Biochemist / Biophysicist

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.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Analytical Research Chemist; Biochemist; Biophysics Researcher; Scientist

Tasks

• Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.
• Teach or advise undergraduate or graduate students or supervise their research.
• Study physical principles of living cells or organisms and their electrical or mechanical energy, applying methods and knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology.
• Manage laboratory teams or monitor the quality of a team's work.
• Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.
• Write grant proposals to obtain funding for research.
• Design or perform experiments with equipment, such as lasers, accelerators, or mass spectrometers.
• Determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules.
• Design or build laboratory equipment needed for special research projects.
• Prepare reports or recommendations, based upon research outcomes.
• Study spatial configurations of submicroscopic molecules, such as proteins, using x-rays or electron microscopes.
• Study the chemistry of living processes, such as cell development, breathing and digestion, or living energy changes, such as growth, aging, or death.
• Study the mutations in organisms that lead to cancer or other diseases.
• Research the chemical effects of substances, such as drugs, serums, hormones, or food, on tissues or vital processes.
• Research transformations of substances in cells, using atomic isotopes.

Knowledge

• Biology
• Mathematics
• Chemistry
• English Language
• Physics
• Education and Training
• Computers and Electronics
• Engineering and Technology

Skills

• Science
• Reading Comprehension
• Writing
• Critical Thinking
• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Active Learning
• Learning Strategies
• Mathematics
• Monitoring

Abilities

• Written Comprehension
• Written Expression
• Inductive Reasoning
• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Deductive Reasoning
• Information Ordering
• Category Flexibility
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Near Vision
• Problem Sensitivity
• Fluency of Ideas
• Originality
• Speech Clarity
• Flexibility of Closure
• Number Facility
• Visualization
• Perceptual Speed
• Speech Recognition
• Memorization
• Speed of Closure
• Selective Attention