Biochemists and Biophysicists

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Biochemists and Biophysicists

Careers / Biochemists and Biophysicists

Summary Description


	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.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Analytical Research Chemist

2.	Associate Professor

3.	Biological Chemist

4.	Clinical Biochemist

5.	Clinical Laboratory Scientist

6.	Clinical Researcher

7.	Genetic Engineer

8.	Laboratory Director

9.	Nanotechnologist

10.	Pharmaceutical Scientist

11.	Physical Biochemist

12.	Postdoctoral Fellow

13.	Process Engineer

14.	Research Affiliate

15.	Research Assistant

16.	Research Associate

17.	Research Chemist

18.	Research Scientist

19.	Scientist

20.	Staff Toxicologist

21.	Toxicologist

Job Tasks

	Develop and execute tests to detect diseases, genetic disorders, or other abnormalities.

	Develop and test new drugs and medications intended for commercial distribution.

	Study the mutations in organisms that lead to cancer and other diseases.

	Study spatial configurations of submicroscopic molecules such as proteins, using x-rays and electron microscopes.

	Study the chemistry of living processes, such as cell development, breathing and digestion, and living energy changes such as growth, aging, and death.

	Determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules.

	Prepare pharmaceutical compounds for commercial distribution.

	Prepare reports and recommendations based upon research outcomes.

	Research the chemical effects of substances such as drugs, serums, hormones, and food on tissues and vital processes.

	Research how characteristics of plants and animals are carried through successive generations.

	Develop methods to process, store, and use foods, drugs, and chemical compounds.

	Investigate the nature, composition, and expression of genes, and research how genetic engineering can impact these processes.

	Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.

	Study physical principles of living cells and organisms and their electrical and mechanical energy, applying methods and knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology.

	Produce pharmaceutically and industrially useful proteins, using recombinant DNA technology.

	Manage laboratory teams, and monitor the quality of a team's work.

	Isolate, analyze, and synthesize vitamins, hormones, allergens, minerals, and enzymes, and determine their effects on body functions.

	Share research findings by writing scientific articles and by making presentations at scientific conferences.

	Design and perform experiments with equipment such as lasers, accelerators, and mass spectrometers.

	Teach and advise undergraduate and graduate students, and supervise their research.

	Research transformations of substances in cells, using atomic isotopes.

	Examine the molecular and chemical aspects of immune system functioning.

	Design and build laboratory equipment needed for special research projects.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.


		analyze biological research, test, or analysis data

		analyze scientific research data or investigative findings

		analyze chemical experimental, test, or analysis data or findings

		conduct field research or investigative studies

		conduct laboratory research or experiments

		conduct nuclear research

		conduct standardized qualitative laboratory analyses

		conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses

		perform statistical analysis

		perform statistical analysis in physical science or geological research

		forecast or predict phenomena based upon research data

		conduct analyses to determine physical properties of materials

		conduct analyses or tests of organic compounds

		identify nutritional value of foods

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.


		use chemical testing or analysis procedures

		use hazardous materials information

		follow infectious materials procedures

		use nutrition research techniques

		use oral or written communication techniques

		use plant disease control techniques

		use scientific research methodology

		follow safe waste disposal procedures

		use teaching techniques

		use knowledge of vivisection

		follow microbiology procedures

		use biological research techniques

		use knowledge of investigation techniques

		use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems

		use physical science research techniques

		use quantitative research methods

		use library or online Internet research techniques

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.


		develop tables depicting data

		classify plants, animals, or other natural phenomena

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.


		record test results, test procedures, or inspection data

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.


		collect scientific or technical data

		collect academic research data

		collect statistical data

		research human or animal disease

		study structure or properties of submicroscopic matter

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.


		compound pharmaceuticals or medical preparations

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.


		develop new products based on scientific research results

		develop scientific or mathematical hypotheses, theories, or laws

		design equipment, apparatus, or instruments for scientific research

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.


		use computers to enter, access or retrieve data

		use relational database software

		use spreadsheet software

		use word processing or desktop publishing software

		develop or maintain databases

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.


		make decisions

		resolve engineering or science problems

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.


		confer with research personnel

		confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.


		explain complex mathematical information

		write scholarly or technical research papers

		explain genetic data

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.


		monitor the chemical action of substances

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.


		plan scientific research or investigative studies

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.


		understand pharmaceutical formulas

		examine biological or other material specimens under microscope

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.


		write research or project grant proposals

		write business project or bid proposals

		develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards

		develop plans for programs or projects

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.


		communicate technical information

		make presentations

		confer with scientists

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.


		direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies

		direct implementation of new procedures, policies, or programs

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.


		adhere to safety procedures

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).


		use biological testing instruments

		use microscope

		use laboratory equipment

		operate specialized equipment in chemical laboratory

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.


		prepare vaccines, biologicals, or serums

		prepare biological specimens for examination

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.


		advise clients or customers

		provide expert testimony on research results

		recommend further study or action based on research data

		provide advice on food or drug storage or use

		advise governmental or industrial personnel

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.


		maintain records, reports, or files

		prepare reports

		prepare technical reports or related documentation

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Biological Scientists
	Biological scientists study living organisms and their relationship to the environment. They perform research to gain a better understanding of fundamental life processes and apply that understanding to developing new products or processes. Research can be broken down into two categories: basic and applied. Basic research is conducted without any intended aim; the goal is simply to expand on human knowledge. Applied research is directed towards solving a particular problem. Most biological scientists specialize in one area of biology, such as zoology (the study of animals) or microbiology (the study of microscopic organisms). (Medical scientists, whose work is closely related to that of biological scientists, are discussed elsewhere in the Handbook.)

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Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Biological Scientists
	Most biologists spend their time in laboratories conducting research and in offices writing up results and keeping up with the latest research discoveries. Some biological scientists, particularly botanists, ecologists, and zoologists, do field studies that involve strenuous physical activity and primitive living conditions for extended periods of time. Biological scientists in the field may work in warm or cold climates, in all kinds of weather. Biological scientists usually are not exposed to unsafe or unhealthy conditions. Those who work with dangerous organisms or toxic substances in the laboratory must follow strict safety procedures to avoid contamination.

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