Biochemist
Do research into living cells to learn more about diseases or develop new drugs, medicines and crops.
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£462
Entry level
£962
Experienced
Monthly
£2,000
Entry level
£4,167
Experienced
Yearly
£24,000
Entry level
£50,000
Experienced
11,500
people are currently employed
High growth
700 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would research the chemistry of living cells to learn more about diseases or develop new drugs, medicines and crops.
Using scientific equipment and techniques you’d do tasks like examining samples under a microscope.
You could work in several different areas.
In a hospital, public health laboratory or research institute, you would:
Test blood and other bodily fluids
Research the causes of disease
Explore new methods of treatment
If you worked in the pharmaceutical, food or brewing industries, you would:
Develop new products
Check the production process and do quality control
Check the safety of existing products
In agriculture and the environment, you could work with water authorities, seed companies or local and central government.
You would:
Do genetic engineering to create pest-resistant crops
Improve the quantity of crops
Work out how to make products in shops last longer
Monitor the effects of pollution on the environment
You might also teach and do research in universities, colleges and schools, or medical, veterinary or dental schools.
Hours
Environment
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Life sciences Chemical sciences Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- understanding
- analysing
- taking initiative
- sorting
- attention to detail
- researching
- observation
- problem solving
- innovative
- working with technology
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Chemistry
Human Biology
Science
Skills for Work: Laboratory Science
Foundation Apprenticeship: Scientific Technologies (Laboratory Skills)
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You will usually need a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in a subject such as biochemistry, biological science or biotechnologies. Many people who do this job also have postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Science (MSc) (SCQF level 11) or a doctoral degree (SCQF level 12) in a relevant subject.
Most undergraduate courses ask for National 5 qualifications and at least four Highers at B or above (SCQF level 6). Some universities require AABB (first sitting) for entry.
The University of Dundee offers a BSc Life Sciences course which only requires two Highers at B including Biology or Chemistry and one other subject; this course has been developed for those with high academic potential who experienced disadvantage.
Although some technician level jobs, mainly based in laboratories, don't require a degree, competition in this industry is very fierce.
To become a clinical scientist with the National Health Service (NHS) requires an honours degree at 2:1 or above (SCQF level 10).
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