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Biochemists and Biophysicists
(SOC Code : 19-1021)
in California

Study the chemical composition and 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.

Employers are usually looking for candidates with a Doctor's degree .

Occupational Wages[Top]
AreaYearPeriodHourly MeanHourly by Percentile
25thMedian75th
California 20231st Qtr$67.51$48.90$63.30$79.91

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Occupational Projections of Employment (also called "Outlook" or "Demand")[Top]
 AreaEstimated Year-Projected YearEmploymentEmployment ChangeTotal Job Openings
EstimatedProjectedNumberPercent
California 2018 - 20285,9007,2001,30022.07,290

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Job Openings from JobCentral National Labor Exchange[Top]
 
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Industries Employing This Occupation (click on Industry Title to View Employers List)[Top]
Industry Title
Number of Employers in State of California
Percent of Total
Employment for Occupation in State of California
Scientific Research and Developm10,12150.9%
Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manu6687.0%
General Medical and Surgical Hos1,5111.9%
Employment Services5,0961.1%
Medical Equipment and Supplies M2,5681.0%

About Staffing Patterns
 

Training Programs (click on title for more information)[Top]
Program Title
Biochemistry
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Biophysics
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Other

About Training & Apprenticeships
 

About This Occupation (from O*NET - The Occupation Information Network)[Top]
Top Tasks (Specific duties and responsibilities of this job.)
Study physical principles of living cells or organisms and their electrical or mechanical energy, applying methods and knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology.
Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.
Prepare reports or recommendations, based upon research outcomes.
Teach or advise undergraduate or graduate students or supervise their research.
Manage laboratory teams or monitor the quality of a team`s work.
Determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules.
Isolate, analyze, or synthesize vitamins, hormones, allergens, minerals, or enzymes and determine their effects on body functions.
Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.
Study the mutations in organisms that lead to cancer or other diseases.
Study the chemistry of living processes, such as cell development, breathing and digestion, or living energy changes, such as growth, aging, or death.

More Tasks for Biochemists and Biophysicists


Top Skills used in this Job
Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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.
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.

More Skills for Biochemists and Biophysicists


Top Abilities (Attributes of the person that influence performance in this job.)
Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

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Top Work Values (Aspects of this job that create satisfaction.)
Recognition - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious.
Achievement - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.

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Top Interests (The types of activities someone in this job would like.)
Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Artistic - Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

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Alternate Titles
Research Scientists; Clinical Laboratory Scientists; Clinical Researchers; Enzymologists; Pharmaceutical Scientists; Research Chemists; Structural Biologists; Molecular Biologists; and Toxicologists
 
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