Biochemist

Biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of living things. Biochemists identify and analyse biological processes and problems, and develop techniques to investigate them.

The results of their research are used in a variety of ways, depending on the sector they work in. This could be:

• Industry - such as pharmaceutical, food, brewing, biotechnology and agrochemical companies.
• Medicine - working in hospitals, public health laboratories and medical research institutes, as well as in the pharmaceutical industry. Biochemists provide a diagnostic service, carrying out tests on blood, urine and other body fluids.
• Agriculture and the environment - biochemists help develop pest-resistant crops and ways of improving crop yields.
• Education - teaching or lecturing.

Biochemists design and conduct experiments and make observations. They write up their work in reports and scientific papers, which may be presented at meetings or conferences or published in scientific journals.

Most biochemists work a standard week, Monday to Friday. Some evening and weekend work may be required, though. Academics and research scientists in industry may work longer hours. Biochemists working in hospitals and industry may be on call on a rota basis.

They may work with hazardous substances or micro-organisms that can cause infectious diseases. They usually sit or stand at a bench or piece of equipment for long periods of time. Most biochemists wear some form of protective clothing.

Salaries range from around £25,000 to more than £95,000 for consultant scientists.

A biochemist should:

• be very good at science
• have an enquiring mind and be able to think clearly and logically
• be good at problem solving
• be able to work accurately and pay attention to detail
• be able to understand statistics, data analysis and specialised computer software
• be interested in science and its application to the field they work in.

Biochemists work for government research establishments, hospitals and medical research units, food research associations, and forensic laboratories. In the industrial sector, biochemists work in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, food and drink and consumer goods industries as well as for manufacturers of chemicals, metals and materials, plastics and polymers.

There are jobs in biochemistry at all levels. It is possible to work in a biochemistry laboratory as a technician or as a healthcare scientist support worker with a minimum of four GCSEs (A*-C) including science, maths and English or equivalent qualifications.

However, a degree is essential for most biochemistry jobs. Biochemistry degree courses or degrees with a major biochemistry component are offered by universities throughout the UK.

Graduates with a good (a first or 2.1) degree can apply for trainee clinical biochemist positions in the NHS. Clinical science trainees in the NHS have a formal programme of training.

As biochemists progress, they may take on supervisory and management responsibilities, which may mean less time in the laboratory. Postgraduate-level qualifications can be extremely helpful for career advancement.

Further details