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Biochemists and Biophysicists

  • Bright Outlook
  • Rapid Growth

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 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.
  • Design or perform experiments with equipment, such as lasers, accelerators, or mass spectrometers.
  • Determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules.

Skills that matter

  • Science
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Writing
  • Active Learning
  • Active Listening

How to get there

Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher

Also called

  • Analytical Research Chemist
  • Biochemist
  • Biophysics Researcher
  • Scientist
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