Life Scientists

How to become a Biochemist or Biophysicist

Official title: Biochemists and Biophysicists

Also called: Analytical Research Chemist, Biochemist, Biophysics Researcher, Scientist

Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.

Main tasks

Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.
Teach or advise undergraduate or graduate students or supervise their research.
Study physical principles of living cells or organisms and their electrical or mechanical energy, applying methods and knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology.
Manage laboratory teams or monitor the quality of a team's work.
Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.
Write grant proposals to obtain funding for research.
Design or perform experiments with equipment, such as lasers, accelerators, or mass spectrometers.
Determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules.

How to become one

Biochemists and biophysicists need a Ph.D. to work in independent research and development. Many Ph.D. holders begin their careers in temporary postdoctoral research positions. Bachelor's and master's degree holders qualify for some entry-level positions in biochemistry and biophysics.

Typical education to start: Doctoral or professional degree

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

College: Pharmacy degrees, Offered by 15 universities in the US
College: Creative Arts & Design degrees, Offered by 32 universities in the US

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

Median pay: $127,410 a year The middle half earn $95,000 to $163,460.
About 35,200 people work in this job now, and about 39,500 are projected by 2035. (+12.3%)
People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.

Questions people ask

How do I become a Biochemist or Biophysicist?

How much does a Biochemist or Biophysicist earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $127,410 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $95,000 to $163,460.

Is a Biochemist or Biophysicist a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 12% by 2035, from about 35,200 to about 39,500 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Biochemist or Biophysicist?

Usually. 100% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Biochemist or Biophysicist?

People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.

Sources

Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.