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Science

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.

Median salary

$103,650

Typical range

$65k – $169k

Job outlook

+6% (faster than average)

AI exposure

Plan a path to Biochemists and Biophysicists

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Education

Typical entry: Master's degree

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Typical progression

  1. Biochemists and Biophysicists Intern

    Internship

    $36,000

    ~4 mos to advance

  2. Junior Biochemists and Biophysicists

    Entry / Junior

    $64,890

    ~2 yrs to advance

  3. Biochemists and Biophysicists

    Established

    $103,650

    ~3 yrs to advance

  4. Senior Biochemists and Biophysicists

    Senior

    $136,275

Internships are a common on-ramp here — they speed up landing that first role and improve your odds, which is why the Safe and High-ceiling plans build one in.

Key skills

A typical day

  • •Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.
  • •Teach or advise undergraduate or graduate students or supervise their research.
  • •Study physical principles of living cells or organisms and their electrical or mechanical energy, applying methods and knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology.
  • •Manage laboratory teams or monitor the quality of a team's work.
  • •Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.

Fields of study

Any field

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