# Biochemist > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Biochemist > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Biochemist.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biochemist > Source revision: 1331992343 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|Scientist specialized in biochemistry}} thumb|Biochemist working in biochemical laboratory {{Biochemistry sidebar}} '''Biochemists''' are scientists who are trained in [biochemistry](/source/biochemistry). They study chemical processes and chemical transformations in living [organisms](/source/organisms). Biochemists study [DNA](/source/DNA), [proteins](/source/proteins) and [cell](/source/Cell_(biology)) parts. The word "biochemist" is a [portmanteau](/source/portmanteau) of "biological chemist." Biochemists also research how certain [chemical reactions](/source/chemical_reactions) happen in cells and [tissues](/source/Tissue_(biology)) and observe and record the effects of [products](/source/Product_(chemistry)) in [food additives](/source/food_additives) and [medicines](/source/Medication). Biochemist researchers focus on planning and constructing [research](/source/research) [experiments](/source/experiments), mainly for developing new products, updating existing products and analyzing said products. It is also the responsibility of a biochemist to present their research findings and create [grant proposals](/source/Grant_writing) to obtain [funds](/source/Funding_of_science) for future research.{{cite web|title=Biochemist|url=http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/science-engineering-careers/BioChem_biochemist_c001.shtml#onthejob|publisher=Science Buddies|access-date=20 February 2013}} Biochemists study aspects of the [immune system](/source/immune_system), the expressions of [genes](/source/genes), isolating, analyzing, and synthesizing different products, mutations that lead to [cancers](/source/cancers), and manage [laboratory](/source/laboratory) teams and monitor laboratory work. Biochemists also have to have the capabilities of designing and building laboratory equipment and devise new methods of producing correct results for products.{{cite web|title=Biochemistry & Biophysicists|url=http://www.myplan.com/careers/biochemists-and-biophysicists/summary-19-1021.00.html|publisher=My Plan|access-date=20 February 2013}} The most common industry role is the development of biochemical products and processes. Identifying substances' chemical and physical properties in [biological systems](/source/biological_systems) is of great importance, and can be carried out by doing various types of analysis. Biochemists must also prepare technical reports after collecting, analyzing and summarizing the information and trends found. In biochemistry, researchers often break down complicated biological systems into their component parts. They study the effects of foods, drugs, [allergens](/source/allergens) and other substances on living tissues; they research [molecular biology](/source/molecular_biology), the study of life at the molecular level and the study of genes and gene expression; and they study chemical reactions in [metabolism](/source/metabolism), [growth](/source/Cell_growth), [reproduction](/source/reproduction), and [heredity](/source/heredity), and apply techniques drawn from [biotechnology](/source/biotechnology) and [genetic engineering](/source/genetic_engineering) to help them in their research. About 75% work in either basic or applied research; those in [applied research](/source/applied_research) take [basic research](/source/basic_research) and employ it for the benefit of [medicine](/source/medicine), [agriculture](/source/agriculture), [veterinary science](/source/veterinary_science), [environmental science](/source/environmental_science), and [manufacturing](/source/manufacturing). Each of these fields allows specialization; for example, clinical biochemists can work in [hospital laboratories](/source/Medical_laboratory) to understand and treat [diseases](/source/diseases), and industrial biochemists can be involved in analytical research work, such as checking the purity of [food](/source/food) and [beverages](/source/beverages). Biochemists in the field of agriculture research the interactions between [herbicides](/source/herbicides) with [plants](/source/plants). They examine the relationships of [compounds](/source/Chemical_compound), determining their ability to inhibit growth, and evaluate the [toxicological](/source/Toxicology) effects surrounding life. Biochemists also prepare [pharmaceutical compounds](/source/Compounding) for commercial distribution. Modern biochemistry is considered a sub-discipline of the [biological sciences](/source/biology), due to its increased reliance on, and training, in accord with modern [molecular biology](/source/molecular_biology). Historically, even before the term ''biochemist'' was formally recognized, initial studies were performed by those trained in basic [chemistry](/source/chemistry), but also by those trained as [physicians](/source/physicians). ==Training== Some of the job skills and abilities that one needs to attain to be successful in this field of work include [science](/source/science), [mathematics](/source/mathematics), reading comprehension, writing, and [critical thinking](/source/critical_thinking). These skills are critical because of the nature of the experimental techniques of the occupation. One will also need to convey trends found in research in written and oral forms. A degree in biochemistry or a related science such as [chemistry](/source/chemistry) is the minimum requirement for any work in this field. This is sufficient for a position as a technical assistant in industry or in academic settings. A [Ph.D.](/source/Doctor_of_Philosophy) (or equivalent) is generally required to pursue or direct independent research. To advance further in commercial environments, one may need to acquire skills in [management](/source/management). Biochemists must pass a qualifying exam or a preliminary exam to continue their studies when receiving a Ph.D. in biochemistry. Biochemistry requires an understanding of [organic](/source/organic_chemistry) and [inorganic chemistry](/source/inorganic_chemistry). All types of chemistry are required, with emphasis on biochemistry, organic chemistry and [physical chemistry](/source/physical_chemistry). Basic classes in [biology](/source/biology), including [microbiology](/source/microbiology), [molecular biology](/source/molecular_biology), [molecular genetics](/source/molecular_genetics), [cell biology](/source/cell_biology), and [genomics](/source/genomics), are focused on. Some instruction in experimental techniques and quantification is also part of most curricula. In the private industries for businesses, it is imperative to possess strong business management skills as well as communication skills. Biochemists must also be familiar with regulatory rules and management techniques.{{cite web|title=Biochemistry Training Programs and Requirements|url=http://education-portal.com/biochemistry_training.html|publisher=Education Portal|access-date=20 February 2013}} Due to the reliance on most principles of the basic science of Biochemistry, early contemporary [physicians](/source/physicians) were informally qualified to perform research on their own in mainly this (today also related [biomedical sciences](/source/Biomedical_research)) field. ==Employment== Biochemists are typically employed in the [life sciences](/source/life_sciences), where they work in the [pharmaceutical](/source/pharmaceutical) or [biotechnology](/source/biotechnology) industry in a research role. They are also employed in academic institutes, where in addition to pursuing their research, they may also be involved with teaching undergraduates, training graduate students, and collaborating with post-doctoral fellows. Because of a biochemists' background in both biology and chemistry, they may also be employed in the medical, industrial, governmental, and environmental fields. Slightly more than half of the biological scientists are employed by the Federal State and local governments. The field of medicine includes [nutrition](/source/nutrition), [genetics](/source/genetics), [biophysics](/source/biophysics), and [pharmacology](/source/pharmacology); industry includes beverage and food technology, [toxicology](/source/toxicology), and [vaccine](/source/vaccine) production; while the governmental and environmental fields includes [forensic science](/source/forensic_science), [wildlife management](/source/wildlife_management), [marine biology](/source/marine_biology), and [viticulture](/source/viticulture). The average income of a biochemist was $82,150 in 2017.{{cn|date=January 2026}} The range of the salaries begin around 44,640 to 153,810, reported in 2017.{{cn|date=January 2026}} The United States Federal Government in 2005 reported the average salaries in different fields associated with biochemistry and being a biochemist. General biological scientists in nonsupervisory, supervisory, and managerial positions earned an average salary of $69,908; microbiologists, $80,798; ecologists, $72,021; physiologists, $93,208; geneticists, $85,170; zoologists, $101,601; and botanists, $62,207."Biochemistry" American Chemical Society - The World's Largest Scientific Society. ACS, n.d. Web. 20 Feb. 2013. ==See also== * [List of biochemists](/source/List_of_biochemists) ==References== {{Reflist}} ==External links== {{Wiktionary|biochemist}} * [http://www.princetonreview.com/Careers.aspx?cid=200 Biochemist Career Profile] {{Authority control}} Category:Science occupations * --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Biochemist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biochemist) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biochemist?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.