8 Highest Paying Biochemistry Jobs You Might Not Know

What is a Biochemist?

The field of biochemistry involves the chemical analysis of living organisms. Those working in this area use their expertise in chemicals and chemical processes to carry out experiments and find solutions to various biological issues.

People who thrive on finding solutions to problems and are science-minded are a good fit for this profession.

The skills you develop while pursuing your bachelor's degree in biochemistry are transferable and highly employable, giving you a broad range of career options to choose from after you graduate.

For instance, if your goal is to enter the workforce directly after graduation, there are a number of entry-level positions available to you in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and the environment.

Or, since an undergrad program can effectively prepare you for a variety of graduate programs in the physical sciences, you can likely pursue a graduate degree (if you qualify), which will help you set a proper foundation for careers in research, teaching, and applied careers.

Biochemist/Pharmaceutical Chemist

Biochemists conduct research at the junction of chemistry and biology, investigating the molecular mechanisms of biological systems. For example, they might research the chemistry of cellular function, the molecular composition of proteins, or the interaction between chemicals and specific cells.

Biochemists may work as basic researchers, conducting experiments in a laboratory setting without a particular application.

Biochemists may work as applied researchers, conducting experiments with a particular goal in mind, such as developing new drugs and treatments to combat diseases like cancer or HIV.

While a bachelor’s or master’s degree may be enough to qualify for some entry-level positions as a biological technician or lab assistant, a doctorate is typically required to work in independent research and development positions (as a postdoctoral researcher, for example).

Biologist

As a biologist, you gain the tools you need to understand all life, including plants, animals, and cells or microscopic organisms.

The responsibility of biologists is to conduct both basic and applied research to expand and utilize our knowledge of living organisms for various purposes, such as the improvement of natural resource management,  developing or improving medical and agricultural processes and products, environmental conservation, and the development of nanotechnology.

Chemical Engineer

As a chemical engineer, you can develop new techniques for improving production.

By applying the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math, chemical engineers are able to solve problems related to the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and numerous other items.

Employment of chemical engineers is projected to grow 14 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 2,000 openings for chemical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force to retire.

In this role, which involves raw materials into useable solutions, you would earn about $121,840 per year with a combined four years of training and job experience.

Clinical Laboratory Technician

You may be suited for a career as a clinical technician if you are interested in generating data that is crucial for identifying and treating cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions. Additionally, if you would like to have a career with the potential to advance to positions of greater responsibility, then this may be the right career for you.

Microbiologist

As a microbiologist, you will observe life in its smallest form.

This provides many benefits, such as the development of new medical technology and health research. In addition, you can identify infectious agents and join the fight against them before they spread.

Because they need to be able to use specialized equipment and conduct experiments, microbiologists must have manual dexterity. They should also be comfortable working in a laboratory setting and communicating their findings and opinions to others.

Chemist

The experience you have as a chemist allows you to comprehend the relationships between atoms, molecules, and elements. You may begin by learning how distinct chemical combinations interact with each other.

After this, you could assume responsibility for improving existing formulas and developing new medicines. Furthermore, you might end up formulating new sanitation compounds that you would test for safety and effectiveness.

You might also work with engineers or manufacturing specialists during product development, in addition to medical researchers.

Pharmacist

The career outlook for pharmacist positions is not as optimistic as other positions, sitting at -2 percent. However, if you have practical experience, you will be able to find open positions, especially if you start as a pharmacy technician.

Moreover, the future may have difficulty recruiting trustworthy individuals to fill pharmacist positions, so it is not an impossible goal.

When you become a pharmacist, you gain the authority to store, use, provide, and administer medications. Furthermore, you will be able to assist with research and testing on new medications, as well as monitor patient progress and offer them advice about usage and dosage.

Neurologist

A Neurologist, or Brain and Nerve Doctor, is responsible for examining and treating patients who experience disorders, illnesses, and injuries that affect the nerves, spinal cord, and brain. Their duties include conducting physical examinations, collecting spinal fluid or other samples, and running neurological tests to identify problems.

These include:

• strokes
• multiple sclerosis
• headaches
• blackouts
• Parkinson's disease
• Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia
• motor neuron disease
• epilepsy
• spinal cord diseases
• muscle diseases like muscular dystrophy
• infections affecting the nervous system
• brain tumors (where surgery is required, the patient will be referred to a neurosurgeon)