Science & ResearchISCO 2131
Biochemist
Biochemists study and perform research on the reactions caused by chemicals in living organisms. This includes performing research for the development or improvement of chemical-based products (e.g. medicine) aimed at improving the health of living organisms and at better understanding their reactions.
Check yourself in a minute: biochemist
Rate 5 of the 51 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
manage research data
perform laboratory tests
interact professionally in research and professional environments
disseminate results to the scientific community
operate open source software
About biochemist
As a biochemist, you conduct complex scientific research on chemical reactions and processes occurring within living organisms to advance medical knowledge and develop new treatments and products. Your day-to-day work involves designing and executing laboratory experiments, analyzing biological samples, using specialized equipment and analytical techniques, interpreting research data, and documenting findings through scientific papers and reports. You may focus on areas such as drug development, disease mechanisms, metabolic processes, or biotechnology applications, often collaborating with multidisciplinary teams including biologists, chemists, and medical professionals. This role requires strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, scientific knowledge across multiple disciplines, and ability to stay current with rapidly evolving research methodologies. In Poland's growing biotech and pharmaceutical sectors, biochemists are in increasing demand, with opportunities in research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, diagnostic laboratories, and universities, offering intellectually stimulating work and good career development prospects.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a biochemist.
1
Research Design and Planning
- Design experimental protocols and research methodologies
- Develop research hypotheses based on scientific literature and preliminary data
- Select appropriate analytical chemistry techniques for research objectives
- Plan resource allocation and manage research budgets
2
Laboratory Experimentation and Analysis
- Perform laboratory tests and experiments on biological samples
- Use molecular biology techniques including DNA and protein analysis
- Conduct analytical chemistry procedures including chromatography and spectroscopy
- Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and instrumentation
3
Data Analysis and Interpretation
- Analyze experimental data using statistical methods and computational tools
- Study oxidation processes and other chemical reactions in biological systems
- Interpret results in context of genetics and pharmacology
- Manage and organize research data using databases and software
4
Research Collaboration and Communication
- Collaborate on multidisciplinary research projects with biologists and chemists
- Participate in research team meetings and journal clubs
- Present research findings at scientific conferences and seminars
- Communicate research progress and challenges with team members
5
Scientific Documentation and Publication
- Draft scientific papers and research manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals
- Prepare technical documentation and laboratory reports
- Review and critique scientific literature relevant to research
- Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and experimental records
6
Specialized Research Focus
- Apply knowledge of life sciences, genetics, and biotechnology to research
- Research pharmaceutical chemistry and drug development mechanisms
- Study communicable diseases and biological disease mechanisms
- Apply computational chemistry tools for molecular modeling and analysis
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (51)
analytical chemistryanalytical chemistryInstruments and methods used to separate, identify and quantify matter-the chemical components of natural and artificial materials and solutions.biological chemistrybiological chemistryBiological chemistry is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.pharmacologypharmacologyPharmacology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.communicable diseasescommunicable diseasesCommunicable diseases is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.oxidationoxidationOxidation and reduction are chemical processes characterised in terms of oxygen, hydrogen or electrons transfer that occurs during a reaction between a molecule, atom or ion.laboratory techniqueslaboratory techniquesTechniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.molecular biologymolecular biologyThe interactions between the various systems of a cell, the interactions between the different types of genetic material and how these interactions are regulated.multidisciplinary researchmultidisciplinary researchThe research technique where a common issue is investigated using approaches from different disciplines with the aim of finding a comprehensive solution to it.pharmaceutical chemistrypharmaceutical chemistryThe chemical aspects of identification and synthetic alteration of chemical entities as they relate to therapeutic use. The way various chemicals affect biological systems and how they can be integrat...computational chemistrycomputational chemistryThe branch of chemistry that aims at addressing complex chemical problems through computer simulations.draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationdraft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationDraft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.manage research datamanage research dataProduce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be fami...perform laboratory testsperform laboratory testsCarry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.interact professionally in research and professional environmentsinteract professionally in research and professional environmentsShow consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.disseminate results to the scientific communitydisseminate results to the scientific communityPublicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.operate open source softwareoperate open source softwareOperate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.speak different languagesspeak different languagesMaster foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.maintain laboratory equipmentmaintain laboratory equipmentClean laboratory glassware and other equipment after use and it for damage or corrosion in order to ensure its proper functioning.analyse chemical substancesanalyse chemical substancesStudy and test chemical sustances to analyse their composition and characteristics.evaluate research activitiesevaluate research activitiesReview proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.increase the impact of science on policy and societyincrease the impact of science on policy and societyInfluence evidence-informed policy and decision making by providing scientific input to and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders.manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable datamanage findable accessible interoperable and reusable dataProduce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessar...perform scientific researchperform scientific researchGain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.perform chemical experimentsperform chemical experimentsPerform chemical experiments with the aim of testing various products and substances in order to draw conclusions in terms of product viability and replicability.apply for research fundingapply for research fundingIdentify key relevant funding sources and prepare research grant application in order to obtain funds and grants. Write research proposals.apply scientific methodsapply scientific methodsApply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.calibrate laboratory equipmentcalibrate laboratory equipmentCalibrate laboratory equipment by comparing between measurements: one of known magnitude or correctness, made with a trusted device and a second measurement from another piece of laboratory equipment....apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesapply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesApply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsi...promote open innovation in researchpromote open innovation in researchApply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.promote the transfer of knowledgepromote the transfer of knowledgeDeploy broad awareness of processes of knowledge valorisation aimed to maximise the two–way flow of technology, intellectual property, expertise and capability between the research base and industry o...mentor individualsmentor individualsMentor individuals by providing emotional support, sharing experiences and giving advice to the individual to help them in their personal development, as well as adapting the support to the specific n...manage personal professional developmentmanage personal professional developmentTake responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional developmen...develop professional network with researchers and scientistsdevelop professional network with researchers and scientistsDevelop alliances, contacts or partnerships, and exchange information with others. Foster integrated and open collaborations where different stakeholders co-create shared value research and innovation...integrate gender dimension in researchintegrate gender dimension in researchTake into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).perform project managementperform project managementManage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific g...manage open publicationsmanage open publicationsBe familiar with Open Publication strategies, with the use of information technology to support research, and with the development and management of CRIS (current research information systems) and ins...conduct research across disciplinesconduct research across disciplinesWork and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries.communicate with a non-scientific audiencecommunicate with a non-scientific audienceCommunicate about scientific findings to a non-scientific audience, including the general public. Tailor the communication of scientific concepts, debates, findings to the audience, using a variety of...geneticsgeneticsThe study of heredity, genes and variations in living organisms. Genetic science seeks to understand the process of trait inheritance from parents to offspring and the structure and behaviour of genes...research designresearch designThe set of methods and techniques of research that are used to conduct a study. It includes practical steps in research such as purpose statement, data collection, methodology, and data analysis.synthesise informationsynthesise informationCritically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.demonstrate disciplinary expertisedemonstrate disciplinary expertiseDemonstrate deep knowledge and complex understanding of a specific research area, including responsible research, research ethics and scientific integrity principles, privacy and GDPR requirements, re...scientific research methodologyscientific research methodologyThe theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.apply safety procedures in laboratoryapply safety procedures in laboratoryMake sure that laboratory equipment is used in a safe manner and the handling of samples and specimens is correct. Work to ensure the validity of results obtained in research.think abstractlythink abstractlyDemonstrate the ability to use concepts in order to make and understand generalisations, and relate or connect them to other items, events, or experiences.life scienceslife sciencesThe study of the processes related to cells, molecules and living organisms.publish academic researchpublish academic researchConduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achiev...biologybiologyTissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.scientific literaturescientific literatureThe medium of informing the scientific community, including academic researchers, about the results of scientific research. It constitutes a permanent and cumulative collection of all the findings of ...biotechnologybiotechnologyThe technology that uses, modifies or harnesses biological systems, organisms and cellular components to develop new technologies and products for specific uses.write scientific publicationswrite scientific publicationsPresent the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
Optional (39) — show
microbiology-bacteriologymicrobiology-bacteriologyMicrobiology-Bacteriology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.production processesproduction processesMaterials and techniques required in the production and distribution processes.clinical biochemistryclinical biochemistryThe various types of tests performed on bodily fluids such as electrolytes, renal function tests, liver function tests or minerals.synthetic biologysynthetic biologyThe field of science that is interdisciplinary between engineering and biology. It aims at redesigning organisms and fabricate biological components and engineering them to have new abilities. It is u...evolutionary biologyevolutionary biologyThe study of evolutionary processes from which the diversity of Earth's life forms originated. Evolutionary biology is a subdiscipline of biology and studies Earth's life forms from the origin of life...stem cellsstem cellsThe biological development of human embryonic stem cells, together with the ethical concerns related and the legal requirements involved.pest control in plantspest control in plantsTypes and features of pests in plants and crops. Different kinds of pest control methods, activities using conventional or biological methods taking into account the type of plant or crop, environment...toxicologytoxicologyThe negative effects of chemicals on living organisms, their dose and exposure.nanomaterialsnanomaterialsThe characteristics of engineered nanoparticles that conform to a specific set of properties such as being manufactured at nanoscale, being composed of nano-objects as defined by ISO. Some of the well...cryopreservationcryopreservationCryopreservation deals with procedures, risks and conditions applied to cells or tissues in order to prevent contamination and damage. It refers to the preservation of embryos, eggs, semen and testicl...medical laboratory technologymedical laboratory technologyThe various types and uses of technology and equipment employed in medical laboratories to perform tests on samples in order to identify possible disease-related substances.industrial research and developmentindustrial research and developmentThe set of activities that companies carry out to do industrial innovation and introduce new engineering products and services or new industrial production processes.plant disease controlplant disease controlTypes and features of diseases in plants and crops. Different kinds control methods, activities using conventional or biological methods taking into account the type of plant or crop, environmental an...examine samples in dermatologyexamine samples in dermatologyPrepare tissue, blood or skin samples for examination procedures and analyse them by running chemical and biological tests.write research proposalswrite research proposalsSynthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the ...prepare lesson contentprepare lesson contentPrepare content to be taught in class in accordance with curriculum objectives by drafting exercises, researching up-to-date examples etc.perform lecturesperform lecturesPresent lectures to various groups.analyse cell culturesanalyse cell culturesAnalyse cell cultures grown from tissue samples, performing also screening of the cervical smear to detect fertility issues.teach in academic or vocational contextsteach in academic or vocational contextsInstruct students in the theory and practice of academic or vocational subjects, transferring the content of own and others' research activities.analyse blood samplesanalyse blood samplesAnalyse blood samples using computer-aided and manual techniques, looking for white or red blood cell abnormalities and other risk factors.analyse medication's impact on brainanalyse medication's impact on brainConsult on pharmaceutical drug trials that might impact the central nervous system.develop scientific theoriesdevelop scientific theoriesFormulate scientific theories based on empirical observations, gathered data and theories of other scientists.supervise laboratory operationssupervise laboratory operationsSupervise the staff working in a laboratory, as well as oversee that equipment is functional and maintained, and procedures occur in compliance with regulations and legislation.explain the molecular basis of a disease to patientsexplain the molecular basis of a disease to patientsExplain to patients the basis of their disease from the molecular and metabolic points of view and how therapies can affect their lifestyles.develop scientific research protocolsdevelop scientific research protocolsDevelop and record the procedural method used for a specific scientific experiment in order to enable its replication.prepare compliance documentsprepare compliance documentsPrepare documents with legal value which prove that an installation or a facility is conform to the regulations.archive scientific documentationarchive scientific documentationStore documents such as protocols, analysis results and scientific data using archiving systems to enable scientists and engineers to take methods and results from previous studies into account for th...apply blended learningapply blended learningBe familiar with blended learning tools by combining traditional face-to-face and online learning, using digital tools, online technologies, and e-learning methods.identify poisonsidentify poisonsIdentify poisons, or any chemical that kills or injures an organism. This includes toxins, poisons produced by living organisms, such as microorganisms, plants, or animals.recommend product improvementsrecommend product improvementsRecommend product modifications, new features or accessories to keep customers interested.assess environmental impactassess environmental impactMonitor environmental impacts and carry out assessments in order to identify and to reduce the organisation's environmental risks while taking costs into account.monitor patients during clinical testsmonitor patients during clinical testsPlan and monitor the safety of patients during clinical tests, reviewing the medical history and assessing their eligibility criteria. Perform ongoing medical monitoring of subjects enrolled into stud...contribute to registration of pharmaceutical productscontribute to registration of pharmaceutical productsParticipate in the registration process that allows the sale and distribution of substances that treat or prevent human and animal diseases or enable medical diagnosis.advise on crop diseasesadvise on crop diseasesGive advice on crops which have a specific susceptibility to particular diseases and the procedures that are suitable for their treatment.develop product designdevelop product designConvert market requirements into product design and development.control productioncontrol productionPlan, coordinate, and direct all production activities to insure the goods are made on time, in correct order, of adequate quality and composition, starting from intake goods up to shipping.solid phase microextractionsolid phase microextractionSolvent-free sample extraction technique to concentrate and isolate analytes from a sample matrix. It uses a volume of sorbent dispersed on small fibre surfaces, following two different steps, an adso...virologyvirologyThe structure, characteristics, evolution and interactions of viruses and the diseases they cause.conduct genome researchconduct genome researchConduct research on matters relating to the genome, including gene expression, metabolic networks and nucleic acid or protein complexes.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a biochemist do?
Biochemists study and perform research on the reactions caused by chemicals in living organisms. This includes performing research for the development or improvement of chemical-based products (e.g. medicine) aimed at improving the health of living organisms and at better understanding their reactions.
What skills does a biochemist need?
A biochemist needs 51 essential skills, including analytical chemistry, biological chemistry, pharmacology, communicable diseases, oxidation.
Will AI replace biochemist jobs?
The AI disruption score for biochemist is 70/100 (high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: archive scientific documentation, draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation, write scientific publications. Most resilient: mentor individuals, interact professionally in research and professional environments, develop professional network with researchers and scientists.
AI Replacement Risk
70/ 100
High Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Skills most at risk from AI
Skills resilient to automation
This is the average for the whole occupation. The AI Career Shield test (about 10 minutes) shows the risk in your own work and what you can do about it.
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