
What Can Biochemists Do? Table 1: Employment of Biochemists by Industry Table 2: Median Annual Salary for Biochemists by Industry Table 3: Job Outlook for Biochemists by Industry Table 4: Effective Strategies for Biochemists
Biochemists are scientists who study the chemical processes that occur in living organisms. Their work has a wide range of applications, from developing new drugs and treatments to understanding the causes of disease.

Developing New Drugs and Treatments
Biochemists play a key role in the development of new drugs and treatments. They work to identify the molecular targets of drugs and to design new molecules that can inhibit or activate these targets. They also work to develop new drug delivery systems that can improve the efficacy and safety of drugs.
The pharmaceutical industry is one of the largest employers of biochemists. In the United States, the pharmaceutical industry employs over 100,000 biochemists. Biochemists working in the pharmaceutical industry typically have a PhD in biochemistry or a related field.
Understanding the Causes of Disease
Biochemists also work to understand the causes of disease. They study the molecular mechanisms that underlie disease processes and identify new targets for drug development. They also work to develop new diagnostic tests for diseases.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the largest funder of biomedical research in the world. The NIH awards over $30 billion in grants each year to scientists who are studying the causes and treatments of disease. Biochemists are among the most successful recipients of NIH funding.
Other Applications of Biochemistry
In addition to developing new drugs and treatments and understanding the causes of disease, biochemists also work in a variety of other fields, including:
- Agriculture: Biochemists work to develop new crops and improve the nutritional value of food. They also work to develop new methods for protecting crops from pests and diseases.
- Biotechnology: Biochemists work to develop new technologies that can be used to improve human health and the environment. For example, biochemists are working to develop new biofuels, new materials, and new ways to clean up pollution.
- Forensics: Biochemists work to identify criminals and solve crimes. They use DNA analysis and other techniques to identify suspects and to determine the cause of death.
- Medicine: Biochemists work in hospitals and clinics to diagnose and treat disease. They also work to develop new medical technologies, such as new surgical techniques and new imaging technologies.
Education and Training
Biochemists typically have a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry or a related field. Most biochemists also have a PhD degree. Biochemists can work in a variety of settings, including academia, industry, and government.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for biochemists is excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of jobs for biochemists will grow by 10% from 2019 to 2029. This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for new drugs and treatments and the growing understanding of the causes of disease.
Salary
The median annual salary for biochemists was $97,280 in May 2020. The highest 10% of earners made more than $162,790, and the lowest 10% earned less than $47,780.
Conclusion
Biochemistry is a rapidly growing field that offers a wide range of career opportunities. Biochemists work to develop new drugs and treatments, understand the causes of disease, and improve the quality of life for people around the world.
Industry | Number of Biochemists | Percentage of Total |
---|---|---|
Pharmaceutical industry | 52,000 | 52% |
Biotechnology industry | 25,000 | 25% |
Academic institutions | 15,000 | 15% |
Government agencies | 5,000 | 5% |
Other industries | 3,000 | 3% |
Industry | Median Annual Salary |
---|---|
Pharmaceutical industry | $105,000 |
Biotechnology industry | $95,000 |
Academic institutions | $85,000 |
Government agencies | $80,000 |
Other industries | $75,000 |
Industry | Job Outlook |
---|---|
Pharmaceutical industry | 9% |
Biotechnology industry | 11% |
Academic institutions | 8% |
Government agencies | 7% |
Other industries | 5% |
Strategy | Description |
---|---|
Network with other biochemists. Join professional organizations and attend conferences to meet other biochemists and learn about new job opportunities. | |
Develop your skills. Take courses and workshops to develop your skills in biochemistry and related fields. | |
Get involved in research. Volunteer to participate in research projects in academia or industry. | |
Build your portfolio. Create a portfolio of your work to showcase your skills and experience to potential employers. | |
Be prepared to relocate. The best jobs for biochemists are often located in major metropolitan areas. |