Becoming a Biochemist

Biochemists look for solutions to biological problems at molecular and atomic levels and they study animal or plant cells and tissues to understand and unravel every aspect of their molecular structure and function. They identify and analyze chemical processes involved in such a biological functions as metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity.

The job:

Clinical biochemists assist with the investigation of the causes and cures of diseases. They analyze body tissues and fluids to help with routine diagnosis, and plan and monitor treatment. They assist and advise on the interpretation of the results. Clinical biochemists research into specialized medical areas, such as how the body's defense or immune system works, how hormones, vitamins, and malnutrition affect human development and performance, and how the brain functions. Although initially much of the work is routine testing, clinical biochemists should expect to become expert in a particular specialist area, such as toxicology, pathology, or immunology.

Industrial biochemists look at production processes and products and they are involved in analytical work, process and quality control, as well as in product research and development. In the pharmaceutical industry, a biochemist and a study a new drug to assess its potency, how it works, its side effects, and its stability. It may be necessary to perform routine tasks and experiments using laboratory animals. Pest control and the development of more efficient methods of crop cultivation are features of the agricultural industry. In the third and drink industries, biochemists investigate such problems as preventing contamination. In the water industry, they are concerned with pollution and sewage disposal.

Biochemists use a wide range of experimental and analytical tools and techniques. The electron microscope, for example, allows them to examine molecular structures, chromatography is used to purify substances from living cells, and genetic fingerprinting is used in forensic science work. The biochemists also devise new instruments and analytical techniques as and when they are needed. Their work involves writing up the results, preparing reports, and attending conferences.

Biochemists often worked in multi-disciplinary teams that include biophysicists, chemists, doctors, microbiologists, pharmacologists, physicists, and physiologists. Experienced biochemists may become project managers.

Most biochemists work in laboratories. They often handle dangerous chemicals and organic substances and they must take proper precautions. In manufacturing companies, biochemists may spend part of their time in production areas. Biochemists who have management or marketing responsibilities are usually office-based employees.

Training involved:

A bachelor's degree in biochemistry, or another science, such as chemistry, genetics, microbiology, or biology is required. Specialist Masters courses provide in depth knowledge of particular aspects of biochemistry. Postgraduate training is usually a requirement for teaching. A higher research degree, usually leading to a doctor of philosophy, PhD, is essential for research work in most countries.

Many employers provide in service training for biochemists, including in-house or external short courses, correspondence or distance learning courses, and management development programs. In some countries, biochemists who wish to work in a hospital may need certification by a national certifying board.

Future prospects:

Prospects for well qualified biochemists are excellent in both the public and private sectors. Employment opportunities will increase in health related fields, where the emphasis is on finding cures for diseases such as cancer, AIDS, and mental illness. The rapidly expanding field of genetic engineering is likely to create many additional jobs producing drugs and other products.

A large number of biochemists do your research and academic institutions, government research establishments, hospitals, charitable foundations, and research institutes.

Approximately 1/3 of biochemists worked in industry solving practical problems or developing products. The pharmaceutical industry is the single largest employer of biochemists, but they also work in the agricultural, brewing, chemical, environmental, food, health, horticulture, Marine, and water industries.

Biochemists can also find work in marketing, teaching, and technical sales, as well as technical writing.

Opportunities to travel abroad and attending meetings or participate in research collaborations are increasing and there are also good opportunities in agriculture, forestry, and health in the less developed countries of the world.

Promotion prospects for biochemists depend on ability and obtaining professional qualifications.

For further information, contact a relevant professional body, such as the Association, Institute, or Society for biochemistry, biology, biological sciences, or chemistry.