How to become a Biochemist
Also called: Biochemistry research scientist, Biochemistry scientist, Biochemistry technologist, Biological chemist, Cellular biochemist, Chemical biotechnologist, Enzyme chemist, Molecular biochemist, Biochemistry research scientist, Biochemistry technologist
Biochemist conducts research into chemical composition processes of living organisms to increase scientific knowledge and develop industrial, medical and other practical applications. He/she performs experiments, tests and analyses to determine chemical composition of living organisms, chemistry of their vital processes such as breathing, digestion, growth and aging, chemical action of foods, drugs, serums, hormones and other substances on their tissues and vital processes, chemical aspects of formation of antibodies in the blood, and other bio-chemical phenomena. He/she develops new or improved applications of biochemistry in industry, medicine, public health and other fields.
Main tasks
- Undertaking research in laboratories and in the field to increase scientific knowledge of living organisms
- Designing and conducting experiments and tests to discover new information to solve problems in areas such as the environment, agriculture and health, and to develop new products, processes and techniques for pharmaceutical, agricultural and environmental use
- Gathering human, animal, insect and plant specimens and data, and studying their origin, development, chemical and physical form, structure, composition, and life and reproductive processes
- Examining living organisms using a variety of specialised equipment, instruments, technologies and techniques such as electron microscopes, telemetry, global positioning systems, biotechnology, satellite imaging, genetic engineering, digital imaging analysis, polymerase chain reaction and computer modelling
- Writing scientific papers and reports detailing research and new findings which are then made available to the scientific community in scientific journals or at conferences for scrutiny and further debate
- Assisting researchers in their conduct and implementation of clinical research projects
Ways in
- University: Science degrees, Offered by 4 universities in Singapore
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Median pay: $75,168 a year. The middle half earn $66,000 to $85,368 a year.
- Generative AI could change some tasks in this job, by the ILO's global estimate.
Related jobs
- Pharmacologist
- Medical laboratory scientist
- Physiologist
- Animal scientist
- Medical scientist
- Clinical research professional
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Biochemist?
Ways in include: Science degrees.
How much does a Biochemist earn in Singapore?
Median full-time pay is $75,168 a year (Ministry of Manpower (via data.gov.sg)). The middle half earn $66,000 to $85,368.
Will AI change the work of a Biochemist?
Generative AI could change some tasks in this job, by the ILO's global estimate.
Sources
- Ministry of Manpower (via data.gov.sg): Resident Occupational Wages (Occupational Wage Survey) (June 2024 (data.gov.sg update 2026-04-01)), Singapore Open Data Licence v1.0, retrieved 4 October 2026
- International Labour Organization, Generative AI and Jobs: A Refined Global Index of Occupational Exposure (ILO Working Paper 140, Gmyrek et al.) (ILO Working Paper 140, May 2025, Annex Table A1), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 4 October 2026
Updated 4 October 2026