November 27, 2009
By Biospace.com
Overview
Biochemistry is the study of the complex chemical structure of living things. One of the goals of biochemists is to explain how and why chemical reactions occur. A student who decides to study biochemistry in college as his major can check for possible career opportunities in the future even while still in school. Taking the necessary initial steps can help prepare the student for possible future job prospects. As the biotechnology industry continues to grow and become an essential part of our socio-economic, scientific and industrial progress, jobs will be available through a variety of sectors.
Step 1
Learn more about the different biochemistry techniques and research areas. Fields requiring skills in biochemistry include, but are not limited to, biopharmaceutics, bioinformatics, toxicology, pharmakokinetics, functional genomics, environmental monitoring, industrial safety, DNA vaccines, bioremediation, high throughput chemistry, and other related fields. Having good skills in any of these areas can put you in a position sought in various sectors.
Step 2
Apply for internships. During summer, many biochemistry students work as full time interns in places such as the National Science Foundation (NSF). There are also part time opportunities available year long. According to wiley.com, with the very tight employment market for employees, many companies and governmental agencies offer a range of internship opportunities. As a potential employee, you would experience the operations and responsibilities of the job firsthand and determine if it is the right career choice for you.
Step 3
Work as a research assistant. This is an opportunity for students graduating with bachelor's or master's degrees to gain experience as research assistants. You could work with a senior investigator or as part of a team working on projects, performing experiments, and offering critical analysis of findings. Check for job openings on your school's website or check with your professors or department heads for opportunities in your school. Explore other schools for openings as well.
Step 4
Work as a science teacher at a primary or secondary school. As you pursue higher education such as obtaining master's (MS) or doctoral (Ph.D.) degree, you may also apply for a teaching position. As science changes at a faster pace, the need for qualified biochemistry teachers in high school also increases.
Step 5
Work for private and government sectors. Check for possible opportunities for entry-level or junior positions. Along with the expanded opportunities in biochemistry and related fields in the private sectors, the government is expanding in these areas in its federal, state and local sectors. Look for jobs that explore pest controls for the Department of Agriculture, provide advice and support to a local city council or research bio-hazards and waste management.
Step 6
Work in the field of your expertise. After completing your studies and gaining experience, you can apply as a biochemist for companies that deal with DNA cloning, pharmaceuticals, research and development. You can work as a full time researcher to discover and develop new drugs, new chemicals or new fuels. You can also work as a part time consultant for engineering firms and biotech companies.
Step 7
Combine your scientific and writing skills. As science continues its progression, there is a need to put new discoveries into writing. Other writers may not be able to write about scientific processes and technical requirements the same way as a person who studied and worked with science. There are opportunities for people with solid writing and science skills to work as scientific writers or reporters for newspapers or magazines. Become a technical writer for a health or science magazine, prepare reports for public presentations, generate annual reports for a biotech company, compile scientific details for patent filings, or work for a major publishing company. Help create pamphlets, textbooks, handbooks, advertising materials, journals, technical manuals, and white papers. Write articles for a biotech company's website to explain new discoveries and scientific findings. These tasks require strong scientific communication skills.
Step 8
Combine science and sales. A solid background in biochemical, biological, and engineering sciences can help qualify you in the field of scientific equipment sales. Companies that invent and manufacture scientific tools used in the biotech industry need sales people who understand how to use such tools. With firsthand experience and scientific knowledge of using such tools, you can provide educated demonstrations to sell them to companies, health facilities and schools.
Step 9
Work on legal issues. Attorneys require the help of experts in the field of biochemistry or molecular biology to help them handle highly technical cases. For example, lawsuits involving alleged patent infringements or libel suits involving drugs misuse and overdose. With experience as a biochemist, you can work with either on the side of the prosecutor or defender. There may be cases where you would provide your scientific expertise to explain complexities of DNAs. With a scientific background, you can provide the necessary expertise needed to prove claims based on scientific evidence.
Step 10
Pursue a medical career. Take the course as a premedical student, then after graduating, pursue courses in medicine to become a doctor. Biochemistry can provide a strong foundation and qualification for acceptance to a college of medicine.
Tips
Attend job fairs and career expos to find opportunities. Apply at online job hunting sites. Do not hesitate to accept jobs that would take you out into the field. Some of the best scientific explorations happen outside the laboratory.
References
Biospace.com: Biotech and Pharmaceutical News & Jobs
Careers in Biochemistry
Bureau of Labor Statistics Outlook Handbook
Definition of Biotechnology
Salary for Biochemist
Help employers find you! Check out all the jobs and post your resume.
