Biochemist

Biochemists study the molecular basis of all aspects of the structure and function of living things. Using the principles and techniques of chemistry and molecular biology, biochemists work to understand basic biological processes in animals, plants and microbes. Biochemistry has formed the basis for genetic modification and biotechnology. Biochemists might be concerned with organisms from viruses and bacteria to plants and humans; they might find employment in the food, brewing or pharmaceutical industries, where they could help to develop new products or monitor the quality of existing ones; they might work in the agricultural industry, developing high-yielding, disease-free crops; they could be involved in monitoring the environment and advising on pollution or water quality.

Entry level
Most biochemists are graduates. A degree and sometimes a postgraduate qualification are essential for some jobs. Increasingly, you would need to gain relevant work experience before applying for your first job.

Entry to a degree course in biochemistry generally requires a minimum of three A levels/three or four H grades, including chemistry and preferably biology, or equivalent qualifications.

It is also possible to work in a biochemistry laboratory as a technician. For a technician job, you would usually need at least four GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), including science, maths and English, or equivalent qualifications.

Making the grade
All biochemists and technicians are given continuing on-the-job training to learn new laboratory techniques and IT developments, to keep up to date in their specialist area and to keep abreast of health and safety regulations. There would also be training for personal development, management or supervisory responsibilities.

You might need to relocate to develop your career.

Personal qualities
As a biochemist, you should have a strong interest in science and in laboratory techniques. You would be expected to show a logical and analytical approach to problem solving, and at times you might need to show persistence in order to solve trickier issues. Some problems may need to be approached with creative thinking and imagination. In addition to your scientific skills, you should be able to communicate well with others. You are likely to be working as part of a team and may have to explain your findings to others, some of whom may not have your scientific background.

Looking ahead
There are large numbers of biochemists working in the UK, with some 550 bioscience companies employing over 40,000 people.

Job prospects are generally very good, with a particularly low unemployment rate for biochemistry graduates compared with other life sciences. Although it is very much a laboratory-based science, there are also openings for biochemists in areas such as technical sales or information and management.

Alternative suggestions
Other possibilities might include clinical biochemist, forensic scientist, microbiologist or pharmacist.

Take-home pay
Biochemists' pay varies according to their employer and the work they do. Generally, pay is higher in the private sector. Graduate trainees should earn around £17,000, rising with experience and promotion to £60,000 plus. Salaries in some industries can be even higher than this.

Effects
Most biochemists work 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday. They sometimes have to work evenings and weekends. Academics and research scientists in industry tend to work longer hours. On-call work may be involved for those working in hospitals and industry.

Biochemists work in laboratories, which are clean and well lit. The equipment they work with may be complex, expensive and computer-controlled. Some of this work requires sterile conditions. You may work with hazardous substances, or micro-organisms, which cause infectious diseases. Some samples may be unpleasant. The work can involve sitting or standing at a bench or piece of equipment for long periods.

Most biochemists wear some form of protective clothing, either to protect themselves or to prevent contamination of samples or equipment. This will depend on the work, and can include coats, gloves, masks, eye protection, or even all-over sealed protective suits.

Sources of information
Biochemical Society: www.biochemistry.org
Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry: www.abpi.org.uk
Association for Clinical Biochemistry: www.acb.org.uk
Bioindustry Association: www.bioindustry.org
Biosciences Federation: www.bsf.ac.uk
Forensic Science Society: www.forensic-science-society.org.uk
NHS Careers: www.nhscareers.nhs.uk
Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain: www.rpsgb.org.uk
Wellcome Trust: www.wellcome.ac.uk

CRCI: TD