Biochemists and Biophysicists
On the Job
Biochemists and Biophysicists study the chemical composition or physical principles of cells and organisms. They conduct research on chemical reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, or growth.
Physical Demands 
This career requires good eyesight.
Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:
- Analyze biological samples.
- Research diseases or parasites.
- Research genetic characteristics or expression.
- Research methods to improve food products.
- Research microbiological or chemical processes or structures.
- Develop biological research methods.
- Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
- Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.
- Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
- Develop new or advanced products or production methods.
Typical Working Conditions
- Using e-mail.
- Working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions.
- The freedom to determine tasks, priorities, and goals.
- Freedom to make decisions without supervision.
- High levels of competition.
- Wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, or life jackets.
- Working with a group or team.
- Responsibility for others' health and safety.
- Sitting.
- Exposure to hazardous conditions.
This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Source: You can learn about our data sources in the About Us section.
