Biochemists and Biophysicists: Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Job description

Biochemists and Biophysicists 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.

• Study physical principles of living cells or organisms and their electrical or mechanical energy, applying methods and knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology.
• Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.
• Prepare reports or recommendations, based upon research outcomes.
• Teach or advise undergraduate or graduate students or supervise their research.

Salary

Biochemists and Biophysicists with little to no experience tend to make between $49230 and $64230 while the more experienced ones can earn over $129950 per year.

One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Biochemist and Biophysicist is to move to a higher paying state like NJ. Right now, the highest paying states for Biochemists and Biophysicists are NJ, IL, IN, MA and NH.

However, a higher pay at NJ doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at NJ might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.

Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Biochemist and Biophysicist is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.

Requirements

We asked other Biochemists and Biophysicists what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a PhD followed by a Post-Doctoral Training.

Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Biochemist and Biophysicist.

What is the job like

70% of Biochemists and Biophysicists said they were satisfied with their job and 62% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.

Is this right for me

You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tends to like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally..

They also like working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

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