Biochemists and Biophysicists
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.
At a Glance
Biochemists and Biophysicists earns a median of $103,650/yr with +5.8% projected growth. Typical entry: Doctoral or professional degree. Top skills: Analyzing Data or Information, Science, Thinking Creatively.
$103,650/yr
+5.8%
3
Doctoral or professional degree
Skills & Requirements
Skills (14)
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Knowledge (8)
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Abilities (17)
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Technology (17)
Category: Enterprise application integration software | Hot Technology
Work Activities (31)
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Work Styles (2)
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Careers with Overlapping Skills
These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.
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Computer Systems Analysts
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Biostatisticians
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Information Technology Project Managers
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Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
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