Overview
Most biological processes that take place at the cellular and molecular levels are chemical in nature. Different chemicals at the cellular and molecular levels work in unison to make a biological system work. It is generally a cascade of chemical reactions that leads to a cellular or organ response that leads to a particular function in the living biosystem. The study of biochemistry allows us to understand the in-depth chemical reason behind the working of any biological system. Hence, Biochemists are researchers that understand the inner engineering of cellular and molecular systems.
Biochemists are those professionals who study the chemical nature of the biological processes occurring at the cellular/molecular level in living cells of a variety of life forms, including humans, plants, and animals. Using the combined knowledge of the fields of biology, physiology, and chemistry, they examine the biochemistry of all living systems. Simply put, they apply methods of chemistry to understand the biological processes of living organisms that are responsible for producing the complexity of life. The applications of this field are far and many as it contains deep information about the workings of all living biosystems. Hence, several branches of biology and medicine take great help from the knowledge of biochemistry. Medical Science has largely worked on several biochemical diagnostic tools to understand the workings of cellular and molecular levels of a patient in order to prescribe the right medications and therapies to enhance their health and survival.
A biochemist is interested in studying organism structure, performance, growth, reproduction, metabolism, and the mechanisms of disease spread in any organism by studying the biochemical profile and composition of that organism. By understanding the biochemical aspects of any organism a biochemist deduces the different physical effects of a particular cascade of biochemical reactions that lead to that particular function. It is their work that provides explanations for the occurrence of diseases as well as suggests methods to prevent, treat, or cure the same. They can be involved in basic, exploratory research that seeks to increase scientific knowledge about biochemical processes or take up applied research to solve practical problems.
Biochemistry opens up avenues in the Medical and paramedical field by providing details about the reasons behind the regular and healthy functioning of any organ in a human along with providing details about the irregular and unhealthy functioning of that particular organ caused due to the imbalance in biochemical markers in that individual.
Typical day at work
Typically, a biochemist is tasked with the following responsibilities:
Abilities and Aptitude needed
A biochemist must completely understand the chemistry of biomolecules and their reactive characteristics. He/She must always have an open and broad mindset toward learning new techniques for a better understanding of biomolecules and the chemistry of their functioning.
Salary
The salary of a "Biochemist" can vary based on factors such as experience, qualifications, location, the type of employer, and the specific role within biochemistry.
Minimum Monthly Salary: The monthly salary can be from INR 25,000 to INR 40,000
Maximum Monthly Salary: The monthly salary can be from INR 1,00,000 to INR 2,00,000 or more
Annual Salary: The annual salary can be from INR 3,00,000 to INR 24,00,000 or more
Highest Paying Job and Scope: The highest-paying job for biochemists can be leadership or specialized research positions within prominent research institutions, biotechnology companies, or pharmaceutical companies. The scope for biochemists is promising, with opportunities in various sectors, including academic research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, food and beverage industries, and environmental conservation.
Pathways
Entrance Exam
Courses
Best Colleges
Industries
internship
Take the opportunity to work with experienced scientists as they continue to learn about their specialties or develop a broader understanding of related areas of research. It will allow you to have practical learning and will also give you contacts for future reference.
Several Pharmaceutical companies offer internships for biochemists on fixed research project terms.
Internships at diagnostic centers in hospitals and paramedic centers.
Internship at government hospitals and institutions where senior researchers conduct projects to conduct research on unknown biochemistry-based problems. Emailing and contacting researchers directly helps sometimes to get recruited by them for internships.
Career outlook
Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic the awareness for health and wellbeing has increased. Citizens are very focused on understanding their internal body workings and the best way to analyze that is by biochemical assaying. They provide complete detail about the hormonal profile, protein profile, kidney functioning, liver functioning, blood profiling, cardiac profiling, cholesterol screening, toxicological profiling, infection screening, and much more.
From 2020 to 2030, the employment of biochemists is expected to grow at a 5% annual rate, which is slower than the national average for all occupations. Despite slowing job growth, an average of 3,200 openings for biochemists and biophysicists are expected each year over the next decade. The majority of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or leave the labor force for other reasons, such as retirement.
Employment Biochemists will be required to conduct basic research that advances scientific knowledge, as well as to research and develop biological products and processes that improve people`s lives. Biochemistry and biophysics techniques, tools, and applications are expanding as technology and knowledge advance. Budgetary constraints, on the other hand, may limit researchers` access to funding for basic research. The aging population will increase the demand for new drugs and procedures to treat and prevent disease. This increased demand for biochemists and biophysicists involved in biomedical research is likely to drive demand for biochemists and biophysicists.
Biochemists, for example, will be required to conduct genetic research and develop new medicines and treatments to combat genetic disorders and diseases such as cancer. They will also be required to create new tests for detecting diseases and other illnesses. Other areas of biotechnology research and development than health are expected to provide job growth for biochemists and biophysicists. These researchers will continue to investigate topics that will help us improve our capabilities in areas such as clean energy, efficient food production, and environmental protection.
This particular stream of biology seems to always play an essential role in the healthcare industry since diseases are analyzed very largely on the bases of their biochemical manifestations. The prevention, cure, and palliative help for any disease is the leading source of research in this century.