CFChooseField
Science

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 of 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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Biochemists and Biophysicists
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Median pay

$103,650
Median annual pay for Biochemists and Biophysicists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

5.8%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

2,900
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

35,600
Estimated U.S. employment for Biochemists and Biophysicists in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+2,100
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Doctoral or professional degree
Typical education needed to enter Biochemists and Biophysicists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Science
  2. 2Reading Comprehension
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Writing
  5. 5Active Learning
  6. 6Active Listening

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Biology
  2. 2Chemistry
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Mathematics
  5. 5Physics
  6. 6Education and Training

Abilities

  1. 1Inductive Reasoning
  2. 2Written Comprehension
  3. 3Written Expression
  4. 4Oral Comprehension
  5. 5Oral Expression
  6. 6Category Flexibility

Career interests

  1. 1Investigative
  2. 2Realistic
  3. 3Conventional
  4. 4Artistic
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Enterprising

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Intellectual Curiosity
  3. 3Innovation
  4. 4Dependability
  5. 5Integrity
  6. 6Achievement Orientation

Work activities

  1. 1Analyzing Data or Information
  2. 2Documenting/Recording Information
  3. 3Thinking Creatively
  4. 4Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  5. 5Getting Information
  6. 6Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  3. 3Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  4. 4Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  5. 5Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
  6. 6Freedom to Make Decisions

Representative tasks

  • 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.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft PowerPoint · in demandElectronic lab notebook software · in demandLinux · hot technologyPerl · hot technologyPython · hot technologyR · hot technologySAP software · hot technologySAS · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyMicrosoft Visio · hot technology

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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