Miriam Magana

What is the career title? Biochemist

Provide a brief description for this career. Biochemists work in laboratories where they conduct
experiments and analysis on cells. They can use their findings to help better the world, such as
create medicines.

What skills are needed for this career? Biochemists must be able to isolate, analyze, and
synthesize proteins, fats, DNA, and other molecules, prepare technical reports, and publish
findings. They must constantly research new findings in order to stay up to date. They must be
able to do basic and applied research with the use of advanced technologies. Math, analytical,
time-management, and communication skills imperative qualities of a biochemist.

What are the minimum education and training requirements? (What degree or program? Also
provide examples of related fields.) Biochemists can begin their career with entry-level
positions with only a bachelors or a masters degree, however, a Ph.D. is required to work in
independent research and development positions. Most have bachelors degrees in biochemistry
or a field related, such as biology, chemistry, physics, or engineering. People with a bachelors
degree can become natural science managers, biological technicians, or biomedical engineers.

Is a professional degree required for this career? If so, which one (J.D., M.D., Ph.D, M.A./S.)? A
Ph.D. in biochemistry is typical for this career.

How many years will the education/degree requirements take? Are you willing to commit?
Biochemists have to complete three degrees: bachelors (4 years), and doctoral degrees (4 to 7). I
am prepared to be in school at least another six years. I understand what this implies and I am
ready for the challenge.

What is the salary range? The salary can range from less than $45,000 to over $158,410.
According to BLS.gov, the median annual range in May 2016 was $82,180.

What is the job outlook (whether there will be a need for jobs in this field in the future)? The
employment of biochemists is expected to grow 8 percent from 2014 to 2024, which is the
average. More biochemists will be needed to do basic research, but finding funding is difficult
and extremely competitive. Biomedical research is anticipated to grow being that the baby-boom
population is aging, demand for drugs and procedures to cure and prevent diseases will increase.

What are the opportunities for growth and advancement? There will always be something new to
learn, to research. Some may go into tenured positions at universities. It is best to have various
published papers to gain prestige as a biochemist.

List other sources to pursue for more information related to this field. (This may include
resources in the career center and names of local people working in this field; include Internet
addresses). https://grad.ucla.edu/graduate-program-requirements/program-requirements-for-
chemistry-and-biochemistry-biochemistry-molecular-and-structural-biology-2/
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/biochemists-and-
biophysicists.htm#tab-1
https://www.biochem.duke.edu/phd-program
https://www.med.unc.edu/biochem/program/for-current-students

What other research do you need to do that would help you decide or help you validate your
career decision? I would probably need to move in order to pursue my doctoral degree, which
would mean that I would have to leave my family behind or move with all of my family. I have
to make sure that the courses I am enrolled in are suitable for my goal of being a biochemist.