Career as a Biochemist, Job Profiles, Skills, Salary & How to Become?

Biochemists examine the nature of living organisms at a molecular level to comprehend the mechanisms that occur. Biochemists specialise in the study of how pharmaceutical medications and food affect an organism’s biology. Studying diverse applications in medicine, agriculture, and the environment to enhance our quality of life is required for biochemist education.

A biochemist’s work includes studying the DNA, heredity, the fundamental building block of human beings that is the ‘cell’ of the human body, and various other topics. A career in biochemistry entails creating the right drug for human consumption to lessen the symptoms of illnesses and treat them. 

A biochemist does not necessarily require to have graduated from a biochemistry college. Additionally, he or she might have a degree in biology, biotechnology, or a similar subject. Biochemists study how reactions occur in tissues and track medication effects.

What is the role of a Biochemist?

Biochemists study the chemical principles of living things and biological processes, such as cell development, growth, heredity, and disease, and how specific genes or environmental factors lead to infection and cure these diseases.

Apart from that, some biologists are responsible for organising research projects, maintaining laboratory teams, preparing technical reports, and sharing research findings with scientists. 

A candidate who wishes to pursue his career as a biochemist needs to examine DNA, enzymes, and other molecules in order to study how pharmaceuticals and food affect biological processes. They use cutting-edge tools to determine the molecular structure.

Studying the chemistry of living processes at molecular and cellular levels is the main course of the Biochemist. It involves cell development, reproduction, death and metabolism also. They use electron microscopes to analyse the chemical as well as physical characteristics of cells.

Types of a Biochemist

Forensic Scientists: 

Criminal investigations are assisted by forensic scientists who gather and examine physical evidence. Most of these have expertise in either lab analysis or crime scene investigation. Investigators at crime scenes may put in long hours in trying circumstances.

Analytical Chemist: The study and testing of the chemical makeup and behaviours of several compounds are done by analytical chemists. They are crucial professionals in developing new drugs that might aid in tackling a virus or disease. Analytical chemists work primarily on using the chemical compound in the best method to help fight the disease.

Biomedical Scientist: Biomedical scientists do research to learn the fundamentals of how the human body functions and response to various medications. Biomedical researchers frequently discover methods to stop or treat disease by conducting ongoing tests and studies. They often take the lead in creating new vaccines or types of medications.

Clinical Research Associates: To evaluate the benefits and harmful effects of using new or existing drugs, clinical research associates conduct and regulate their clinical trials. Clinical trials play a significant role in the first testing newly developed medications in a controlled environment.

Toxicologist: Toxicologists apply analytical and scientific methods to evaluate toxins including chemicals, biological substances, and radiation, to minimise the potential risks and adverse effects present in them.

How to Become a Biochemist?

Step 1. Students aspiring to become biochemists need to know that their 10+2 results are significant to their professional path. Students must get a minimum of 50% of marks from an approved board in PCB, PCM, or PCMB at the 10+2 level of education.

Step 2. After completing 10+2, candidates can appear in the entrance examination to get admission to their desired course and college. Entrance examinations are organised by numerous universities and colleges to offer admissions. Admissions are granted based on assessing the student’s performance on the entrance exam or merit.

Undergraduate Entrance Examinations

Step 3. Students must enrol in bachelor-level courses in the relevant specialisation after completing a 10+2 level of school education with a cumulative score of 50% or higher to pursue a career as a biochemist. Students can choose from many degrees, including the B.Sc., B.Tech, B.Pharm., or the BE, to pursue their goal of becoming a biochemist.

Undergraduate Biologist Courses List

Step 4. Following graduation from college, one has a variety of job paths to pick from if one wants to become a biochemist. We have outlined two primary options to pursue a successful career as a biochemist.

Option 1: Aspirants may elect to pursue a master’s degree course immediately after completing a bachelor’s degree program. Upon graduating with a master’s degree course, individuals are eligible to begin employment in the industry.

Option 2: The candidates may also start performing as a technician or lab assistants after earning a related bachelor’s degree. Individuals may pursue an M.Sc. (Master of Science), M.E. (Master of Engineering), or M.Tech. (Master of Technology) in the relevant specialisation after having some experience.

A master’s degree is essential for a senior-level position. Individuals can pursue a PhD or M.Phil. if they wish to begin a career in academia or teach at colleges and universities in the relevant field. A PhD is required for employment as a full-fledged scientist or for performing research.

Postgraduate Biologist Entrance Examinations

Postgraduate Programmes

M.Phil. Biochemist Entrance Examinations List

PhD Biochemist Entrance Examinations List

Skills Required to Become a Biochemist;

Students need to be aware of a number of skill sets before choosing a profession as a biochemist. Since these skill sets are essential to effectively operating in the sector in a job as a biochemist. We have mentioned some of the skills which must be acquired by the candidates.

(I) Analytical Skills
(II) Communication Skills
(III) Critical-Thinking
(IV) Interpersonal Management

(V) Mathematical Skills
(VI) Problem-Solving Ability
(VII) Time-Management

Biochemist Job Profile Details;

Research Associate: A key position in a biochemist’s career is that of a research associate. They plan, organise, and research businesses, markets, investments, or the economy. Asset management firms, financial institutions, consulting firms and in-house research departments of companies hire research associates.

Senior Scientist: In the sector of biochemistry, a senior scientist is a senior-level position. They are well-skilled and capable of tackling issues outside their major field. A bacteriologist plans and executes investigations into human diseases caused by bacteria and ways to prevent and cure them.

They write and submit research grant applications to public and private funding organisations. Senior scientists standardise drug potency, dosages, and processes to enable the production and delivery of drugs and medicinal compounds in large quantities. They are, therefore, essential to a biochemist’s profession.

Senior Development Scientist: One of the critical positions in a career as a biochemist is Senior Development Scientist. The planning and execution of laboratory work necessary for projects within the research and development team is the responsibility of these biologists. Individuals reach this level after arduous effort for nine years in a career as Biochemist.

An Average Salary of a Biochemist

Frequently Asked Questions on Biochemists

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