ADD ADVICE TO FAVBiochemist
Biochemists work mainly for pharmaceutical companies but also for research institutes, food and agrochemical suppliers, and in laboratories in hospitals and universities.
What biochemists do
- design experiments to test theories about how chemicals function in the body
- investigate abnormal biochemical conditions
- analyse chemicals in the body, using appropriate techniques such as gel electrophoresis and amino acid assay
- work closely with other scientists including chemists, pharmacologists and toxicologists
- keep up to date with scientific literature connected with their work
- write reports of their findings
- present their findings at biochemistry meetings.
Key skills
- ability to work both independently and in a team
- attention to detail
- methodical and thorough approach (which will be applied in laboratory procedures)
- commitment to patient care in hospital settings
- numerical and written skills
- practical skills.
Training to be a biochemist
Biochemists usually require a first or 2.1 degree in an appropriate subject. You will then pursue a formal, supervised trainee programme to train for qualifications in biochemistry, lasting three to four years.
Completion of the training programme enables the trainee to apply for a more senior post. Study can be full time or part time and will usually lead to an MSc or postgraduate diploma.
Salaries
Graduate clinical scientist trainees in the NHS typically start on salaries that range from £22,886 to £31,004.
Professional bodies
- Biochemical Society
- Association for Clinical Biochemistry
- Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry
