Explore a possible path

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.

How does this connect to your interests? →

A look at the work

  • Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.
  • Teach or advise undergraduate or graduate students or supervise their research.
  • Study physical principles of living cells or organisms and their electrical or mechanical energy, applying methods and knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology.
  • Manage laboratory teams or monitor the quality of a team's work.
  • Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.
  • Write grant proposals to obtain funding for research.
  • Design or perform experiments with equipment, such as lasers, accelerators, or mass spectrometers.
  • Determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules.

A selection of source-listed tasks; duties vary by role and employer.

Interests involved in this work

These source scores describe occupational work activities. They are separate from your personal test results.

Hands-on

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

5.1 / 7

Investigative

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

7.0 / 7

Creative

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

2.6 / 7

Helping people

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

2.2 / 7

Enterprising

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

1.8 / 7

Organizing

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

3.6 / 7

Skills to explore

Source-reported importance on a 1–5 scale. Try a course, project or conversation to learn what these skills involve.

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

2020-08

4.8 / 5

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

2020-08

4.4 / 5

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

2020-08

4.3 / 5

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

2020-08

4.3 / 5

Active Listening

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.

2020-08

4.1 / 5

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

2020-08

4.1 / 5

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

2020-08

4.1 / 5

Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

2020-08

4.1 / 5

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

2020-08

4.0 / 5

Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

2020-08

4.0 / 5

Plan a small next step

Talk to someone doing this work, look for a supervised activity, and explore the subjects that interest you. Admission, licensing and current program requirements should be confirmed with the relevant institutions.

Source preparation category: Job Zone 5 of 5 · 2020-08. This category describes typical preparation, not your eligibility.

Related study fields

Source crosswalk connections are research leads, not required qualifications.

Biochemistry →

Biophysics →

Molecular Biochemistry →

Molecular Biophysics →

Structural Biology →

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology →

Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Other →

Biomechanics →

Pharmaceutics and Drug Design →

Explore all related study fields →

Source & methodology

O*NET-SOC code 19-1021.00 · Database 31.0 · Retrieved Oct 14, 2026. Dates on individual observations describe their source periods.

How interest exploration matching works →

Data: O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Used under CC BY 4.0. StudyIndex normalizes the presentation and adds exploration features; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions.