Science & ResearchISCO 2131
Biophysicist
A biophysicist is a person who studies living organisms by the methods of physics: measuring, calculating and explaining the processes that take place in them.
Check yourself in a minute: biophysicist
Rate 5 of the 44 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
conduct research on flora
manage research data
interact professionally in research and professional environments
disseminate results to the scientific community
operate open source software
About biophysicist
The biophysicist studies life at several levels: DNA, proteins, single molecules, cells and the environments organisms live in. In each, the biophysicist looks for physical regularities — forces, flows, conduction, changes in the shape of a molecule — in order to explain the complexity of these processes, predict how they run and draw conclusions about how an organism functions.
The work rests on experiment and on data. The biophysicist analyses experimental laboratory data and synthesises information from different sources. Sex and gender are taken into account in the research as well.
Part of the job concerns organising and funding research. The biophysicist applies for funding, drafts scientific papers and technical documentation, disseminates results within the scientific community, promotes the transfer of knowledge into application, and applies research ethics and scientific integrity. Biophysics can be studied as a degree subject in its own right.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a biophysicist.
1
Research Design and Planning
- Develop research hypotheses and design experiments to investigate biological and physical phenomena at molecular and cellular levels
- Plan methodologies combining physics-based approaches with biological research techniques
- Conduct literature reviews to understand existing knowledge and identify research gaps
- Secure research funding through grant proposals and collaborative partnerships
2
Laboratory Research and Experimentation
- Perform laboratory experiments including DNA sequencing, protein structure analysis, and cellular imaging
- Conduct flora and fauna research studies examining biological systems and organisms
- Analyze cell cultures and perform microscopy studies to observe cellular processes and structures
- Maintain and calibrate scientific instruments and laboratory equipment for accurate measurements
3
Data Analysis and Computational Research
- Analyze complex experimental data using statistical methods and bioinformatics tools
- Use open-source software and specialized biophysics applications for data processing and visualization
- Manage and organize research data following scientific standards and data management protocols
- Develop mathematical models and simulations to predict biological behavior and protein interactions
4
Scientific Publication and Dissemination
- Draft scientific papers and technical documentation presenting research findings and methodologies
- Submit manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals and respond to reviewer feedback
- Disseminate research results to the scientific community through conference presentations and seminars
- Interact professionally with peers and collaborators to discuss findings and advance scientific understanding
5
Disciplinary Expertise and Continuous Learning
- Demonstrate deep expertise in biophysics, biology, physics, genomics, and proteomics fields
- Stay current with advances in biophysics research and emerging technologies
- Engage in multidisciplinary research collaborations with specialists from various scientific fields
- Evaluate research activities and assess the validity and impact of scientific studies
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (44)
life scienceslife sciencesThe study of the processes related to cells, molecules and living organisms.genomicsgenomicsThe field of study in relation to whole genomes of organisms, as well as their genetic or epigenetic sequence of information. It aims to provide knowledge about the downstream of biological products a...physicsphysicsThe natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.biologybiologyTissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.proteomicsproteomicsThe study of proteomes (i.e., the complements of proteins within cells, tissues or organisms), and their interactions and behaviours, under specific conditions.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.conduct research on floraconduct research on floraCollect and analyse data about plants in order to discover their basic aspects such as origin, anatomy, and function.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...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.evaluate research activitiesevaluate research activitiesReview proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.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...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.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.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.gather experimental datagather experimental dataCollect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.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...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.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...analyse experimental laboratory dataanalyse experimental laboratory dataAnalyse experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.write scientific publicationswrite scientific publicationsPresent the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.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 on faunaconduct research on faunaCollect and analyse data about animal life in order to discover the basic aspects such as origin, anatomy, and function.synthesise informationsynthesise informationCritically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.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...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...examine cell specimens microscopicallyexamine cell specimens microscopicallyPrepare and put the cell specimens received for examination on slides, stain and mark cellular changes and abnormalities.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 ...proteinproteinThe nutrients that provide living organisms with the energy to live and operate.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.perform laboratory testsperform laboratory testsCarry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.analyse cell culturesanalyse cell culturesAnalyse cell cultures grown from tissue samples, performing also screening of the cervical smear to detect fertility issues.
Optional (27) — show
microbiology-bacteriologymicrobiology-bacteriologyMicrobiology-Bacteriology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.biological chemistrybiological chemistryBiological chemistry is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.organic chemistryorganic chemistryThe chemistry of compounds and substances containing carbon.supercomputingsupercomputingThe process of dealing with complex data-related problems through multiple computers working in parallel (i.e., a supercomputer). It is used in several fields such as quantum mechanics, molecular mode...quantitative analysisquantitative analysisThe technique of employing statistical and mathematical modelling and measurement to represent a specific reality through numbers.virologyvirologyThe structure, characteristics, evolution and interactions of viruses and the diseases they cause.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...stem cellsstem cellsThe biological development of human embryonic stem cells, together with the ethical concerns related and the legal requirements involved.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.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...computational chemistrycomputational chemistryThe branch of chemistry that aims at addressing complex chemical problems through computer simulations.computational biologycomputational biologyThe interdisciplinary scientific field that focus on employing data analytics and theories to investigate biological systems obtained through experiments.alternative fuelsalternative fuelsFuels or power sources that serve, at least partly, as a substitute in the traditional energy supply to transport such as oil and fossil sources. They have the potential to contribute to decarbonisati...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 ...execute analytical mathematical calculationsexecute analytical mathematical calculationsApply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.apply statistical analysis techniquesapply statistical analysis techniquesUse models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.collect samples for analysiscollect samples for analysisCollect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.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.conduct genome researchconduct genome researchConduct research on matters relating to the genome, including gene expression, metabolic networks and nucleic acid or protein complexes.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....operate telescopesoperate telescopesSet up and adjust telescopes in order to look at phenomena and objects outside Earth's atmosphere.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.use measurement instrumentsuse measurement instrumentsUse different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.operate scientific measuring equipmentoperate scientific measuring equipmentOperate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.collect biological datacollect biological dataCollect biological specimens, record and summarise biological data for use in technical studies, developing environmental management plans and biological products.osteologyosteologyThe scientific study of human and animal skeletons, bone structure and specific bones. Osteology examines the bone structure as a whole and specific bones. The research can focus on diseases, function...analyse medication's impact on brainanalyse medication's impact on brainConsult on pharmaceutical drug trials that might impact the central nervous system.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a biophysicist do?
Biophysicists study the existing relation between living organisms and physics. They conduct research on living organisms based on the methods of physics that aim to explain the complexity of life, predict patterns, and draw conclusions about aspects of life. Biophysicists' research fields cover DNA, proteins, molecules, cells, and environments.
What skills does a biophysicist need?
A biophysicist needs 44 essential skills, including life sciences, genomics, physics, biology, proteomics.
Will AI replace biophysicist jobs?
The AI disruption score for biophysicist is 68/100 (high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation, execute analytical mathematical calculations, write scientific publications. Most resilient: mentor individuals, interact professionally in research and professional environments, develop professional network with researchers and scientists.
AI Replacement Risk
68/ 100
High Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Skills most at risk from AI
Skills resilient to automation
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