In our last issue we featured Mikaylah Heffernan who is the first student to complete and graduate from the Biochemical Department. This article gives an overview of the biochemistry filed of work. Biochemistry is the study and research of organisms. According to the biochemist society, “The field of biochemistry has impacted various aspects of our daily living such as agriculture, veterinary science, medicine, and biotechnology. The field has led to the understanding of the brain, advances in forensic science, help fight disease and pushing the boundaries of our knowledge of the world we live in.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the biochemistry job market is projected to grow faster than the average of all occupations. BLS says the growth will be 19 percent over the period from 2012 to 2022. There is a qualifier, however. BLS says the occupation is small. The latter has to do with the fact that financial support for the research is high. When going into this field the competition for positions will be great due to advanced specialized training and the cost of research. The mean salary for biochemist was $81,000. The following tables from Career Outlook view the projected wages and associated work areas.

• Drugs and druggists sundries merchant wholesalers: $103,390
• Research and development in the physical, engineering and life sciences: 86,530
• Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing: 82,490
• Testing laboratories: 74,230
• Colleges, universities, and professional schools, state, local and private: 52,990

Most biochemists and biophysicists work full time and keep regular hours. Some positions require longer hours.

Biochemists and Biophysicists

• Biochemists and biophysicists : $81,480
• Life, physical, and social science occupations: $60,100
• Total, all occupations: $34,750

Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics

The Biochemical Society in their online publication Biochemistry The Career Guide, points out that biochemistry has global opportunities such as in the United Kingdom. It describes biochemistry as:

“ a broad field that offers a wide range of career options. Biochemists can pursue stem cell or genetic research that has the potential to result in dramatic medical or scientific breakthroughs. Some biochemists study the body’s immune response to germs and allergens or the effectiveness of drugs in treating a wide array of afflictions. Other biochemists work in the commercial food or agricultural field looking for ways to improve products and crops.
The many and diverse applications of biochemistry include pharmacology, genetics, immunology, bioinformatics, environmental science, forensics, toxicological studies and food science. The career options are nearly endless, and still unfolding, as new applications for this exciting field of study continue to evolve.”

Another important factor is the transferability of the skills learned in the study of biochemistry. If you go to Mirror online you can follow the Biochemical Society links to jobs directly related to the study.

Options with your subject: Biochemistry**

Through studying biochemistry, you not only acquire a great deal of subject knowledge but you also develop many skills which will be invaluable for your next career move…

Job options

• Biomedical scientist
• Clinical biochemist
• Clinical research associate
• Forensic scientist
• Higher education lecturer
• Research scientist (life sciences)
• Toxicologist

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

• Chartered accountant
• Health and safety inspector
• Patent examiner

**Science writer