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Careers / Biochemists and Biophysicists |
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| Summary Description |
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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. |
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| Sample Job Titles |
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Analytical Research Chemist |
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Biochemist |
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Biological Chemist |
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Chief Scientific Officer |
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Clinical Biochemist |
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Clinical Laboratory Scientist |
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Clinical Researcher |
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Director of the Biophysics Facility |
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9. |
Genetic Engineer |
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10. |
Laboratory Director |
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11. |
Nanotechnologist |
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12. |
Pharmaceutical Scientist |
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Physical Biochemist |
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Professor of Physics/Researcher in Biophysics |
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Quality Control Associate (QC Associate) |
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Research Affiliate |
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Research Assistant |
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18. |
Research Associate |
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Research Scientist |
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20. |
Scientist |
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21. |
Staff Toxicologist |
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22. |
Toxicologist |
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| Job Tasks |
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Study physical principles of living cells or organisms and their electrical or mechanical energy, applying methods and knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology.
- Research microbiological or chemical processes or structures.
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Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.
- Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
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Prepare reports or recommendations, based upon research outcomes.
- Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
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Teach or advise undergraduate or graduate students or supervise their research.
- Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.
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Manage laboratory teams or monitor the quality of a team's work.
- Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
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Isolate, analyze, or synthesize vitamins, hormones, allergens, minerals, or enzymes and determine their effects on body functions.
- Analyze biological samples.
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Determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules.
- Analyze biological samples.
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Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.
- Develop biological research methods.
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Study the mutations in organisms that lead to cancer or other diseases.
- Research diseases or parasites.
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Study the chemistry of living processes, such as cell development, breathing and digestion, or living energy changes, such as growth, aging, or death.
- Research microbiological or chemical processes or structures.
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Investigate the nature, composition, or expression of genes or research how genetic engineering can impact these processes.
- Research genetic characteristics or expression.
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Design or perform experiments with equipment such as lasers, accelerators, or mass spectrometers.
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Study spatial configurations of submicroscopic molecules, such as proteins, using x-rays or electron microscopes.
- Research microbiological or chemical processes or structures.
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Produce pharmaceutically or industrially useful proteins, using recombinant DNA technology.
- Prepare compounds or solutions for products or testing.
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Develop or execute tests to detect diseases, genetic disorders, or other abnormalities.
- Research diseases or parasites.
- Develop biological research methods.
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Research the chemical effects of substances, such as drugs, serums, hormones, or food, on tissues or vital processes.
- Research microbiological or chemical processes or structures.
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Examine the molecular or chemical aspects of immune system functioning.
- Research microbiological or chemical processes or structures.
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Research transformations of substances in cells, using atomic isotopes.
- Research microbiological or chemical processes or structures.
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Develop or test new drugs or medications intended for commercial distribution.
- Develop new or advanced products or production methods.
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Design or build laboratory equipment needed for special research projects.
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Develop methods to process, store, or use foods, drugs, or chemical compounds.
- Research methods to improve food products.
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Research how characteristics of plants or animals are carried through successive generations.
- Research genetic characteristics or expression.
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Prepare pharmaceutical compounds for commercial distribution.
- Prepare compounds or solutions for products or testing.
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| Work Activities |
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| Analyzing Data or Information —
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
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| Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge —
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
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| Getting Information —
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
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| Processing Information —
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
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| Making Decisions and Solving Problems —
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
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| Interacting With Computers —
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
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| Thinking Creatively —
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
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| Documenting/Recording Information —
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
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| Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information —
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. |
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| Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events —
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
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| Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others —
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
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| Training and Teaching Others —
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. |
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| Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates —
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance. |
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| Developing Objectives and Strategies —
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. |
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| Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates —
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
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| Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work —
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
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| Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings —
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
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| Communicating with Persons Outside Organization —
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
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| Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material —
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. |
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| Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People —
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
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| Coaching and Developing Others —
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills. |
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| Scheduling Work and Activities —
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. |
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| Controlling Machines and Processes —
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles). |
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| Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships —
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
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| Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards —
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
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| Monitoring and Controlling Resources —
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money. |
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| Developing and Building Teams —
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members. |
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| Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others —
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks. |
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| Provide Consultation and Advice to Others —
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics. |
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| Performing Administrative Activities —
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork. |
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| Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment —
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles. |
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| Handling and Moving Objects —
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. |
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| Staffing Organizational Units —
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization. |
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| Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment —
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles. |
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| Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others —
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others. |
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| Nature of the Work |
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| Working Conditions |
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| Interesting Fact |
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| The average American will hold 10 different jobs by the time they are 36. |
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