower than in industry.
Additional sources of information
American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20814
