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Biochemist
Biological scientist
Biochemists investigate the chemical processes that take place inside all living things, such as viruses, bacteria and people.
Average salary (a year)
£24000
Starter
£50000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
38.0 to 40.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings
on shifts
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course; working towards this role; specialist training with the NHS
University
You'll usually need a relevant science degree, like
biochemistry, biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, chemical and molecular biology, microbiology genetics, molecular biology
If you do not meet the entry requirements for one of these subjects, you may be able to do a foundation year.
Postgraduate courses
For some jobs you may also need a postgraduate qualification like a master's degree or PhD.
Some degree courses include an integrated master's qualification like MBiolSci, MBiochem or MSci. You'll usually have more time for independent research and they're designed to lead directly onto further postgraduate study like a PhD.
Laboratory experience
It's important to get experience of working in a laboratory during your degree course.
You can do this through a:placement, internship, year in industry scheme, Summer Vacation Studentship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology and chemistry
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
Work
You could start out as a laboratory technician and study on the job for a degree.
Other Routes
You could train to be a clinical biochemist in the NHS through the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP).
More Information
Professional And Industry Bodies
You can demonstrate your professional status and keep your knowledge up to date by joining a professional body like the:Biochemical Society, Royal Society of Biology
Further Information
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    Knowledge of biology
    Knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
    Maths knowledge
    Analytical thinking skills
    To be thorough and pay attention to detail
    Excellent verbal communication skills
    Thinking and reasoning skills
    Concentration skills
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
Biochemists work in many sectors of the economy.
You could work in areas such as disease, pharmaceutical drugs, food products or academic research. You may also teach at a university.
In most roles you can expect to
plan and conduct scientific experiments, develop new analytical techniques, use computer software and mathematical modelling, supervise lab teams and control the quality of work, design or build lab equipment, write scientific articles, prepare reports and present research findings, follow official lab procedures
Working environment
You could work at a research facility, in a laboratory or at a university.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience, you could
develop a specialism, manage a team, department or project, move into product sales, marketing or science communication, become a freelance consultant
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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