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Biochemists and Biophysicists

Typical education: Doctoral or professional degreeHigh pressure Bright Outlook

What they do

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.

Kinds of work

  • Investigative: Science, research, figuring out how things work and solving complex problems.
  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.
  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.

High pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $127,410 Median per year · $61.26/hr Most earn $74,290–$201,110

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.
  • Design or perform experiments with equipment, such as lasers, accelerators, or mass spectrometers.
  • Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.
  • Study the mutations in organisms that lead to cancer or other diseases.
  • Study the chemistry of living processes, such as cell development, breathing and digestion, or living energy changes, such as growth, aging, or death.
  • Investigate the nature, composition, or expression of genes or research how genetic engineering can impact these processes.

Job outlook

Bright Outlook Rapid Growth

United States
12% more jobs by 2035, much faster than average · about 2,900 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences61.4%
  • Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing17.1%
  • Colleges, universities, and professional schools5.8%
  • Self-employed (their own business)2.7%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 2 to 4 years

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Doctoral or professional degreeExperience before this job: 2 to 4 years

This is not usually an entry-level job. Most people need a doctoral degree (a Ph.D.) plus several years of lab or research experience, so plan on roughly 10 or more years of education and training after high school.

  1. Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, or biology

    4 years

    You learn the basics of molecules, cells, and lab methods, and you get hands-on lab time that makes you a stronger candidate for research jobs.

  2. Laboratory Research Technician

    2-4 years

    You run experiments, prepare samples, and record data under a senior scientist, which builds the lab skills and research experience employers and graduate programs look for.

  3. Ph.D. in biochemistry, biophysics, or a closely related field

    5-6 years

    You design and carry out your own research project, usually ending with a dissertation, which trains you to work as an independent scientist.

  4. Biochemist and Biophysicist

    Ongoing

    You study how living cells and organisms work at the chemical and physical level, and you may test how drugs, foods, or other substances affect living systems.

Where it can lead

  1. Senior Research Scientist

    3-5 years of experience first

    You take on more complex projects, lead small teams, train junior staff, and help plan experiments, usually after proving yourself with independent research.

  2. Principal Investigator

    5+ years of experience first

    You lead your own research group, write grant proposals to fund your work, and make the main decisions about research direction and staff.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take chemistry, biology, and advanced mathStrong science and math classes give you the foundation you need for a college major in biochemistry or chemistry.
  • Join a science club or science fairDesigning experiments and presenting results teaches the same thinking scientists use every day.
  • Volunteer or work at a hospital, clinic, or research-related placeSeeing how labs and health care work up close helps you decide if this kind of science is right for you.
  • Read popular science books and articles about biology and chemistryReading regularly builds curiosity and helps you learn the vocabulary you will use in college courses.
  • Ask a science teacher about lab opportunitiesTeachers often know about summer programs, lab helper roles, or mentors who can give you early research experience.

In college

  • Major in biochemistry, chemistry, or biologyThese majors cover the molecular science you will use in graduate school and research jobs.
  • Join a professor's research labHands-on research is one of the most important things you can have when you apply to Ph.D. programs.
  • Get a campus job as a lab assistant or tutorPaid lab or tutoring work builds skills, shows responsibility, and can lead to a recommendation letter.
  • Take a summer research internshipSummer lab positions at universities or research sites let you try the work full-time and build your resume.
  • Join a science or pre-health student organizationClubs give you networking, talks from working scientists, and a way to meet people with similar goals.

Tips for getting started

  • Get real lab experience early. Ask a professor if you can join their research group as an undergraduate, since research experience matters a lot for graduate school applications.
  • Build strong math and writing skills. Scientists spend a lot of time analyzing data and writing up results, so these skills matter as much as lab skills.
  • Talk with working biochemists. Ask a local university or hospital research lab if you can interview a scientist about their day-to-day work and training path.

Related jobs that often lead here

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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