Biochemists and Biophysicists
Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.
Sample of reported job titles:
Analytical Research Chemist, Biochemist, Biophysics Researcher, Scientist
Occupation-Specific Information
Tasks
- Prepare reports or recommendations, based upon research outcomes.
- Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.
- Manage laboratory teams or monitor the quality of a team's work.
- Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.
- Develop or execute tests to detect diseases, genetic disorders, or other abnormalities.
Technology Skills
- Analytical or scientific software:Accelrys Cerius2,Accelrys FELIX,Accelrys QAUNTA,Analysis and building software,Assisted model building with energy refinement AMBER,Basic Local Alignment Search Tool BLAST,Carrier-mediated transport software,Chang Bioscience ToolKit,Chemistry at Harvard Molecular Mechanics CHARMm,Crystallography & NMR System (CNS),Crystallography software,Dassault Systemes Abaqus,Docking and ligand binding software,Expression DNA and protein sequence software,Fujitsu BioMedCache,Fujitsu MOPAC,Gaussian software,Genetics computer group GSG software,GEPASI,Hodgkin-Huxley Model software,IBM SPSS Statistics,Laboratory information management system LIMS,Macroscopic diffusion software,Minitab,Molecular simulation software,Multivariate statistical program MVSP software,PREMIER Biosoft Array Designer,SAS statistical software,Semichem AMPAC,Shrodinger Jaguar,Statistical software,Structure prediction software,The MathWorks MATLAB,Tripos SYBYL,Video analysis software,Voltage-gated ion channels software,Wavefunction Spartan,Wavefunction Titan,Yet another scientific artificial reality application YASARA software
- Computer aided design CAD software:Accelrys Insight II,ChemInnovation Software Chem 4-D
- Data base user interface and query software:Sequence database software
- Data mining software:Golden Helix ChemTree,Golden Helix HelixTree
- Electronic mail software:Email software
Occupational Requirements
Work Activities
- Analyzing Data or Information:Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Documenting/Recording Information:Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Thinking Creatively:Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge:Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Getting Information:Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Detailed Work Activities
- Analyze biological samples.
- Design research studies to obtain scientific information.
- Develop biological research methods.
- Develop new or advanced products or production methods.
- Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.
Work Context
- Electronic Mail:85% responded"Every day"
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled:83% responded"Every day"
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate:75% responded"Extremely important"
- Degree of Automation:58% responded"Moderately automated"
- Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results:55% responded"Important results"
Worker Requirements
Skills
- Science:Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
- Reading Comprehension:Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Critical Thinking:Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Writing:Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Active Learning:Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Knowledge
- Biology:Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
- Chemistry:Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
- English Language:Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Mathematics:Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Physics:Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:
- 40%Post-Doctoral Training
- 25%Bachelor's Degree
- 25%Doctoral Degree
- 10%First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.
Worker Characteristics
Abilities
- Inductive Reasoning:The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
- Written Comprehension:The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
- Written Expression:The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
- Oral Comprehension:The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Oral Expression:The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Interests
- Investigative:Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
- Artistic:Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
- Realistic:Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Work Values
- Recognition:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
- Achievement:Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
- Working Conditions:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Work Styles
- Integrity:Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Analytical Thinking:Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
- Persistence:Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
- Attention to Detail:Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Achievement/Effort:Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
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