Biochemistry Jobs Overview
Biochemistry professionals study the intricate chemical interactions that occur in biological systems, which include everything from metabolism to cell development. These jobs are normally planned as projects and performed under the supervision of scientists with master's or doctoral degrees at the highest level. Biochemistry jobs involve many types of equipment and technology, including electrophoresis, chromatography, and molecular biology.
Common biochemistry job duties include the following:
- Conduct experiments.
- Study the functions of living organisms.
- Investigate how chemical processes occur.
- Work with software applications.
- Use X-ray technology, lasers, and fluorescent microscopes.
- Analyze different types of molecules, like DNA, proteins, and fats.
- Write technical reports.
- Complete government funding applications and grant requests.
Biochemists, who often go by the title biophysicist, tend to work in office and laboratory settings as full-time employees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth rate in biochemistry is 15%, indicating an increasing demand for biochemistry jobs.
There are numerous job roles for biochemists to choose from, including:
- Toxicologist: uses analytical and scientific techniques to identify and investigate toxic materials while undertaking controlled experiments, performing risk assessments, giving evidence in court, and writing reviews and reports.
- Biotechnologist: studies biological organisms for uses in industrial and other practical settings by designing and carrying out experiments, analyzing data, and working on projects with a wide range of other professionals.
- Clinical research assistant: assists researchers with clinical trials by processing volunteers, recording and organizing data, monitoring clinical site activities, and preparing documentation and presentation materials on findings.
- Clinical research associate: oversees clinical trials to ensure compliance with all regulatory and contractual requirements by assisting with protocol development, monitoring study progress, ensuring sound data collection practices, and completing final study reports.
- Chemical engineer: designs and develops equipment and manufacturing processes using chemistry, physics, and engineering principles throughout a wide variety of industries.
- Analytical chemist: uses chemistry and a variety of sophisticated instruments in various research settings for sampling, interpreting data, verifying results, and creating new research methods.
- Microbiologist: studies microorganisms and their potential applications while conducting scientific experiments, supervising laboratory staff, and documenting findings with reports and research papers.
- Medical researcher: works to improve public health and disease treatment by designing and conducting studies, collecting and analyzing data, developing new treatments, and assisting with medical device development.
- Clinical pharmacologist: works with the drug industry researching, developing, and testing new pharmaceuticals by designing new drug trials, monitoring side effects, and submitting applications to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Pharmaceutical researcher: works to discover and develop new medications with other scientists specializing in various scientific disciplines by testing how compounds interact with the body and developing manufacturing processes for new drugs.
Biochemistry Jobs: Salary Range
According to Monster's salary calculator, the median salary for a biochemist is $67,557 a year, within a range of $49,389 to $93,814. The cities with the highest demand for biochemistry professionals are San Diego, Indianapolis, Boston, Cambridge, Mass., and Lancaster, Pa. The highest-paying biochemistry jobs tend to be near universities and research centers, such as Harvard and MIT in Massachusetts.
Salaries for biochemists tend to range quite a bit depending on the exact role you fulfill:
You can use the Monster salary estimator to explore other biochemistry job salaries to help you choose between career paths.
Finding the Right Biochemistry Job for You
Defining your career goals is essential to finding a biochemistry job that best suits you. Consider these questions:
- What type of biochemistry degree do you hold?
- Are you more interested in biology, engineering, or physics?
- Are you naturally curious about the way living organisms function?
- Do you constantly ask yourself why things work the way they do?
- Do you have a desire to help improve the world through science?
- What organizations (law enforcement, hospitals, mental health centers, etc.) are you interested in working with?
Your answers to these questions will help you create a fulfilling career path in the biochemistry field. For example, the degree(s) you hold will largely influence which biochemistry jobs you qualify for.
Many biochemists start as entry-level technicians and work their way up to senior-level positions. Entry-level positions usually come in the form of research and assistant roles and require only two to four years of postsecondary schooling.
Senior-level positions often require at least five years of college, with some mandating a doctorate. Some top-level biochemistry jobs include senior research associate, senior research scientist, senior nutrition scientist, and senior scientific liaison.
In addition to considering your goals and interests, you should assess your job preferences. Do you prefer to work inside or outside? Do you want a remote job that you can perform from home? Are you seeking employment that provides job growth opportunities?
When reading job descriptions, make sure to follow these tips:
- Consider whether you'll need additional training or education.
- Ask yourself if the job duties match your skill set and level of experience.
- Take note of the job expectations and consider if they match your desired responsibilities.
- Research the company to see if its culture aligns with your values and ethics.
- Read reviews of the employer, and investigate its management style.
Finding the ideal biochemistry job requires thinking about how the position can help you advance in your chosen field. Did the job description mention anything about potential promotions? If you intend to stay with a company for an extended period, you want to work for one that provides opportunities and training for job growth.
Tips for Applying for Biochemistry Jobs
With such a high demand for biochemistry professionals, you'll want to stand out when applying for jobs. Preparing for the application process and optimizing your resume are vital to securing the position you want.
How to Prepare for the Application Process
When reading through job descriptions, take note of any key skills and any special qualifications that you may need to be a successful candidate. Be sure to detail your qualifications in these areas to let the hiring managers know that you meet the criteria.
If you're missing a few requirements, don't lose hope. Instead, highlight the skills you do have as well as similar or adjacent skills.
Required qualifications for biochemistry positions usually come in the form of chemistry or engineering degrees or certificates. Key skills that most biochemistry professionals must possess include:
- critical thinking
- analytical thinking
- research skills
- assay performance
- data analysis
You'll also want to pay attention to any special instructions outlined in the application. You may find that you have to include specific documents.
How to Create an Effective Biochemistry Resume
Showcase your biochemistry skills by using strong resume keywords, such as critical thinker, advanced math skills, analytical skills, time management skills, presentation skills, and close attention to detail. Also, include industry keywords to ensure your biochemist resume meets applicant tracking software criteria. Top biochemist resume keywords include the following:
- research and development
- chemistry
- sampling
- chromatography
- analytical skills
- laboratory techniques
- test results
Follow a professional resume format (functional, chronological, or combination) for your biochemist resume, combined with an application-based cover letter. Read through the resume twice to double-check for accuracy.
Want help creating a biochemist resume with a competitive edge to apply for biochemistry jobs? Use the Monster Professional Resume Writing Service and receive a resume that not only highlights your qualifications and skills but successfully passes recruiters' screening algorithms.
How to Write a Compelling Biochemistry Cover Letter
- Include information that thoroughly explains your background in biochemistry and the amount of experience you have in the field.
- Always include any relevant experience in biochemistry jobs that you have, including all internships and research positions that you've held.
- Discuss the unique characteristics that make you a good fit for the job.
- Reaffirm your interest in the position.
- End the cover letter by asking the hiring manager to reach out to you with any questions.
- Read through this lab technician cover letter sample for inspiration when creating your own biochemist cover letter.
How to Submit Your Application
You can join Monster today to start looking for biochemistry jobs. After you sign up, prospective employers can easily view your profile.
Including a cover letter in your profile makes it easier for potential employers to assess your skills and experience for vacant openings. Simply provide your employment-related details, and hit the “Submit” button. As long as your resume status is set to “Visible”, your profile will go live for all employers to see.
Click on the “Apply” button next to any Monster biochemistry job listings that interest you. Once you are logged into your profile, submit your application, resume, and cover letter to the recruiting manager. Always remember to double-check your application and resume first.
Techniques for Following Up With an Employer
After you apply for a position, wait a week before you reach out to the employer. Keep in mind that it often takes at least a week for hiring managers to review all the applications.
How to Follow Up
For most jobs express your interest in the position with a follow-up email. Your message to the hiring manager can include the following in your own words:
- Thank the team for reviewing your application.
- Re-state your interest in the biochemist position.
- Let them know they can reach out with any questions.
- Politely ask if there's any update on your application's status.
- Mention why you're excited to work for their company.
Interview Advice for Biochemistry Jobs
You must prepare for an interview if you want to make a good impression on prospective employers when applying for biochemistry jobs. Make sure your next interview goes well by taking advantage of the following tips.
Preparing for the Interview
Do your homework on the company to make sure its culture and reputation are a suitable fit for you before agreeing to an interview. Make sure you read the company's goal statement and ideals on the “About” page of their website as part of your research.
If you're well-prepared for the interview, you'll feel more confident and have a better chance of getting hired. Use these tips when preparing for your next interview:
- Read the job posting in detail.
- Find out more about the interviewer.
- Create a mock interview with a friend to practice for the real thing.
- Look at current pay levels.
- Figure out what you have to offer.
- Become thoroughly familiar with the position for which you are applying.
- Identify your greatest strength, and practice telling a story about it.
- Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer.
- Confirm the interview's time and place.
Interview Process
You'll likely receive a phone call or email from a hiring manager to let you know that you've made it to the interview stage. When confirming the interview, ask whether it's behavioral or competency based. Knowing this information will help you during the preparation process.
Interview Tips
You can use the STAR method, which stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result, to format your answers to questions if the interview is behavioral-based. These types of interviews focus on your past experience and the ways you've handled particular situations.
If it's competency-based, make sure to check out our helpful competency-based interview tips. No matter the type of interview, you should dress professionally and comfortably.
Post-Interview Follow Up
To reiterate your interest in the biochemistry position, send a thank-you note to the interviewer the next business day. If you haven't heard back from the firm within a week after an interview, contact them again for an update on the process.
Steps to Take After Receiving a Job Offer
After getting a job offer, take a moment to praise yourself. Then, read through the job offer several times and take special note of any questions you may have.
If something discussed during the interview doesn't align with the job offer, make sure to ask about it before accepting. Before conducting any type of salary negotiation, research the average salary range for someone in the same position.
Career Path Opportunities in Biochemistry
Biochemistry professionals can follow a broad range of career paths. Here are some of the most popular career paths:
- Laboratory technician: manages sample and data databases and takes part in laboratory procedures aimed at analyzing live substances and particles.
- Biotechnologist: researches the genetic, chemical, and physical characteristics of living creatures. Assists with the development and improvement of items used in healthcare, preservation, and economics.
- Medical researcher: includes laboratory technology, medicine, pharmaceutical sales, and biomedical engineering.
Related Professions in Biochemistry