Biochemist
Biochemists investigate the chemical processes that take place inside all living things, such as viruses, bacteria and people.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a biochemist, you could:
- test tissue, fluids and blood samples for signs of disease or abnormalities
- use computer simulations of biochemical systems to learn how medical conditions develop
- conduct lab experiments to create new drug treatments
- use artificial intelligence to analyse data, find patterns and predict outcomes
- supervise project teams and control the quality of work
- design and develop new equipment and lab processes
- write scientific articles, prepare reports and present research findings
Working environment
You could work at a research facility, in a laboratory or at a university.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression
You'll find career opportunities in many different sectors, including:
- healthcare
- pharmaceuticals
- food production
- academic research and university teaching
With experience, you could:
- specialise in a particular area, like genetics, toxicology or forensics
- manage a project team or research department
- move into product sales, marketing or science communication
- become a freelance consultant
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of biology
- knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
- maths knowledge
- analytical thinking skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- excellent verbal communication skills
- thinking and reasoning skills
- concentration skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- working towards this role
- specialist training with the NHS
You'll normally need a relevant science degree, like:
- biochemistry
- biotechnology
- biopharmaceuticals
- chemical and molecular biology
- microbiology genetics
- molecular biology
If you do not meet the entry requirements for one of these subjects, you may be able to do a foundation year.
Postgraduate courses
For certain jobs you may need a postgraduate qualification like a master's degree or PhD.
Some degree courses include an integrated master's qualification like MBiolSci, MBiochem or MSci. You'll have more time for independent research and they're designed to lead directly onto further postgraduate study like a PhD.
Laboratory experience
It's important to get work experience in a laboratory during your degree course.
You can do this through a:
- work placement
- internship
- year in industry scheme
- Summer Vacation Studentship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology and chemistry
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More Information
You could start as a laboratory technician and study for a biochemical science degree while working.
You could train to be a clinical biochemist in the NHS through the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP).
Professional and industry bodies
You can find career development opportunities and create a network of contacts by joining a professional body like the Biochemical Society and the Royal Society of Biology.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a biochemist from the:
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.