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.

What you'd actually do

• 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.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Doctoral degree. Overall preparation: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).

The feel of the work

The work is mostly indoors; much of the day is spent working solo; precision matters — small details carry weight. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 1.7% of biochemists and biophysicists are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are analytical, hands-on and organized and detail-focused.

Related careers

• Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
• Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other
• Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
• Biological Scientists, All Other
• School Psychologists
• Chemists

Quick questions

How much does a biochemists and biophysicist make?

The median pay is $61.26 per hour — roughly $127,500 a year, with the real range running from about $35.71/hr (10th percentile) to $96.69/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a biochemists and biophysicist?

The typical entry-level education is: Doctoral degree. Overall preparation level: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).

What does a biochemists and biophysicist actually do all day?

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.