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Who is a Biochemist?
It is one of the more striking generalisations of biochemistry - which surprisingly is hardly ever mentioned in the biochemical textbooks - that the twenty amino acids and four bases are, with minor reservations the same throughout Nature ~ Francis Crick
A biochemist or bacteriologist deals with various chemicals and enzymes and their biological effects. A biochemist's job involves the study of the fundamental unit of human beings which is the ‘cell’ of the human body. He or she studies DNA, heredity, and a lot of other concepts. A career as a biochemist involves developing the right drug for human consumption to decrease the symptoms of diseases and cure them.
It is not necessary that a Biochemist must be a graduate of biochemistry college. He or she can also be a graduate of biology or biotechnology college or other related fields. Biochemists work to understand how reactions happen in tissues and record the effects of medicines. The objective of a biochemist career is to improve the quality of life by understanding living organisms at a molecular level.
Quick Facts for Biochemist
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Industry
Healthcare
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Average Salary in India
₹27500
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Suitable for
Male, Female, Others
A career as a biochemist is suitable for both genders as the tasks involved in the profession can be easily executed by both genders. Gender does not provide any hindrance to the biochemist's career growth. There are specific biochemist education requirements to opt for a biochemist career path.
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Any special needs
No
A Biochemist job is not suitable for candidates with special needs, as the profession involves handling toxic materials which require a lot of patience and attention and a slight mistake can lead to a big disaster. Candidates with special needs find it difficult to perform efficiently in a biochemist career.
Table of Contents for Biochemist
What is the role of Biochemist?
Individuals opting for a career as Biochemists may require study to discover how certain genes or environmental factors cause disease and the solution to these diseases. Several biologists conduct research projects, manage laboratory teams, prepare technical reports, and share research findings with scientists.
A career as a biochemist requires analysing DNA, enzymes, and other molecules to research the effect of drugs and food on biological processes. He or she uses high-tech equipment to determine the structure of molecules. The primary job of a Biochemist involves studying the chemistry of living processes at molecular and cellular levels.
Biochemists analyse organic and inorganic compounds to determine chemical and physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, and reactions.
Biochemists analyse the sample, observe and collect data, and write about their research in the form of a report.
Biochemists conduct several tests that ensure the desired quality of the product.
Equipment maintenance is extremely important, as a wrong reading could potentially lead to an incorrect diagnosis.
Biochemists also have to continuously evaluate and monitor laboratory safety procedures and make sure that the lab instruments are functioning properly.
The role of Biochemist is to keep records of all the activities using notes, logs, and data-collecting instruments in accordance with standard operating procedures.
Types of a Biochemist
Individuals who have studied biochemistry may also opt for alternative biochemist career options. We have mentioned below the major types of biochemist career options as an alternative to a career as a biochemist. These are the highest-paying biochemistry jobs.
Forensic Scientists: Forensic Scientists are the one who helps investigate crimes by collecting and analysing physical evidence. Most of these specialise in either crime scene investigation or laboratory analysis. Crime scene investigators may work long hours under distressing conditions. They also help the police in evidence gathering and its analysis.
Analytical Chemist: Analytical Chemists are the people that study and test the chemical composition and behaviours of many different substances. They are key figures when it comes to the creation of new drugs that might help in fighting a disease or a virus. How to use the chemical compound in the best possible way to help combat the disease is what primarily analytical chemists do.
Biomedical Scientist: Biomedical Scientist work to gain knowledge on the main principles of how the human body works and reacts to various drugs. By continuously testing and researching, biomedical scientists often find ways to prevent or fight a disease. Many times, they are the frontrunners when it comes to creating a new type of medicine or a vaccine.
Clinical Research Associates: Clinical Research Associates organise and regulate clinical trials of new or current drugs in order to assess the benefits and risks of using them. Clinical trials are an important job as new drugs that have been developed are first tested in a controlled environment. Hence, Clinical Research Associates is an important position. You may also read about a career as Clinical Research Coordinator.
Toxicologist: Toxicologists use analytical and scientific techniques to identify toxins such as chemicals, biological substances, and radiation to assess the potential risks and harmful effects present in them.
What is the workplace/work environment of Biochemist like?
Biochemists work indoors in fully equipped laboratories or at research and development facilities. A Biochemist's work environment is similar to other research professionals. Those who work with hazardous or toxic substances need to follow safety procedures to avoid contamination. Biochemists' responsibilities and daily activities often involve being exposed to harmful chemicals.
Therefore, Biochemists are required to wear protective gear to protect themselves and to prevent the contamination of samples or equipment present in the labs. Individuals with a career as a Biochemist require protective clothing such as coats, gloves, masks, eye protection, or even all-over sealed protective suits to work in laboratories.
Does Biochemist require travelling?
Not Likely
Career as a Biochemist provides mostly work in indoor settings like offices and laboratories. Biochemists working in offices and buildings do not require travelling as their tasks are completed in offices and laboratories. However, several Biochemists or Biologists working in environmental restoration firms may need to travel. Travelling is not required in a career as a biochemist on a daily basis.
Employment Shifts
Full Time, Part Time
Employers mostly hire Biochemists for a full-time job, however, there are companies that hire Biochemists on a part-time basis. Individuals with a career as a Biochemist have a regular work shift which is nine to five. Biochemists working in hospitals are often required to do on-call work.
Usually, weekends are considered off in the bacteriologist profession however, some biochemists can work on weekends and work for long hours as and when required by the employer. Most biochemists work a regular nine-to-five shift on weekdays.
Employment Nature
Contractual, Permanent
A career as Biochemist provides employment on both a permanent and contractual basis depending on the requirements of the company. Biochemists working in manufacturing, energy development, or environmental restoration firms, hospitals, and laboratories are hired on a permanent basis.
Bacteriologist employment opportunities exist for various job roles such as faculty, research staff, or teachers at colleges, universities, and secondary schools where individuals can be hired on a contractual basis.
Work Place
Laboratory
Biochemists generally work in laboratories, wherein they carry out research and do their experiments. They might also work in a classroom setting if they are teaching students biochemistry. As such most of the time, their work requires them to be indoors. They might also work in hospitals as consultants.
Presence in Geographical Area
Semi-urban, Urban
Metro cities can be considered job hubs for a career as a biochemists, as laboratories with hi-tech equipment are easily available in the urban areas. Cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and many more can be considered hubs as jobs in these cities are easily available. Top biochemistry institutions providing educational knowledge along with biochemist job opportunities exist in these cities.
Time Pressure
Not Likely
Biochemists usually do not face any time pressure. They are required to work in laboratories having air conditioning most of the time. For quite a few instances, individuals who have opted for a career as Biochemist might be required to visit outdoors in order to collect samples and equipment which might lead to some time pressure.
Overtime Details
Typically, Biochemists are required to work nine hours per day. Biochemists hardly face any overtime working problems. However, occasionally during project deadlines, they might be required to work for long hours under stressful conditions.
Weekly Hours of Work
Min 45 Hours
Individuals the career as Biochemists usually work for a minimum of 40 to 45 hours on a weekly basis apart from the overtime hours. Biochemists may or may not be compensated for the additional hours they put in the regular shifts, depending on the rules and regulations of the industry they work for.
How to become a Biochemist?
Steps to become a Biochemist
Have you ever wondered what is DNA, enzymes and molecules? Well, the study or analysing of such things is done by a Biochemist. If you are interested in researching the effects of drugs and food on biological processes then a career as a Biochemist is the best option for you. We have mentioned below some of the steps for how to become a Biochemist in India or how to become a biochemist after 12th.
What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Biochemist?
There are several skill sets that candidates must be aware of before opting for a career as a biochemist. As these skill sets are mandatory to efficiently functioning in the industry in the career of a biochemist. One cannot acquire a biochemistry job without the skills mentioned below.
Analytical Skills: Biochemists must be able to conduct scientific experiments and analyses with accuracy and precision. Analytical thinking could help participants understand various issues, make decisions, and develop solutions. Analytics studies of a topic or problem for pushing more effective solutions upon it. A career as a biochemist requires individuals who can conduct scientific experiments and analyses with accuracy and precision.
Communication Skills: A career as a biochemist requires writing and publishing reports and research papers, giving presentations of findings, and communicating with team members. It is essential that they ask more questions at the perfect time. It takes not only listening but also writing skills to make notes and to interact confidently with peers and stakeholders in a career as a biochemist.
Critical Thinking: Biochemists draw conclusions from experimental results through sound reasoning and judgement. A career as a biochemist requires individuals who can think rationally about determining the advantages and limitations and providing a solution, insights, or alternatives to the challenges. They have to think out of the box to come up with better practical solutions. Biochemists draw conclusions from experimental results through sound reasoning and judgement.
Interpersonal Management: Typically, biochemists and biophysicists collaborate with research groups but they need to operate well with each other toward a shared vision. Numerous individuals function as team leaders and have to be able to encourage and direct other members of the organisation. A person must be collaborative in a career as a biochemist. He or she must be willing to function as part of a team, and passionate.
Mathematical Skills: A career as a biochemist requires a detailed understanding of the science behind healthcare and related technology is required. It is possible to apply proper scientific methods and rules to solve the problem and to emerge to be more impactful. Biochemists use complex equations and formulas regularly in their work; they also need a broad understanding of mathematics, including calculus and statistics.
Problem-Solving Ability: The scientific study requires significant trials and falls, and the work of biochemists and biophysicists should not even be avoided. A career as a biochemist involves scientific experiments and analysis to find solutions to complex scientific problems. Biochemists discuss the sources of organisational failures and evaluate what could be learned about them.
Time-Management: Time management skills seem to be something almost every other employee would have. Similarly, biochemists should be able to manage their time and also other colleagues. It is not special from other sectors since this individual often has to work longer hours due to extreme work overload. Individuals in their careers as biochemists usually need to meet deadlines when conducting research.
Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Biochemist?
Apart from formal training, you can also opt for an additional short-term certification course to gain more knowledge and enhance your skills. Pursuing a specialised certification is not mandatory but it is recommended. We have mentioned below certifications that individuals may opt for who want to establish a career as Biochemist.
Internship Availability
The hands-on work experience gained by biochemistry interns is invaluable and cannot be obtained in a classroom or college. Internships help students to apply the knowledge they gained in different courses to real-world experiences. Internships help students to get acquainted with the desired field that they wish to work in the future.
Internships in biochemistry are easily available to students all across India and other parts of the world. The duration of the biologist internships varies from firm to firm. So it totally depends on the students which firm they wish to choose for the internships. Individuals are required to undergo internships to opt for a full-time career as a Biochemist.
Biochemist Jobs and Salaries
Junior Biochemist
- Average Salary 16000
Job Description
The Junior Biochemist job description includes studies of cells and DNA of the human body. A Junior Biochemist develops drugs for human consumption and studies the reactions that happen in tissues and records the effects of medicines.
Salary Description
An entry-level Biochemist's salary in India ranges between Rs 0.2 Lakhs to Rs 4.1 Lakhs with an average annual salary of Rs 2.4 Lakhs per annum. Junior Biochemist salary in India may vary depending on the various job factors like skills and experience of the candidates, job location, and others.
Salary Source: AmbitionBox
Senior Biochemist
- Average Salary 39000
Job Description
The Biochemist job description includes studying of how pharmaceutical drugs and food affect an organism’s biology. A Senior Biochemist studies various applications in medicine, environment and agriculture and Researches methods of transferring characteristics.
Salary Description
The estimated Biochemist salary in India ranges from Rs 0.9 Lakhs to Rs 16.4 Lakhs with an average annual salary of Rs 3.3 Lakhs per annum. Senior Biochemist salary may vary depending on the various job factors.
Salary Source: AmbitionBox
What is the job outlook for Biochemist?
The biochemist jobs market is projected to grow six per cent from 2018 to 2028. The requirement of biochemists will increase to do research that increases scientific knowledge. More Biochemists would be required to research and develop biological products and processes that improve people’s lives. With the rapid growth of the population demand for new drugs and procedures to cure and prevent the disease will also increase.
It is expected that a career as Biochemist in the future will require individuals to conduct genetic research and develop new medicines and treatments that are used to fight genetic disorders and diseases such as cancer. Biologist's work demands research and develops alternative energy sources such as biofuels.
Frequently Asked Questions for Biochemist
Que. What kind of work does a biochemist do?
Ans.The daily work in the career as a biochemist includes analysing enzymes, DNA, and other molecules to research the effects of drugs and food on biological processes. They use electron microscopes, lasers, and other laboratory instruments as well as computer modelling software to determine the structures of molecules.
Que. What skills do biochemists need?
Ans.There are several skill sets that candidates must possess in order to opt for a career as biochemist. Such skill plays a crucial role in efficiently functioning in a career as a biochemist. Analytical skills, communication skills, critical-thinking skills, interpersonal skills, maths skills, perseverance, and problem-solving skills play a significant role in the career as a biochemist.
Que. How to become biochemist after BSC agriculture?
Ans.You can become an Agricultural Biochemist by pursuing B.Sc (Ag) Hons, MSc (Ag) and PhD in Agricultural Biochemistry.
Que. What does a biochemist do in a hospital?
Ans.Clinical biochemists are responsible for testing patient samples and interpreting the results for medical staff. They work as part of a hospital medical team that is responsible for investigating and diagnosing patient illnesses.
Que. Where do biochemists work?
Ans.Biochemists work in a variety of settings, some work in manufacturing, energy development, or environmental restoration firms and in hospital laboratories. A career as a biochemist provides employment opportunities as faculty, research staff, or teachers at colleges, universities, and secondary schools. Several biochemists also work for law firms, where they deal with scientific cases.
Que. What are the highest paying biochemistry jobs?
Ans.The biochemistry salary jobs or biochemistry jobs salary include academic researchers, bio-technologist, analytical chemists, medicinal chemists, clinical research associates, forensic scientists, biomedical scientists, biochemical engineers, clinical scientists, molecular biologists, and biochemists.
Que. How much does a biochemist make?
Ans.The average salary of a biochemist is Rs. 308,000. The entry-level average biochemist salary with less than a year's experience is Rs. 300,000 per year. A senior-level biochemist could earn more than Rs. 400,000 per annum.
Que. What is the work of biochemist?
Ans.A biochemist is responsible for dealing with various chemicals, enzymes, and their biological effects. He or she researches cells of the human body, DNA, and others.
Que. What is the job of a biochemist?
Ans.A biochemist needs to study the behaviour of living things at a molecular level to know the process and how pharmaceutical drugs and food can affect an organism’s biology.
Que. What is a Biochemist?
Ans.A Biochemist is a professional who deals with various chemicals and enzymes and their biological effects. He or she Develops and tests new drugs and medications and analysis food.
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Did you know?
Fact 1
Anselme Payen discovered the enzyme in 1833.
Fact 2
Through biochemistry, scientists have be99 per cent mass of the human body is made up of only six elements: hydrogen, carbon, calcium, nitrogen, oxygen, and phosphorus.
Fact 3
Although there are ninety-two naturally occurring elements, only about twenty-four of them are necessary to living things.
Fact 4
Amylase was the first proof that chemical reactions take place within the bodies of living things.
Fact 5
The first person convicted of a crime through DNA evidence didn't take place until 1988.
