Portland 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 Portland, Oregon
Once revered as a unique river shipping port, Portland is now one of the biggest cultural hubs in the United States. Its walkable downtown area is rich with food trucks, farmer's markets, boutiques, live music, arts, and museums. You can take a stroll in the Portland Japanese Garden or get a Voodoo Doll doughnut at Voodoo Doughnut. Outside the city, you can hike in Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area or Mount Hood National Forest. It should be no surprise, then, that Portland is ranked one of the best places to live in the U.S., with job seekers from across the country looking for Portland jobs.
Ready to do your part to keep Portland weird? There are many benefits to living and working in Portland. Among them is the city's healthy job market index, with low unemployment and a higher-than-average median annual salary. You can also expand your job search to nearby cities such as Gresham, Hillsboro, and Beaverton.
Update Your Portland 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 Portland, Oregon?
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 Portland, Oregon, 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 Portland is $56,357 per year, which is 13% lower than the national average.
Find Your Next Portland 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 Portland, how to nail your job interview, and more.