Career:
Biochemists and Biophysicist

Job 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.

Is Biochemists and Biophysicist the right career path for you?
Take the MyMajors Quiz and find out if it fits one of your top recommended majors!


What Biochemists and Biophysicists do:

  • Prepare reports and recommendations based upon research outcomes.
  • Share research findings by writing scientific articles and by making presentations at scientific conferences.
  • Manage laboratory teams, and monitor the quality of a team's work.
  • Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.
  • Develop and test new drugs and medications intended for commercial distribution.
  • Design and build laboratory equipment needed for special research projects.
  • Develop and execute tests to detect diseases, genetic disorders, or other abnormalities.
  • Teach and advise undergraduate and graduate students, and supervise their research.
  • Design and perform experiments with equipment such as lasers, accelerators, and mass spectrometers.
  • Investigate the nature, composition, and expression of genes, and research how genetic engineering can impact these processes.
  • Study the chemistry of living processes, such as cell development, breathing and digestion, and living energy changes such as growth, aging, and death.
  • Produce pharmaceutically and industrially useful proteins, using recombinant DNA technology.
  • Develop methods to process, store, and use foods, drugs, and chemical compounds.
  • Research the chemical effects of substances such as drugs, serums, hormones, and food on tissues and vital 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.
  • Study the mutations in organisms that lead to cancer and other diseases.
  • Examine the molecular and chemical aspects of immune system functioning.
  • Research transformations of substances in cells, using atomic isotopes.
  • Determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules.
  • Study spatial configurations of submicroscopic molecules such as proteins, using x-rays and electron microscopes.
  • Isolate, analyze, and synthesize vitamins, hormones, allergens, minerals, and enzymes, and determine their effects on body functions.
  • Prepare pharmaceutical compounds for commercial distribution.
  • Research how characteristics of plants and animals are carried through successive generations.

  • View More...

Share:

What work activities does a Biochemists and Biophysicist do?

Importance Activities

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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).

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

View More...

Share:


Find YOUR college major

The fastest way toward knowing if Biochemists and Biophysicist is the career for you is to take this quiz to find your college major and career recommendations.

First Name*

Last Name*

Email Address*

Password*


Register

Share: