Biochemist

Biochemistry is a multidisciplinary field that combines the areas of biology and chemistry. Biochemists are responsible for designing and conducting experiments to study the chemical and physical properties of living organisms and analyzing and interpreting data to draw conclusions about biological processes. They work in various industries and contribute to innovations in a wide range of fields, including bioremediation, biofuels, carbon capture, battery manufacturing and sustainable packaging.

At a Glance

Imagine you are a biochemist working in a lab researching yeast strains. This lab is part of the research and development division of a large petrochemical company, and part of the lab's focus is finding viable alternative energy sources. That's where you come in: researchers have found that yeast can be used to manufacture the biofuel ethanol. The petrochemical company already blends ethanol extracted from corn and wheat into the premium gasoline it sells to retailers and is interested in alternative sources or extraction methods.

The company has hired you to continue the research into specific yeast strains for possible use in the commercial production of ethanol. As a biochemist, you are an expert on yeast and have spent years studying the biological processes of different strains. In this lab, you are starting to build a bridge between theoretical research and practical application. Since you already know that yeast produces ethanol, you are interested in understanding the process better, which could determine if yeast is a viable option for manufacturing ethanol for fuel.

You and your team of researchers will run a series of experiments under different conditions, manipulating variables to see if you can increase the levels of ethanol produced by yeast grown in large fermenters. You know it will take many more years of research and experimentation before the energy industry can use yeast to produce ethanol on an industrial scale, but your initial experiments here are a step toward that possibility.

Job Duties

Duties vary significantly from job to job. The following list includes typical job duties one might encounter as a biochemist:

Study the chemical processes that occur within individual cells or processes
Analyze, synthesize, purify, modify, and characterize chemical or biochemical compounds
Conduct research into the synthesis and properties of chemical compounds and the mechanisms of chemical reactions
Conduct research to develop new chemical formulations and processes and devise new technical applications of industrial chemicals and compounds
Participate in interdisciplinary research and development projects
Develop innovative approaches
Act as a technical consultant in a particular field of expertise
Use equipment and instruments to perform precision tasks
Coordinate and supervise the work of others
Keep up with new developments and discoveries in biochemistry

Early in their careers, biochemists with a B.Sc. or master’s degree usually work as technicians or lab assistants under the supervision of senior biochemists. Some biochemistry graduates work in sales for biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms.

With an advanced degree or several years of experience, biochemists can move into supervisory positions. Teaching positions in post-secondary education, leadership positions in industrial research labs, and some positions in government agencies are restricted to Ph.D. biochemists, often with the additional requirement of 2 years or more of post-doctoral training.

Work Environment

Biochemists generally work in offices and labs. They may work onsite doing environmental or agricultural research, which can include livestock, plants, soils, and water. They may also work in industrial environments on product development. When experiments do not fit into a normal 8-hour workday, biochemists involved in research may work evenings and weekends. They must take health and safety precautions when working with chemicals, viruses, and other biohazards.

Biochemists work in a variety of locations, including but not limited to:

The lab:

Testing samples and conducting experiments
Designing experimental protocols
Calibrating instruments

The office:

Doing paperwork and analyzing data for reporting
Researching literature and preparing reports and scientific papers
Communicating on the phone and in meetings with clients, government departments, colleagues, and other scientists
Researching new technology and advancements in biochemistry, and consulting with other biochemistry professionals

The field:

Sample collection
Plot establishment and layout

Where to Work

There are several places where arborists can find employment. They include:

Biotechnology companies
Cleantech companies
Natural resource extraction and processing companies
Bioenergy companies
Provincial and federal governments
Universities

Search for jobs on the ECO Canada Job Board.

Education and Skills

Education

If you are considering a career as a biochemist, you should have a strong interest in:

English Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics

Most biochemists begin their post-secondary education by completing a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in biochemistry or a related science such as chemistry, biology, physics, microbiology, physiology, pharmacology, or genetics. Economics and management courses are a definite asset for biochemists who wish to advance into management positions.

Independent investigators who determine and define what research programs to pursue must have a master’s or, more typically, a doctoral (PhD) degree in biochemistry.

Our Environmental Professional (EP) designation can also help you progress in your chosen environmental career.

Skills

Technical Skills

Biochemistry
Research methodology
Laboratory information management systems
Analytical chemistry
Statistics
Computer programming
Lab safety

Personal and Professional Skills

Creativity
Lifelong learning
Organization
Planning
Problem-solving
Verbal communication
Written communication
Time management
Leadership

Environmental employers seek professionals who combine technical knowledge with personal and professional skills. Watch our free webinar “Essential Not Optional: Skills Needed to Succeed in Canada’s Environmental Industry” or take our Essential Skills courses.

Role Models

Tom Noland

His father was a printer and his mother was a baker. "Growing up, I really didn’t have any scientific mentors.” Despite this, Tom Noland says he always had a strong interest in plants, especially their physiology and biochemistry. "Essentially, nothing happens in the growth and development of a plant without biochemistry.” Tom developed his understanding of biochemistry by completing an undergraduate degree in forestry, a master’s in forestry, and, finally, a Ph.D. in plant science. All this led him to his position with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources as a Tree Biochemist.

Today, Tom splits his time between the office and the field. In winter, he can be found working primarily at his desk writing proposals, crafting research papers, and analyzing data. During summer, Tom spends more time in the field collecting samples or measuring tree growth or development on forest plots. Tom enjoys being able to work outdoors, despite having to be out in some harsh weather. "A bad day out in the field is still better than a good day in the office.” Tom also thrives on the diversity and challenges his job offers. "This week alone, I’ve been interviewed by the media about a new bio-refinery being built in Ottawa and then I’ve been in the field helping with an environmental audit.”

Juggling the responsibilities of several projects is something Tom is used to. "I usually have two to three major projects and about one to two minor ones all going at any given time.” The average length of each project is three to five years. One of the biggest drawbacks of Tom’s job is finding the funding necessary to continue work on his projects. As a scientist for the government, Tom is constantly faced with a shrinking research budget. "I spend a lot more time than I used to trying to acquire funding.”

Having to look externally for research funding takes away from Tom’s research time, which is the backbone of his work. However, he’s not discouraged—he realizes how important his work is. "As a government scientist, I don’t work for myself. I work for everybody else because the implications of my research can affect the lives of everybody else. It is essential.”

Your Impact

Biochemists play an essential role in improving sustainability by developing and improving processes that minimize waste, reduce energy consumption, and minimize environmental impact. They contribute to sustainable practices by developing new technologies and processes that reduce carbon emissions, improve water quality, and protect natural habitats.

In addition, biochemists contribute to improving human health and well-being by developing new drugs, vaccines, and medical treatments that will enhance the quality of life for people suffering from various diseases. They also work on developing sustainable agricultural practices that increase crop yields, reduce environmental impact, and promote food security.

Biochemists are also involved in developing renewable energy sources such as biofuels and biomass, which can reduce reliance on non-renewable resources and carbon emissions. They also contribute to creating sustainable industrial processes, such as bioremediation, which uses natural organisms to break down environmental pollutants.

Overall, biochemists play a critical role in promoting sustainability and improving human and environmental health and well-being by developing new technologies, improving existing ones, and identifying ways to reduce the impact of human activities on the planet.

Occupational Classification

Biochemists are classified into the following occupational grouping:

NOC Code: 21101 - Chemists

What is an NOC Code?

The National Occupation Classification (NOC) provides a standardized language for describing the work performed by Canadians in the labour market. It gives statisticians, labour market analysts, career counsellors, employers, and individual job seekers a consistent way to collect data and describe and understand the nature of work within different occupations.