Chicago Biochemistry Jobs Overview
Biochemists study the chemical processes that take place within our bodies and those of other living organisms. What we know today as biochemistry began in 1774 with a jar, a plant, and a mouse. A scientist named Joseph Priestly discovered oxygen when he put a plant and a mouse together in a jar and found that the mouse could breathe the gas produced by the plant. That was just the start of the essential discoveries that scientists with biochemistry jobs have found through the decades working with DNA, hereditary traits, disease, and cell development.
Biochemists conduct basic and applied research, manage laboratory teams, and prepare papers, reports, and presentations. They may use microscopes, X-rays, modeling software, and other tools to identify and analyze the structures of molecules and study how different types of cells grow, divide, and mutate. They also work to secure funding and grants to continue their work.
You may hear biochemists being called biophysicists, molecular biologists, or cellular biologists. Approximately 10% of all biochemists work for pharmaceutical manufacturers, with the next 8% in colleges and universities. Some biochemistry jobs exist in consulting services, wholesale trade, or sales for companies who need the help of an expert to sell their products.
You can expand your search for life science jobs by checking out these similar positions:
About Working in Chicago, Illinois
If you're going to Chicago to experience "da Bears," deep-dish pizza, and windy streets, native Chicagoans say "fogetta 'bout it!" While these have made Chicago famous, you'll find many locals eating thin-crust, tavern-style pie. Plus, the city isn't on any list of the windiest cities in the U.S.—a local newspaper named it "The Windy City" after the Chicago elite's propensity toward boastfulness and self-promotion. And while the Chicago jobs list (hit jobs, that is) includes notorious mobsters from Chicago like Al Capone, John Dillinger, and Baby Face Nelson, linguists are noticing that the "Chicago accent" is disappearing.
However, there's a reason Condé Nast Traveler has named Chicago the "best big city in the U.S." Chicago is home to top universities, including Northwestern University, Wheaton College, and Valparaiso. And if you're looking for Chicago jobs, you can relocate to any one of the city's unique neighborhoods, such as North Center with its cozy Irish pubs and breweries or Uptown, the lively entertainment district. For those who want to live further out from the city, you can also find jobs in popular suburbs including Cicero, Oak Park, and Evanston.
Update Your Chicago Biochemistry Resume
Whether you plan to work in an academic setting or for a for-profit organization, you'll need a top-notch resume that summarizes your background and research experience. We have sample resumes for both an entry-level biochemist and a more experienced biochemist to give you an idea of what formatting will make the best impression. A cover letter that grabs the hiring manager's attention is also important. Monster has cover letter samples and tips on writing a great cover letter in our library to help you get started.
How Much Do Biochemistry Jobs Pay in Chicago, Illinois?
Got money on your mind? You should! Make sure you’re getting paid what you’re worth. Our Salary Tools can help you understand what you can expect to make in biochemistry jobs in Chicago, Illinois, as well as the skills that can boost your value and what the next steps in your career might be. Right now, the median biochemist pay in Chicago is $66,852 per year, which is 5% higher than the national average.
Find Your Next Chicago Biochemistry Job. Monster Can Help Get You Started
Are you prepared for a career in biochemistry? If so, set up your profile on Monster for free and begin clicking on those biochemistry jobs. When you sign up with us, you’ll receive custom job alerts and expert advice on how to negotiate your salary in Chicago, how to nail your job interview, and more.