Biochemist

Job description

Biochemists study the chemical composition of living things at the molecular level, as well as the chemical reactions that regulate life. Their area of focus can vary widely depending on their own interests and/or the interests of their employer.

There are many potential roles for biochemists within the scientific community, including working with agricultural, pharmaceutical, food and drink (including brewing), health and beauty industries and crime labs.

Work activities

• Gathering data through observation, analysis, and experiments.
• Conducting research to determine action of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.
• Isolating, analysing and identifying hormones, vitamins, allergens, minerals, and enzymes and determining effects on body functions.
• Examining chemical aspects of formation of antibodies, and conducting research into chemistry of cells and blood corpuscles.
• Studying chemistry of living processes, such as mechanisms of development of normal and abnormal cells, breathing and digestion, and of living energy changes, such as growth, aging and death.

Work conditions

Travel: unlikely during the working day.
Working hours: mainly 9 to 5 with additional hours sometimes required. On-call work may be involved particularly for those working in hospitals.
Location: mainly in the larger towns and cities.
Opportunities for self-employment: unlikely.

Typical employers

• Agricultural industry
• Pharmaceutical, health and beauty industries
• Food and drink manufacturers
• Crime laboratories
• Hospitals.

Career development

Progression occurs by applying for more senior posts when advertised or by moving into third-level education as a lecturer. Relocation may be required for career progression.

Salaries

Salaries vary according to employer.
Republic of Ireland: An experienced biochemist working in Ireland could earn in excess of €36,000 with very senior posts attracting salaries in excess of €100,000.
Northern Ireland: A trainee biochemist in Northern Ireland could earn from £15,500 to £19,500. Salaries vary according to location and employer.

Entry requirements and training

Open only to graduates with relevant degrees.

Specific degree subjects required

• Analytical chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology
• Chemistry.

Postgraduate study

A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not a requirement.

Specific entry requirements

Normal colour vision is generally required.

Training

Continuous on-the-job training is required 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.

Tips for applications

Gain relevant experience such as a summer internship in a laboratory environment as an undergraduate.

Further information

Website carrying job advertisements

lifescience.ie
scientificjobs.ie
biopharmaceutical.ie
diagnostics.ie
alliedhealth.ie

Professional bodies

Academy of Medical Science
Academy of Medical Laboratory Science
Association of Clinical Biochemists in Ireland
Association of Clinical Biochemists
Biochemical Society
Forensic Science Society

Further sources of information

Biochemist Magazine
Bioindustry Association
Wellcome Trust
Society of Biology
Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain
Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI)
Institute of Biology