What does a Biochemist do?
A Biochemist is a scientist that specializes in biology, and different organisms react with chemistry. Though a Biochemist can work independently, Biochemists are typically employed by corporations or institutions to identify the effects or benefits of various chemicals on biology. A Biochemist will often design and execute experiments in line with the standards of the scientific community to explore options for new useful products.
A Biochemist typically has a bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry or both. Being double bachelored or possessing an advanced degree such as a Masters or Doctorate is highly preferred for senior or high-profile positions. The nature of scientific research is highly structured. Having extreme attention to detail and being capable of following directions precisely is paramount in this profession.
- Identify new areas of beneficial research in the bounds of a company's market
- Create a working hypothesizes of function for all potential bio-products
- Design experiments to test hypothesizes
- Conduct all experiments within the guidelines of the scientific standards
- Record all results and observations faithfully and accurately
- Condense and compile findings into reports for management to review
- Repeat experiments when necessary or requested
- Report any misuse of any policies or company equipment
- Advanced degree (preferred)
- 3+ years in a lab environment
- Proven history of reputable scientific research
- Extreme attention to detail
- Ability to follow direction precisely
- Experience dealing with various lab equipment
- A motivation to work safely and effectively
- A passion to innovate and improve the world
- Satisfactory completion of background check
How much does a Biochemist make near United States?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$99,633
/ yrBiochemist Career Path
Learn how to become a Biochemist, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Biochemist Insights
Erasmus MC“Fair compensation and bonuses.”
Unipath Specialty Laboratory“Nice place to work and learn”
“good nice perfect awesome all the best”
Trinity Biotech“People are nice to work with”
Shell“It is a nice place to work”
Siemens Healthineers“People are nice”
Eurofins Scientific“Good pay for entry level.”
Siemens Healthineers“Decent work life balance.”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Biochemist
- Research Assistant
- Client Services Representative
- Research Scientist
- Teaching Assistant
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Salary Negotiations
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I’ve been at my org 7yrs. There is a pattern of me inheriting the work of higher level fired employees without a raise. I’m in research w/ an Ops background. They fired our Ops Director ($140k) and gave me some of those duties but said I’m not eligible for a pay raise due to my “emotional intelligence” and that I need to produce more research for a raise. I make ~$80k. Ops is a mess, I have more experience in it than the Director did, and that lane of work is taking most of my time. Advice?