Biochemist: Career Profile, Occupational Outlook, and Education Prerequisites

Biochemists conduct research on the chemical and biological processes of living things, including cell development and heredity.

Like doctors, many biochemists are focused on health and wellbeing, but they work in labs rather than treat individual patients.

Biochemists are also at the forefront of scientific research, developing and testing drugs that could potentially save lives.

If all of this sounds interesting and fulfilling to you, read on to find out what it takes to become a biochemist.

What Biochemists Do

Biochemists are, first and foremost, scientists and researchers. While many are teachers, others work for private research facilities.

Research

Biochemists plan and conduct complex scientific experiments to evaluate the efficacy of various substances on the body.

They also manage laboratory teams and ensure lab reports consistently meet high quality standards so the study will ultimately be publishable.

Many biochemists, particularly those in academia, write up journal articles summarizing the research they've conducted.

They also read and review articles published by other biochemists. Many of these articles are often presented at conferences.

Biochemists are often responsible for presenting their own research at conferences as well and answering questions from the audience.

Teaching

Many biochemists work in academia and also teach courses at the college level when they're not conducting research projects.

They might also lead lab sessions or train students on appropriate lab techniques and reporting methods.

Some biochemists also teach science at the elementary, middle, or high school levels, or in non-classroom settings.

For example, a biochemist might lead lectures about biochemistry at a nature center, zoo, or other park.

Biochemists who are employed as public school teachers typically have to complete additional education to fulfill state licensure requirements.

Healthcare

The biochemists who work in healthcare primarily work for pharmaceutical companies developing and testing new drugs.

However, biochemists might also work at major research hospitals or at colleges or universities with medical schools.

These biochemists are typically doing basic research that is designed to expand human knowledge about biochemical processes.

This type of research can be distinguished from applied research, which is what the biochemists at pharmaceutical companies do.

With applied research, testing is designed to solve a particular problem or evaluate the efficacy of a drug or treatment.

Where Biochemists Work

Most biochemists spend the vast majority of their time in a laboratory setting, whether they work for a university or a private employer.

They may also have an office where they analyze the results of their research and write up the results for publication.

Biochemists in education might work in a classroom setting or out of the classroom at a nonprofit institution.

They often have at least some time on the road as well, presenting research or attending conferences.

Biochemists typically work full-time during regular business hours. Some work on evenings and weekends might be necessary to meet deadlines.

Demand for Biochemists

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of biochemists will grow by 7% from 2022 to 2032.

This rate of growth is significantly faster than the overall rate of growth for all occupations nationwide.

A lot of this growth has been triggered by the aging population and the need for drugs to prevent and treat various diseases and conditions.

States employing the most biochemists include Massachusetts, California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York.

Massachusetts, Delaware, Maine, New Jersey, and California also have the highest concentration of job openings for biochemists.

If you're interested in becoming a biochemist, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Build a Foundation in High School

Biochemistry programs can be competitive, so a strong science background will help you rise above the pack.

Make sure you get good grades in all of your science courses, and try to take as many AP science courses as you can.

Biochemistry is also pretty math-heavy, so make sure you have a solid background there with good grades in your math classes.

Outside of the classroom, join any science clubs your school has and participate in science fairs and other events.

Check online for free courses you can take in your spare time that will increase your knowledge of biochemistry.

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree is the minimum education required to be a biochemist. However, many employers require a graduate degree.

During your bachelor's program, you'll get more in-depth knowledge about biochemistry in particular, as well as other sciences.

These programs typically have a significant lab component where you'll learn how to plan and conduct experiments and tests.

You'll typically be able to choose between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.

Choose a BS if you plan on working in an applied science field, such as for a pharmaceutical or private research company.

Step 3: Complete an Internship

Many undergraduate biochemistry programs include an internship opportunity as part of the final capstone project.

If your undergraduate program includes an internship component, you should definitely take advantage of it.

An internship gives you the opportunity to apply what you've learned in the classroom and get real hands-on experience.

If you're not sure what you want to do with your degree, internships give you an opportunity to explore different areas.

An internship also allows you to gain valuable professional connections that you can use later when you're looking for a job.

Step 4: Get a Master's Degree

Many employers, including most universities, require biochemists to have at least a master's degree.

With a master's degree, you'll go further in-depth with your research, in particular, so you can effectively lead and conduct experiments.

You'll learn to do a full-scale, complex laboratory project and write up your results in a scientific research article.

Having a master's degree opens you up to more opportunities, including supervisory and leadership positions.

If you want to take your education even further, you can also get a doctorate in biochemistry after you've gotten your master's degree.

Learn About Becoming a Biochemist Today

If you have a head for science, consider becoming a biochemist with a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.