Science
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.
Median pay
$127,410
Growth to 2035
+12%
faster than average
Openings a year
2,900
Time to qualify*
5 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Biochemists and biophysicists
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Doctoral or professional degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Hazardous conditions
Exposure to disease
Biochemists and biophysicists: 85% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.
- Teach or advise undergraduate or graduate students or supervise their research.
- Study physical principles of living cells or organisms and their electrical or mechanical energy, applying methods and knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology.
- Manage laboratory teams or monitor the quality of a team's work.
- Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.
- Write grant proposals to obtain funding for research.
- Design or perform experiments with equipment, such as lasers, accelerators, or mass spectrometers.
- Determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules.
Also called: Analytical Research Chemist · Biochemist · Biophysics Researcher · Scientist
Outlook and AI
Biochemists and biophysicists held 35,200 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 39,500 by 2035 (+12%, faster than average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
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