Biochemists & Biophysicists
Also called: Scientist, Research Scientist, Research Associate, Research Assistant
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.
On the job, you would:
- Prepare reports and recommendations based upon research outcomes.
- Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.
- Manage laboratory teams, and monitor the quality of a team's work.
Knowledge
Math and Science
- biology
- chemistry
Engineering and Technology
- product and service development
- computers and electronics
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
- manufacture and distribution of products
Education and Training
- teaching and course design
Skills
Basic Skills
- using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems
- thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
People and Technology Systems
- thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
- figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Abilities
Ideas and Logic
- make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
- order or arrange things
Verbal
- communicate by writing
- communicate by speaking
Math
- choose the right type of math to solve a problem
- add, subtract, multiply, or divide
Visual Understanding
- see hidden patterns
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include
ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Persistence
- Innovation
- Adaptability/Flexibility
- Analytical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
- Cooperation
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Analytical or scientific software
- Accelrys QAUNTA
- Fujitsu BioMedCache
Graphics or photo imaging software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop software
- GE Healthcare ImageQuant TL
Computer aided design CAD software
- Accelrys Insight II
- ChemInnovation Software Chem 4-D
Education
![Education: (rated 5 of 5)](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120917001937im_/http://www.mynextmove.org/image/hi_ed5.png)
master's degree or
doctoral/professional degree
usually needed
doctoral/professional degree
usually needed
Job Outlook
![Bright Outlook](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120917001937im_/http://www.mynextmove.org/image/outlook0.png)
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
![Salary](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120917001937im_/http://www.mynextmove.org/image/hi_sal.png)
$79,230
per year, on average
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