Biochemists and Biophysicist Career

Job Description: 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.


Is Biochemists and Biophysicist the right career path for you?
Take the MyMajors Quiz and find out if it fits one of your top recommended majors!

Biochemists and Biophysicist Career

What skills are required for Biochemists and Biophysicists?

Importance Skills
  Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
  Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
  Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
  Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
  Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
  Systems Evaluation - Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
  Operations Analysis - Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  Management of Personnel Resources - Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
  Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  Operations Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
  Negotiation - Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

What knowledge is needed to be a Biochemists and Biophysicist?

Importance Knowledge
  Biology - Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
  Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
  English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
  Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
  Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
  Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
  Medicine and Dentistry - Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
  Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Work Styles

Importance Styles
  Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
  Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
  Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
  Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
  Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
  Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
  Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
  Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
  Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
  Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
  Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
  Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
  Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
  Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
  Concern for Others - Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
  Social Orientation - Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.