Overview
Who is Biochemist?
Biochemists are those professionals who study the chemical nature of the biological processes occurring at the cellular/molecular level in living cells of a variety of life forms, including humans, plants, and animals. Using the combined knowledge of the fields of biology, physiology, and chemistry, they examine the chemistry of all living systems. Simply put, they apply methods of chemistry to understand the biological processes of living organisms that are responsible for producing the complexity of life. The applications of this field are far and many since it encompasses all living cells, including medicine, biotechnology, veterinary science, and agriculture as well as the emerging field of bioengineering.
A biochemist is interested in studying organism structure, performance, growth, reproduction, metabolization, and the mechanisms of disease and disruption of the same by evaluating the basis for any changes in the living cells of the organism. By understanding and recording the effects of genetics, food, environmental toxins, and drugs/medicine at the molecular level through laboratory experiments, a biochemist contributes to improving the quality of life for many. It is their work that provides explanations for the occurrence of diseases as well as suggests methods to prevent, treat, or cure the same. They can be involved in basic, exploratory research that seeks to increase scientific knowledge about biochemical processes or take up applied research to solve practical problems.
Typical day at work
What does Biochemist do?
Biochemists and biophysicists research the chemical and physical principles that govern living organisms and biological processes such cell development, growth, heredity, and disease. Cell division, DNA, and heredity are all aspects of cell development. They research how specific chemical processes occur in tissues and keep track of pharmaceutical effects. A biochemist's goal is to comprehend living beings at the molecular level in order to improve our quality of life. This could entail doing laboratory studies to generate effective treatments or collecting cell samples from animals and plants in the field to better understand how genetic features are passed along further.
Typically, a biochemist is tasked with the following responsibilities:
- Examine the structure of molecules using equipment such as microscopes and lasers or computer modelling
- Collaborate with fellow colleagues as well as experts from varying fields to conduct research
- Independently plan and design complex experiments to study the effects of relevant substances/conditions on the cells of a particular living organism
- Manage the laboratory and its equipment, ensuring that the quantity and accuracy of the same are in accordance with the requirements.
- Oversee the work of the laboratory technicians to monitor the quality of experiments and adherence to scientific standards
- Maintain thorough documentation regarding the experiment by writing technical reports describing the method used, observations noted, and the results obtained
- Communicate the findings of the research by presenting in conferences, publishing research papers, and write scholarly articles
- Design and build equipment for use in experiments, update protocols, develop new processes to increase the efficiency
Abilities & aptitude needed
What are the skills, abilities & aptitude needed to become Biochemist?
Intellectual abilities, such as research and analytical abilities: When compared to other graduates applying for similar jobs, interpreting lab data, examining reports, and understanding statistics provides you with valuable analytical experience. Biochemists and biophysicists use sound reasoning and judgement to draw conclusions from experimental results Data handling and technical knowledge gained from using a variety of biochemistry-related and generic computer programmes constitute technical and computer literacy.
Interpersonal, teamwork, and leadership abilities: independence, management of others, and accountability Your previous experiences working in a lab, giving group presentations, and mentoring other students put you in an excellent position to tackle any career that requires you to work both as part of a team and independently. Biochemists and biophysicists must write and publish reports and research papers, present their findings, and communicate effectively with team members. Biochemists and biophysicists frequently work on interdisciplinary research teams and must collaborate effectively with others to achieve a common goal.
Many people serve as team leaders and must be able to motivate and direct their colleagues. Working to tight lab deadlines with fragile reactants gives you an above-average sense of timing when compared to other graduates. The ability to plan and organise your time, which is essential in those hectic lab situations during your degree, demonstrates to employers that you are a level-headed and efficient worker. Biochemists and biophysicists must be able to carry out scientific experiments and analyses with precision and accuracy.
Communication skills: Because communication skills are required by almost all employers, your previous experience in writing reports, giving oral presentations, and listening to complex instructions and lectures has provided you with the communication skills required for many professions. Previous work experience, presentation skills, and even personal interests can all help to foster creativity. Employers know that you have the mental tools to find novel solutions to many problems and to adapt easily based on your practical work and presentations during your degree.
Problem solving: An essential skill for any scientist and for careers in both science and non-science, the ability to look at a problem from multiple perspectives and find the best solution is highly valued by employers in any field. Bioscience degrees provide a wealth of problem-solving experience due to the necessity of adapting and modifying an experimental protocol to the results of lab and practical work.
Math abilities: Biochemists and biophysicists frequently use complex equations and formulas in their work. They must have a solid foundation in math, including calculus and statistics.
Perseverance: Biochemists and biophysicists must be thorough in their research and problem solving. Scientific research entails a significant amount of trial and error, and biochemists and biophysicists must avoid becoming discouraged in their work.
Time management abilities: When conducting research, biochemists and biophysicists are frequently required to meet deadlines. They must be able to manage time and prioritise tasks effectively while maintaining a high level of work quality.
Courses
Which course I can pursue?
Best Colleges
Which are the best colleges to attend to become Biochemist?
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All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
New Delhi | Ministry of health and family welfare
NIRF Rank : 1 -
Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh
Chandigarh, Chandigarh | INC, MCI, UGC
NIRF Rank : 2 -
Christian Medical College, Vellore
Vellore | MCI
NIRF Rank : 3 -
Kasturba Medical College, Manipal
Manipal,karnataka | Medical Council of India
NIRF Rank : 7 -
Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry
Puducherry, | DCI, MCI, UGC
NIRF Rank : 8 -
Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
Pune, Maharashtra | Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
NIRF Rank : 10 -
Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai
Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Sri Ramachandra University (SRU)
NIRF Rank : 11 -
St. John's Medical College, Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Karnataka | College of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore
NIRF Rank : 12 -
Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh | AICTE, NBA
NIRF Rank : 14 -
Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi
New Delhi, DELHI | College of University of Delhi, Delhi
NIRF Rank : 14 -
Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad
Dhanbad, Jharkhand | Indian Institute of technology
NIRF Rank : 15 -
National Institute of Technology Rourkela
Rourkela, Odisha | UGC
NIRF Rank : 16 -
JSS Medical College, Mysore
Mysuru, Karnataka | Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka
NIRF Rank : 17 -
Punjabi University, Patiala
Patiala, Punjab | UGC, NAAC.AIU
NIRF Rank : 18 -
Christian Medical College, Ludhiana
Ludhiana, PUNJAB | College of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot
NIRF Rank : 18 -
Sri Venkateswara College, Delhi
Delhi | Delhi University
NIRF Rank : 19 -
Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali
Jaipur, Rajasthan | UGC
NIRF Rank : 19 -
Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi
New Delhi, Delhi | Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University.
NIRF Rank : 19 -
Siksha 'O' Anusandhan, Bhubaneswar
Bhuvaneshwar, Odisha | Biju Patnaik University of Technology,UGC,NAAC
NIRF Rank : 21 -
University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi
Dilshad Garden, New Delhi | MCI
NIRF Rank : 23 -
Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala
Patiala, Punjab | UGC
NIRF Rank : 23 -
Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research, Chennai
Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research, Chennai
NIRF Rank : 24 -
Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana
Ludhiana, NEW DELHI | MCI
NIRF Rank : 24 -
M. S. Ramaiah Medical College, Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Karnataka | Rajiv Gandhi University
NIRF Rank : 27 -
Fergusson College, Pune
Pune | Savitribai Phule Pune Unisversity
NIRF Rank : 27 -
Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal West
Imphal, Manipur | College of Manipur University, Imphal
NIRF Rank : 28 -
Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur
Nagpur, Maharashtra | UGC,AIU
NIRF Rank : 29 -
Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati
Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh | MCI
NIRF Rank : 29 -
All India Institute of Medical Sciences
Bhubaneshwar, Odisha |
NIRF Rank : 31 -
Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak
Rohtak, Haryana | UGC, NAAC-A
NIRF Rank : 32 -
Sawai Man Singh Medical College
Jaipur, Rajasthan | College of Rajasthan University of Health Sciences, Jaipur
NIRF Rank : 38 -
Shanmugha Arts Science Technology and Research Academy, Thanjavur
Thanjur, Tamil nadu | NAAC, UGC, NAAC-A
NIRF Rank : 38 -
St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli
Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu | Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli
NIRF Rank : 39 -
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
Varanasi | ACU AIU NAAC UGC
NIRF Rank : 39 -
SCB Medical college and hospital
Cuttack, Odisha | College of Utkal University, Bhubaneswar
NIRF Rank : 39 -
Queen Mary`s College, Chennai
Chennai, Tamil Nadu | University of Madras, Chennai
NIRF Rank : 40 -
KS Hegde Medical Academy, Mangalore
Mangaluru, Karnataka | College of NITTE University, Mangalore
NIRF Rank : 45 -
Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore
Vellore | UGC
NIRF Rank : 46 -
Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam, Tirupathi
Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh | UGC
NIRF Rank : 46 -
Govt. College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram Kerala | Kerela University
NIRF Rank : 47 -
Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College
Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh | Aligarh Muslim University
NIRF Rank : 47 -
Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai
Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Sathyabama University, Chennai
NIRF Rank : 47 -
Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur
Raipur, Chhattisgarh | UGC
NIRF Rank : 48 -
Amity University, Gautam Budh Nagar
NOIDA | UGC?, ?NAAC?, ?WASC?, ?AIU?, ?ACU
NIRF Rank : 49 -
VELS Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies, Chennai
Chennai, Tamil Nadu | ?UGC NAAC
NIRF Rank : 52 -
Lovely Professional University, Phagwara
Phagwara, Punjab | UGC, AIU, PCI, NCTE, COA, ACBSP,
NIRF Rank : 52 -
Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra
Thanesar, Haryana | UGC
NIRF Rank : 53 -
Shivaji College, Delhi
Delhi | Delhi University
NIRF Rank : 54 -
JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore
Mysuru | UGC
NIRF Rank : 55 -
Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai
Thiruparankundram, Tamil Nadu | Anna University, Chennai
NIRF Rank : 56 -
Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad
Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh | UGC, ACU AIU IAU IAUA
NIRF Rank : 56 -
St. Xavier's College, Ahmedabad
Gujarat | Gujarat University
NIRF Rank : 56 -
MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Karnataka | Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi
NIRF Rank : 64 -
St. Teresa's College, Ernakulam
Ernakulam Kochi, Kerala | Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam
NIRF Rank : 64 -
Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan
Solan, Himachal Pradesh | UGC
NIRF Rank : 65 -
Silver Jubilee Degree College, Kurnool
Kurnool | Rayalaseema University
NIRF Rank : 66 -
Farook College, Kozhikode
Kozhikode, Kerala | CALICUT UNIVERSITY, CALICUT
NIRF Rank : 71 -
SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai
Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu | SRM University, Chennai
NIRF Rank : 73 -
TKM College of Arts and Science, Kollam
Kollam | KU, Thiruvananthapuram
NIRF Rank : 80 -
Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati
Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh | UGC
NIRF Rank : 89 -
St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad
Hyderabad, Telangana | Osmania University, Hyderabad
NIRF Rank : 95 -
St. Xavier's College, Mumbai
Mumbai, Maharashtra | University of Mumbai
NIRF Rank : 96 -
KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi
Belagavi | UGC
NIRF Rank : 98 -
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, Nadia
Kolkata, West Bengal | Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, Kolkata
NIRF Rank : 165
Industries
Which industries are open for Biochemist?
- Research firms
- Pharmaceutical firms
- Hospitals
- Laboratories
- Food production firms
- Chemical manufacturers
- Fertilizer manufacturers
- Educational institutes
Internship
Are there internships available for Biochemist?
Take the opportunity to work with experienced scientist as they continue to learn about their specialties or develop a broader understanding of related areas of research. It will allow you to have a practical learning and will also give you contacts for future reference.
Career Outlook
What does the future look like for Biochemist?
From 2020 to 2030, employment of biochemists and biophysicists is expected to grow at a 5% annual rate, which is slower than the national average for all occupations. Despite slowing job growth, an average of 3,200 openings for biochemists and biophysicists are expected each year over the next decade. The majority of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or leave the labour force for other reasons, such as retirement.
Employment Biochemists and biophysicists will be required to conduct basic research that advances scientific knowledge, as well as to research and develop biological products and processes that improve people`s lives. Biochemistry and biophysics techniques, tools, and applications are expanding as technology and knowledge advance. Budgetary constraints, on the other hand, may limit researchers` access to funding for basic research. The ageing population will increase the demand for new drugs and procedures to treat and prevent disease. This increased demand for biochemists and biophysicists involved in biomedical research is likely to drive demand for biochemists and biophysicists.
Biochemists and biophysicists, for example, will be required to conduct genetic research and to develop new medicines and treatments to combat genetic disorders and diseases such as cancer. They will also be required to create new tests for detecting diseases and other illnesses. Other areas of biotechnology research and development than health are expected to provide job growth for biochemists and biophysicists. These researchers will continue to investigate topics that will help us improve our capabilities in areas such as clean energy, efficient food production, and environmental protection.
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