Biochemist: Profile and Recommended Education for a Career in Biochemistry
Thinking of a career in biochemistry? Here are a few things a prospective biochemist needs to know about job prospects and education in the field.
What is a Biochemist?
A biochemist is a type of chemist who works with the chemical composition of living organisms and performs a study of the chemical processes involved in all basic life functions. Biochemists are necessary to provide us with much of the background knowledge of such issues as genetics and heredity which enable researchers to go on and develop breakthrough applications in the medical field. Biochemists are also hard at work collecting data which will prove invaluable in other areas including those of agriculture (perhaps in developing new and better pesticides, only harmful to the insects they are intended to protect against) and criminal justice (improving DNA analysis, among other things).
Education Requirements
Most biochemists involved in research have earned a PhD, and this qualification is also necessary for those teaching the subject at a college level or involved in the administrative levels of the biochemical industry. There are research biochemists (usually those working under the direction of others) who get by with a master's degree, and there are even certain workers who have only attained a bachelor's degree. These workers tend to be employed as lab technicians, research assistants, in a related sales field, or as secondary school biology teachers. At all levels of education, prospective biochemists will need to have good background knowledge not only of chemistry and biology but also of physics, engineering, math, and computers as computer applications are now used in many research models.
Salary Information
Salaries will vary according to region and industry, but according to the 2005 Occupational Outlook Handbook (www.bls.gov), the median salary for biochemists was $68,950 per year, with high end salaries over $110, 660 per year.
Economic Outlook
The 2005 Occupational Outlook Handbook (www.bls.gov) projects that demand for biochemists is expected to remain fairly steady through 2014, depending, of course, on the political climate which tends to drive available funding for some major research projects. Biochemistry is usually considered a fairly 'recession-proof' industry, but it is one that can be hard to get into without considerable education.
