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What can I do with a major in biochemistry?

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SUNY Oswego - Career Services

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Companies:
Boston College
Novelis
Bristol Myers Squib

Titles:
Cell Culture Operator
Lab Technician
Organic Chemistry Lab Assistant

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Employers in NY: 2,091
Employers in US: 35,474

 

Explore the numerous career fields related to your major

Research
Areas

Basic Research
Applied Research
Grant Writing
Administration

Some areas of specialization:

  • Healthcare: virology, immunology, enzymology
  • Pharmacology: drug properties, interactions, application and development
  • Environmental: testing, air/water/waste management, regulation
  • Agricultural: crop production, herbicide/pesticide development and application
  • Food science: preservation, nutrition
  • Cosmeceutical: development and application
  • Forensic: toxicology, DNA analysis, scientific instrumentation
Employers

University laboratories
Federal government laboratories/agencies:

  • National Science Foundation
  • National Institutes of Health
  • Food and Drug Administration
  • Environmental Protection Agency
  • Department of Agriculture
  • Department of Energy
  • Armed Services

State and local government laboratories/agencies
Public health departments
Hospital laboratories
Commercial medical laboratories
Private testing laboratories including forensics
Independent research foundations Industries:

  • Pharmaceutical
  • Biotechnology
  • Food processing
  • Cosmetic
  • Chemical
  • Petroleum
  • Agricultural
Sample occupations

Biochemical Engineers
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Food Scientists and Technologists
Bioinformatics Scientists
Molecular and Cellular Biologists

Teaching
Areas

Elementary
Secondary
Post-Secondary
Non-Classroom Settings

Employers

Public and private schools, K-12
Two-year community colleges/technical institutes
Four-year institutions
Professional schools including colleges of:

  • Pharmacy
  • Dentistry
  • Medicine
  • Veterinary medicine
  • Agriculture 

Museums
Zoos
Nature centers and parks

Sample occupations

Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Healthcare
Areas

Medicine
Dentistry
Optometry
Podiatry
Pharmacy
Chiropractic 
Veterinary Medicine
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Public Health

Employers

Hospitals
Colleges or universities
Medical centers and clinics
Private and group practice
Health networks
Nursing homes
Rehabilitation centers
Correctional facilities
Large corporations
Armed services
Government agencies
State and local public health departments

Sample occupations

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Cytogenetic Technologists
Respiratory Therapy Technicians
Histotechnologists and Histologic Technicians
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

Other Professional Opportunities
Areas

Sales/Marketing
Technical Writing
Scientific Journalism
Scientific Illustration
Regulatory Affairs
Administration/Management
Scientific/Technical Recruiting
Intellectual Property/Patent Law
Bioinformatics

Employers

Biotechnology industry
Pharmaceutical and chemical companies
Publishers: textbook, magazine, newspaper, book
Software firms
Regulatory agencies
Search firms
Law firms
Legal departments of corporations

Sample occupations

Biomass Plant Technicians
Biological Technicians
Geneticists
Biologists
Microbiologists

 

General information and strategies

  • Biochemists are typically curious and creative with strong observational skills and the ability to persevere.
  • Biochemists often interact with scientists from other disciplines.
    • Learn to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Develop the ability to communicate clearly to compile and share results in oral and written forms.
  • Gain competencies in computers and mathematics.
  • Read scientific journals to stay current on relevant issues in the field, and join related professional organizations to network and build contacts.
  • As an undergraduate, seek laboratory experiences such as research projects, volunteering with professors, summer jobs, or internships.
  • Visit government laboratories or research centers to learn more about opportunities in biochemistry.
  • Schedule informational interviews to learn about the profession and specific career paths.
  • Participate in research programs sponsored by organizations like the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.
  • Consider a certificate program or specialized master's program to qualify for research technician positions.
  • Earn a master's degree for greater variety and autonomy on the job.
  • Earn a Ph.D. to work on high-level research projects, to direct research programs, to enter high levels of administration, and to teach at four-year post-secondary institutions. (Postdoctoral fellowships may also be required.)
  • Combine an undergraduate degree in biochemistry with a degree in law, computer programming, business, education, information science, or other discipline to expand career opportunities.
  • Learn the job application process for government positions.