San Francisco 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 San Francisco, California
San Francisco lays claim to many food firsts. The country's first craft brewery was founded there. An alcoholic coffee served at an Irish airport was recreated and dubbed "Irish coffee" at the Buena Vista Café. Add to that the Mission-style burrito and the martini. Despite this, not all San Francisco jobs are in the food industry. Jobs in San Francisco banking have a long, successful history, too. While financial institutions throughout the U.S. were hit hard by the Great Depression, San Francisco's Bank of America was able to finance building the Golden Gate Bridge, creating hundreds of jobs in San Francisco for ironworkers. Sitting on the bridge girders watching the mist roll in may have sparked the idea for vodka made from San Francisco Bay fog.
If that doesn't tempt you to look for San Francisco jobs, we could also talk about the city's famous Ghirardelli chocolate, local coffee, cable cars, and Victorian homes. If you want to relocate a little further from the fog but still enjoy the taste of San Francisco, you might look at Daly City, South San Francisco, and Oakland.
Update Your San Francisco 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 San Francisco, California?
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 San Francisco, California, 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 San Francisco is $74,505 per year, which is 15% higher than the national average.
Find Your Next San Francisco 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 San Francisco, how to nail your job interview, and more.