Skills

Analytical Thinking Note-Taking
Communication Organization
Computer Proficiency Planning
Critical Thinking Problem-Solving
Delegation Project Management
Dependability Quantitative Analysis
Detail-Oriented Research Skills
Effective Listening Responsible
Follow Chain of Command Technical Writing
Follow-Through Time Management
Mathematics Skills Working Under Pressure
Multitasking  

Quick Review

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Education Requirements

          

Travel

Experience Required

          

Work Environment

               

Overview

Biochemistry Researchers study the processes which occur within, or relating to, living organisms.  They may work in government, education, medicine, forensics, crop development, crop protection, environment, nutrition, genetics, law, business, meat or food science, and other areas.  Experienced Biochemistry Researchers may lead research teams, or take on a more administrative role in managing research projects.  Regardless of their field, most Biochemistry Researchers spend much of their time working on experiments in laboratories and analyzing data.  Basic research will focus on testing hypotheses, while applied research will focus on taking information from previous experiments and applying it in various ways to solve problems (ex. biological soil amendments to improve rooting), advance our understanding of a subject (ex. chemical interactions between soil organisms), or improve the efficiency of something (ex. new seed coating technologies).

Responsibilitites

Biochemistry Researchers will have a variety of responsibilities in their everyday work.  Familiarity and experience with lab equipment, experimental design, methods, process, and data analytics will be very important.  They must be able to communicate effectively with their team members and to their superiors.  Planning and coordination of projects and their related activities is essential as much of the work will require multiple steps, data logging, and is time-sensitive.  There is little room for error, if any, in most research experiments, and if errors occur the resulting data may not be usable and will have to be thrown out.  Some biochemistry Researchers will be expected to publish their findings, which will require peer review, so seemingly small errors may render a paper unfit for publication, which will reflect poorly on the researcher.  Keeping research stations clean, organized, and uncluttered will improve the efficiency of a researcher and make errors less likely to occur.  Biochemistry Researchers will be expected to work with advanced computer systems and database programs, so computer proficiency is a must.  Some researchers who find employment in education may also be expected to teach students, work in extension roles, or sit on various committees, so balancing a large workload and multitasking abilities will be needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's or Doctorate in Biochemistry Experience with Laboratory Equipment and Processes
1 Year or More of Research Experience in Related Area Strong Planning Skills
Strong Oral and Written Communication Skills Time Management Skills
Ability to Multitask Detail-Oriented
Ability to Work Independently or in a Team Setting  

This Job Might Be For You If...

You are organized You enjoy solving complex problems troubleshooting
You are an analytical thinker You enjoy mathematics
You are detail-oriented You are proficient with computers and database programs
You are self-motivated  

Professional Associations

American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 

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