Biochemist

Also called Biological scientist.

Biochemists investigate the chemical processes that take place inside all living things, such as viruses, bacteria and people.

Potential salary: £28,000 starter to £53,000 experienced per year
Typical hours: 38 to 40 a week. Working pattern: evenings on shifts.
Career area: Science and laboratory work
Where they might work: You could work at a research facility, in a laboratory or at a university. You may need to wear protective clothing.
A typical task: test tissue, fluids and blood samples for signs of disease or abnormalities
Subjects that may help: 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
Typical route: You'll normally need a relevant science degree, like: biochemistry; biotechnology; biopharmaceuticals; chemical and molecular biology; microbiology genetics; molecular biology.
Interest area used here: Asking questions and research

Career actions

What you might do

test tissue, fluids and blood samples for signs of disease or abnormalities
use computer simulations of biochemical systems to learn how medical conditions develop
conduct lab experiments to create new drug treatments
use artificial intelligence to analyse data, find patterns and predict outcomes
supervise project teams and control the quality of work
design and develop new equipment and lab processes

More tasks (1)

write scientific articles, prepare reports and present research findings

Could this suit me?

Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.

knowledge of biology
knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
maths knowledge
analytical thinking skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
excellent verbal communication skills

More skills

thinking and reasoning skills
concentration skills
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Routes into this career

University route

You'll normally need a relevant science degree, like: biochemistry; biotechnology; biopharmaceuticals; chemical and molecular biology; microbiology genetics; molecular biology.
If you do not meet the entry requirements for one of these subjects, you may be able to do a foundation year.
For certain jobs you may need a postgraduate qualification like a master's degree or PhD.
Some degree courses include an integrated master's qualification like MBiolSci, MBiochem or MSci. You'll have more time for independent research and they're designed to lead directly onto further postgraduate study like a PhD.
It's important to get work experience in a laboratory during your degree course.
You can do this through a: work placement; internship; year in industry scheme; Summer Vacation Studentship.

University courses that could lead to this career

These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.

Biochemistry
Direct qualifying route. A biochemistry degree is a standard route. Some research jobs expect a postgraduate qualification.
Medicinal Chemistry
Alternative route. Useful where the role needs chemical design rather than only biological lab work.
Pharmacology
Common route. Pharmacology overlaps biochemistry. Job titles still depend on the employer.

Explore university routes

Apprenticeship or vocational route

You could start as a laboratory technician and study for a biochemical science degree while working.
a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Other routes

You could train to be a clinical biochemist in the NHS through the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP).

Career progression

You'll find career opportunities in many different sectors, including: healthcare; pharmaceuticals; food production; space research; academic research and university teaching.
With experience, you could: specialise in a particular area, like genetics, toxicology or forensics; manage a project team or research department; move into product sales, marketing or science communication; become a freelance consultant.

Subjects that may help

Subject guidance

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology and chemistry

Explore the science

Lessons

Used in this kind of work
Enzymes
Specification 2.7.
The lesson is about an enzyme's shape and specificity. A biochemist studies chemical processes inside living things, which is where that idea is used. It does not say this lesson is the job.
Used in this kind of work
How Enzymes Work
Specification 2.7, 2.8.
Changing temperature, pH or concentration changes an enzyme's initial rate. That is the same kind of chemical-process question in the biochemist profile, not a required experiment for the job.
Background for this kind of work
The Structure of DNA and RNA
Specification 2.9.
Base pairing is part of the chemistry inside cells. It supports the biochemist profile. The profile does not say every biochemist determines a DNA structure.
Background for this kind of work
Respiration in Cells
Specification 7.1.
Aerobic respiration is one chemical process inside living cells, which is the biochemist's field. The profile does not name this pathway as the job.

Practice

A further look
Recall: Proteins and DNA
Specification 2.7, 2.9.
The recall deck checks enzyme and DNA ideas from memory. It is practice for the science, not a biochemist's assessment.

Beyond the Classroom

A further look
Enzymes, Beyond the Classroom section
Specification 2.7.
The enrichment on the enzyme lesson is optional. It asks where enzyme behaviour shows up outside the exam answer. It is not extra required recall and not a job task.
Try this: If a reaction slows, what would you need to measure before deciding the enzyme itself had changed?
A further look
Beyond the classroom: Unit 5 Biology
Specification 7.1.
Unit 5 enrichment sits beside respiration and the internal environment. It is wider than the aerobic overview. It does not add a biochemist duty.
Try this: Aerobic respiration reunites hydrogen with oxygen. What measurement would show that the pathway, not just the word equation, was happening?