biochemist
Snapshot
Are you fascinated by the intricate chemistry of life? As a biochemist, you can contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in medicine, agriculture, and beyond, shaping a healthier future through scientific research and innovation.
Biochemists are research scientists who investigate the chemical processes within and relating to living organisms. Your work involves designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting results to understand complex biological systems. This often includes developing or improving chemical-based products, such as pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and agricultural solutions. As a Career Band 5 role, you'll likely be involved in leadership and strategic planning, guiding research projects and teams.
- • Designing and executing experiments to investigate biochemical processes.
- • Analyzing data using statistical methods and specialized software.
- • Writing detailed reports and presenting findings to colleagues and stakeholders.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Science and engineering professionals — 274 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Ireland, Italy, Slovenia.
Longest-running shortage: Ireland, 3 years.
Where it is regulated, your qualification would need formal recognition before you could practise.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Find your career path and explore the science behind our recommendations.
Could biochemist fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Integrity?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Analytical Thinking?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Persistence?
Future Outlook for biochemist
The outlook for biochemist reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could biochemist change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could biochemist change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- apply safety procedures in laboratory
- interact professionally in research and professional environments
- evaluate research activities
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- manage open publications
- analyse chemical substances
- demonstrate disciplinary expertise
Tasks most exposed to automation
- synthesise information
- apply for research funding
- manage research data
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Healthcare & Human Services
A typical day as a biochemist
09 09:00 · Morning apply for research funding
10 10:30 · Mid-morning apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
12 12:00 · Midday analyse chemical substances
14 14:00 · Afternoon apply safety procedures in laboratory
15 15:30 · Late afternoon manage intellectual property rights
17 17:00 · Wrap-up operate open source software
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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biological chemistry
Biological chemistry is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
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computational chemistry
The branch of chemistry that aims at addressing complex chemical problems through computer simulations.
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genetics
The study of heredity, genes and variations in living organisms. Genetic science seeks to understand the process of trait inheritance from parents to offspring and the structure and behaviour of genes in living beings.
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oxidation
Oxidation and reduction are chemical processes characterised in terms of oxygen, hydrogen or electrons transfer that occurs during a reaction between a molecule, atom or ion.
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spectroscopy
The scientific field that focuses on investigating and measuring spectra that are produced through electromagnetic radiation either in the form of materials interaction with radiations or their emission.
- analytical chemistry
- biology
- biotechnology
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manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data
Produce, 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 necessary.
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perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
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apply scientific methods
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
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apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.
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promote open innovation in research
Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.
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integrate gender dimension in research
Take into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).
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draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation
Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.
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disseminate results to the scientific community
Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.
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publish academic research
Conduct 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 achieving personal academic accreditation.
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write scientific publications
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
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perform laboratory tests
Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.
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perform chemical experiments
Perform chemical experiments with the aim of testing various products and substances in order to draw conclusions in terms of product viability and replicability.
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calibrate laboratory equipment
Calibrate 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. Make the measurements in as similar a way as possible.
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manage research data
Produce 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 familiar with open data management principles.
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interact professionally in research and professional environments
Show 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.
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operate open source software
Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.
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speak different languages
Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.
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maintain laboratory equipment
Clean laboratory glassware and other equipment after use and it for damage or corrosion in order to ensure its proper functioning.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
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Where does biochemist fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of educational background is typically required to become a biochemist?
- A bachelor's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, or a related field is often the starting point. However, most biochemist positions, especially those at the Career Band 5 level, require a master’s degree or a doctorate (PhD) in biochemistry or a closely related discipline. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential.
- What are some specific areas of research a biochemist might focus on?
- Biochemists work in diverse areas, including drug discovery and development, genomics, proteomics, metabolic pathways, enzyme kinetics, and the study of disease mechanisms. You might specialize in areas like cancer research, immunology, or agricultural biotechnology.
- What are the typical work conditions for a biochemist?
- Biochemists primarily work in laboratory settings, often in research institutions, universities, pharmaceutical companies, or biotechnology firms. The role is typically employment-based, with opportunities for collaboration and teamwork. While some independent research may be involved, the majority of biochemists work as part of a larger team.
- Biochemist — is there a shortage in Europe?
- No. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a surplus was reported in 6 of the 9 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Austria, Czechia, Germany, Greece and 2 more. 3 countries reported a shortage. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Biochemist — what does it pay in the United States?
- $103,650 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $48,510 to $157,390. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.
- Biochemist — is it a regulated profession?
- It is listed as a regulated profession in 3 European countries: Romania, Croatia, Slovenia. The lowest qualification level required among them is EQF 7. Where a profession is regulated, a qualification earned elsewhere has to be formally recognised before you can practise. Source: EU Regulated Professions Database.