What Does A Biochemist Do? How To Become A Biochemist – Forbes Advisor – Technologist

It seems almost unthinkable that we can look beyond the surface to the molecular level and observe cell interactions. After all, we only first discovered the existence of cells about 350 years ago. But our progress in this relatively short period has been rapid and only continues to grow, and biochemists are among the key workers in the field.

Biochemists analyze molecular life, down to the building blocks like DNA, to better understand the functions of living things and the interactions that occur on the cellular level. They use their findings in research to advance fields such as medicine, agriculture, energy and sustainability.

To become a biochemist, you must complete multiple years of education and develop professional experience in the field. Biochemistry professionals can have real-world effects on population health and the existence of our planet itself. If you want to make a big-picture difference, the microscopic world of biochemistry may offer an ideal pathway.

This guide offers information on what biochemists do, a step-by-step guide to pursuing the profession, details on specializations and information regarding certification. Read on to discover the world of biochemistry.

What Is a Biochemist?

Wondering what a biochemist does? These scientists observe life at the molecular level, studying chemical interactions and processes. They research cellular elements like genes, DNA, nutrients and proteins. This information has varying applications, including developing medicines for cancer and other chronic conditions. Biochemists also document cellular structures and publish their findings in academic journals, presenting their research to other biology professionals at conferences.

Biochemists work in laboratories and offices, where they may supervise teams of researchers to ensure high-quality work that contributes to various scientific fields. They design short-term and long-term research studies to analyze how biological processes can change by introducing combinations of nutrients, hormones, and other substances with living cells and tissues.

These professionals can specialize their work in many subfields. For example, they can focus on biofuels to contribute to emerging research on alternative energy sources. Biochemists can also work to change genetic structures in agriculture to create drought- and insect-resistant crops, increasing plant yields to combat global malnourishment and hunger.

Given the varied scope of biochemists’ work, it can be challenging to see the impact of their findings. For example, as climate change worsens, biochemists work tirelessly to analyze various factors that can contribute to this crisis. However, real-world improvements stemming from this research may not happen immediately. Nonetheless, biochemists often find their work fulfilling as it addresses these challenges and seeks actionable solutions.

How To Become a Biochemist

Follow the below steps to launch a career in biochemistry.

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

To become a biochemist, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree in a field like chemistry or biology. These four-year programs often provide opportunities to develop hands-on lab experience through coursework and internships. Classes in these fields build foundational knowledge about the scientific method, probability and statistics, molecular life and ecology. With a bachelor’s degree, you can pursue entry-level roles in biochemistry, such as biological technician.

Earn a Master’s Degree

At the graduate level, you might pursue a Master of Science program in a subject like biochemistry or molecular biology. Some schools include interdisciplinary coursework combining fields like sustainability, biogeochemistry, chemical biology and medicine. Master’s programs typically take two years and combine classroom learning with laboratory research.

Earning a master’s degree can qualify you for roles such as pharmacology scientist, science consultant and government scientist. These positions allow you to develop further experience on your path to becoming a biochemist.

Gain Experience

Develop hands-on experience in entry-level roles and internships. This step may occur concurrently with a bachelor’s or master’s program. Ask your program faculty about potential research opportunities and whether they maintain any connections with employers. They may be able to put you in contact with paid and unpaid roles that can serve as precursors to independent biochemistry research.

Earn a Ph.D.

You must complete this final biochemist education requirement to perform biochemistry research independently. Relevant areas of study for your Ph.D. may include biochemistry or molecular biology. A doctorate generally takes four to six years.

Courses explore advanced topics in biochemistry, such as biomedical science, synthetic biology and research in biostatistics. Doctoral programs typically require you to complete a dissertation, where you spend years researching a single topic, ultimately leading to a presentation of your findings to faculty. Throughout the program, you create a proposal for your research and meet with instructors regularly to document your progress.

Biochemist Salary and Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), biochemists and biophysicists earned a median annual salary of $103,810 in 2022—more than twice the national median wage for all jobs. The BLS also projects employment for biochemists and biophysicists to grow by 7% from 2022–32, a faster-than-average pace that reflects ongoing demand for workers with biochemistry expertise.

BLS data reveals Massachusetts, California and New Jersey as the largest employers of biochemists and biophysicists. The top-employing industries for these professionals include scientific research and development services, pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing, and higher education institutions.

Biochemist Specializations

Biochemists can specialize their work in specific subfields. For example, a doctoral program may offer a neuroscience concentration for biochemists who aim to work as neuroscientists.

Specializations can focus on specific populations or subject areas. For instance, some biochemists analyze DNA damage in older patients to better understand human genes’ effect on aging. Sustainability-minded biochemists can seek specialized jobs researching the environment and alternative fuel sources.

Some of these specialized niches may require workers to hold certifications.

Certifications for Biochemists

Biochemists can pursue certifications to demonstrate their mastery of specific areas within the field and qualify for specialized roles. Several certifying organizations provide these credentials and stipulate that certification candidates meet specific requirements.

Toxicological Chemist

This credential from the National Registry of Certified Chemists (NRCC) demonstrates that professionals can handle hazardous materials in laboratory settings. Certification candidates need a Ph.D. in a physical, chemical or biological science or a doctoral degree in clinical laboratory sciences. Individuals with M.D. or D.O. degrees can qualify if they completed an approved clinical pathology program.

Regardless of their degree type, candidates must have previously completed at least 24 credits of biochemistry or chemistry coursework as well as eight credits in the natural sciences. Applicants also need three years of relevant professional experience. NRCC requires a $275 application fee and a $260 examination fee. Individuals must renew their credentials by completing 20 continuing education credits annually and paying a renewal fee—$120 for one year or $335 for three years.

Clinical Biochemical Genetics

The American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG) offers this certification to candidates with M.D., D.O. and Ph.D. degrees in subjects such as human genetics and genomics. Candidates must have also completed an approved two-year postdoctoral laboratory in laboratory genetics. ABMGG requires two exams: a general exam and a clinical biochemical genetics specialty exam, which cost $1000 and $1100, respectively.

Molecular Diagnostics

This credential from the American Board of Clinical Chemistry (ABCC) requires candidates to pass an exam. The three-hour test covers nine domains, including genetics, molecular biology, pharmacogenetics and microbiology.

ABCC requires a $500 application fee and charges $400 per attempt for the molecular diagnostic exam. To maintain their credentials, certified individuals must submit documentation demonstrating 50 hours of continuing education credits every two years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About How To Become a Biochemist