Biochemist

Introduction

Biochemists study the chemistry of plants and animals. They use their findings to solve problems in food processing, drug manufacturing, agriculture and medicine. They may develop new processes or products using their knowledge and research.

Back to Top

Work Activities

Biochemistry is the study of chemical processes in organisms. Biochemists may look into changes that occur in the body due to disease, examine how hormones work, or how plants convert sunlight into chemical energy. They carry out research and development of products to solve problems in industry, agriculture and medicine.

At the start of pharmaceutical research projects, biochemists usually investigate how a disease develops and spreads. The results help to decide what biological properties and chemical structure a drug should have, and what form it should take, for example, as a tablet or lotion.

Work on a new drug involves routine testing, often using laboratory animals. The biochemist must test the drug's strength and look for possible side effects. In their research, biochemists may work with chemists, biologists, pharmacists and medical doctors.

Clinical biochemists in the health service analyse body tissues and fluids to help with routine diagnosis, and help to monitor treatment. Biochemists test body fluids like blood to detect changes in the body caused by disease.

Biochemists use computers for data handling and routine analysis. Sophisticated equipment can carry out thousands of tests per hour. Other tests, for example to find a drug taken in an overdose, may be intricate and take several days of manual testing.

Biochemists in the agrochemical industry help develop products like insecticides and fertilisers.

Back to Top

Personal Qualities and Skills

As a biochemist, you must be able to think logically. You will need a thorough and methodical approach to your work, and an enquiring mind. You must be able to plan and use practical experiments. You need good communication skills for working in a team and must also be able to work independently.

Back to Top

Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for biochemists vary.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Biochemists earn in the range of £21,000 - £25,500 a year, rising to £31,500 - £42,000. Higher earners can make around £50,500 a year. Higher salaries are available depending on employer, role and responsibilities.

In the National Health Service (NHS), qualified biochemists are generally on Band 7 of the Agenda for Change pay scales. From April 2006 this has been £27,622 - £31,004 a year.

Biochemists typically work 35-39 hours a week, Monday to Friday. However, early starts, late finishes, shifts and weekend work may be required.

Major employers throughout the UK are the NHS, as well as companies in the brewing industry, the food and drink industry and the pharmaceutical industry.

Other opportunities are with the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Scottish Government Environment and Rural Affairs Department, the Medical Research Council and the National Health Service (NHS).

Back to Top

Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have skills and abilities gained in laboratory work experience during industrial work placements.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter a degree course, you might be able to start one after completing an Access course, eg, Access to Science.

You don't usually need any qualifications to enter an Access course, although you should check this with the course provider.

Funding for postgraduate study and research is available through universities from Biotechnology and Biotechnology Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) or the Medical Research Council (MRC).

• 8% of people in occupations such as biochemistry work part-time.
• 11% have flexible hours.
• 16% of employees work on a temporary basis.

Back to Top

New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as renewable energy or waste management.