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.
- Median pay
- $127,410
- Doing it now
- 35,200
- By 2035
- Up 12.3%
- Usually needs
- Doctoral or professional degree
a year
across the country
2,900 openings a year
to get in
What the work involves
- Prepare reports or recommendations, based upon research outcomes.
- Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.
- Manage laboratory teams or monitor the quality of a team's work.
- Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.
- Develop or execute tests to detect diseases, genetic disorders, or other abnormalities.
- Develop or test new drugs or medications intended for commercial distribution.
- Study the mutations in organisms that lead to cancer or other diseases.
What to study
The fields of study the Department of Education links to this occupation, most widely taught first.
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular BiologySee 707 colleges that teach it
- Physiology, Pathology and Related SciencesSee 159 colleges that teach it
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical SciencesSee 106 colleges that teach it
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and AdministrationSee 81 colleges that teach it
Who it suits
O*NET scores every occupation on six interest dimensions. This one leans hardest on these three.
Analytical and curious
Hands-on and practical
Organised and precise
Careers like this one
Where this comes from: the description and the task list are O*NET, which the Department of Labor maintains. Pay, workforce size, outlook and the education normally needed are the Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections programme, 2025 wages and 2025 to 2035 projections. Half of them earn more than $127,410 a year, which means half earn less, and what you would earn depends on where you work and how long you have been doing it. The fields of study come from the National Center for Education Statistics crosswalk.