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.
SOC: 19-1021.00
Common Job Titles
Analytical Research Chemist
Biochemist
Biophysics Researcher
Scientist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeAnalyze complex biochemical data from spectroscopy, chromatography, and mass spectrometry experiments using advanced statistical software and mathematical modeling to elucidate molecular mechanisms.
Advanced
KnowledgeDesign experimental protocols to investigate cellular metabolism, reproduction, and heredity independently formulating research strategies that advance understanding of chemical combinations and reactions.
Advanced
KnowledgeSynthesize findings from molecular dynamics simulations, X-ray crystallography, and NMR spectroscopy to develop novel insights into protein structure-function relationships.
Advanced
KnowledgeCompose scientific manuscripts, research reports, and grant proposals detailing experimental methodology and findings for peer-reviewed journals and funding agencies, adhering to discipline-specific conventions.
Advanced
KnowledgeInterpret complex chemical and physical phenomena at the molecular and cellular level by synthesizing theoretical principles with empirical observations to explain mechanisms of biological processes.
Advanced
MindsetModel rigorous scientific inquiry and ethical research practices when mentoring junior researchers and students in laboratory methodologies and data integrity.
Advanced
KnowledgeEvaluate effects of foods, drugs, hormones, and other substances on living tissues and vital processes in laboratory settings, integrating knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physics.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate sophisticated analytical equipment including electron microscopes, ultracentrifuges, and laser-based spectroscopic systems following established protocols while maintaining equipment calibration and safety standards.
Proficient
Hands-onExecute precisely molecular biology techniques including electrophoresis, chromatography, and DNA sequencing in biosafety-controlled laboratory environments under time-sensitive experimental conditions.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply computational modeling software and programming languages (Python, Perl, MATLAB) to simulate biochemical pathways, predict molecular interactions, and analyze high-throughput data.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate collaborative research perspectives from interdisciplinary teams when coordinating projects involving chemists, physicists, clinicians, and computational scientists.
Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Biochemists and Biophysicists (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
34,520
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $64,890. 25th percentile: U.S. $78,730. 50th percentile: U.S. $103,650. 75th percentile: U.S. $134,460. 90th percentile: U.S. $168,900. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$64,890
10% of workers earn the following or more
$168,900
Workers on average earn
$115,570
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Biology4.7/5
Chemistry4.3/5
Mathematics4.3/5
English Language4.3/5
Physics4.0/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Adobe Photoshop
Extensible markup language XML
IBM SPSS Statistics
Linux
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Word
Perl
Python
SAP software
SAS
The MathWorks MATLAB
Technology Skills
3D graphics software
Accelrys Cerius2
Accelrys FELIX
Accelrys Insight II
Accelrys QAUNTA
Analysis and building software
Assisted model building with energy refinement AMBER
