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Biochemist

Biochemist

Do you want to become a Biochemist? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Biochemistry is the study of the molecular basis of all aspects of the structure and function of living things.

Biochemists work in a large range of specialisms, including:

  • developing new medicines and treatments for illness and disease
  • working with doctors to diagnose, monitor and treat patients
  • analysing samples to detect poisons and drugs
  • improving crop production or resistance to pests and diseases
  • combating environmental pollution.

They normally work in teams with other scientists and technicians, and use complex, computer-controlled equipment. They conduct experiments, make observations, write up their work in reports and present scientific papers. In universities or teaching hospitals, they are involved in teaching and supervising students.

Most clinical (medical) biochemists work 37 hours a week, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Biochemists working in hospitals and industry may do on-call work. They work in laboratories, often in sterile conditions. They may work with hazardous substances, and sometimes have to wear protective clothing.

In the NHS, biochemists earn from £21,000 to £86,000, or more.

Biochemists should:

  • be very good at science
  • have enquiring minds and be able to think clearly and logically
  • be able to work accurately
  • be interested in solving problems relating to biology.

There are 550 bioscience companies in the UK employing more than 40,000 people, many of whom are biochemists. They can work for many different organisations including government research establishments, hospitals, the industrial sector, laboratories and universities.

Most biochemists have a degree and often a postgraduate qualification. Biochemistry technicians usually need at least four GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3). There are no age limits for starting work as a biochemist.

All biochemists and technicians are given continuing on-the-job training to learn new laboratory techniques and to keep up to date in their specialist area. They usually study for an MSc or PhD.

Postgraduate level qualifications can be extremely helpful for career advancement. For example, gaining a PhD could lead to a teaching career in higher education, or to a non-clinical commercial career. Some biochemists set up their own companies.

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