Biochemistry is a quite diverse discipline with various sub-branches including but not limited to Animal and Plant Biochemistry, Reproductive Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Neurobiology, Metabolomics, Immunology, Genomics, Proteomics, Enzymology, Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Clinical or Medicinal Biochemistry, Genetic Engineering, and Biotechnology.
Considering the full range of the sub-branches of Biochemistry, it is evident that the scientific field interconnects various areas such as Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. Therefore, students having Biochemistry as a major are equipped with skills, expertise, and knowledge related not only to Biochemistry but also to these areas.
Since the knowledge gained by Biochemistry majors during the undergraduate studies is exceptionally comprehensive, individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry are sometimes equated with ones having a Master’s degree as well. For that reason, they can even apply for a Ph.D. school right after graduating from undergraduate school without getting a Master’s degree.
But still, there are people whose aim is to gain a Master’s degree, not Ph.D. For such people, there are lots of exciting job opportunities related to their career. Since people with an M.Sc. degree in Biochemistry already have quite long experience with working in Biochemistry labs and are familiar with theoretical as well as experimental concepts of the science, they are welcome to many of the interesting and engaging workplaces.
Regardless of the specific field of expertise, many of the tasks and duties performed by Biochemists are similar or even same.
The article provides general information about 7 accessible positions for M.Sc. Biochemistry freshers.
Lecturer/Teacher
Development of the education sector is an essential process for every country and more specifically, for each educational facility. Enhancement of methodologies implemented within schools, colleges, or universities is entirely dependent on the working personnel at the particular institution. For that reason, it is always essential to hire professionals who are familiar with not only the specific subject that they will teach but also with the whole educational system.
Of course, educational institutions hire professionals without considering if they have graduated from the same institution; it is more convenient for the institution. It is evident that for an individual with a degree from the particular institution it is much more convenient to work as a lecturer at the same place since they are familiar with the system as well as a teaching methodology.
Moreover, working as a lecturer is also beneficial for an individual’s personal and career growth. Along with that, teaching students the subject of your expertise might also enhance your knowledge in that particular area.
Since professionals specializing in Biochemistry also have a thorough knowledge of Chemistry (college-level Chemistry at least) and Biology, they can also teach these subjects if they wish to. Moreover, it is also possible for the lecturers to teach different subjects at the same time.
Considering this, it is always a good idea to apply for a position of a lecturer or professor at the university from which you have graduated.
Research Scientist
Research is one of the primary areas essential for technological advancement as well as improvement of current standards and methodologies. Biochemical analysis is closely related to the enhancement of the quality of life since the field has a significant influence on lots of the applications that we utilize in our daily lives.
Biochemistry professionals with a Master’s degree in the specific sub-branch can get involved in scientific research in the corresponding area. Biochemical research comprises a diverse variety of fields starting from Cancer Research to Genetic Engineering. Depending on the laboratory as well as scientific team, M.Sc. Biochemistry freshers can work in research laboratories and contribute to society as well as develop concerning career and level of expertise.
Laboratory Scientist
Laboratory Science and Biochemistry are two inseparable areas utterly dependent on advancements in both theoretical Biochemistry and Biochemical research. For that reason, laboratory scientists are appreciated at every Biochemical environment comprising laboratory. There would not have been any progress in life sciences without the means of laboratory work. For that reason, Biochemists are an essential part of the laboratory sciences who conduct various studies and research, conduct experiments, perform diverse testing of materials, etc.
Since individuals with a Master’s degree in Biochemistry have sufficient knowledge of the techniques needed to perform main tasks at a particular laboratory, they can apply for the positions depending on their specific interests and area of specialty.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates concepts and ideas of Physical, Biological, and Chemical sciences, including but not limited to Ecology, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Geology. Similarly to every scientific field, Environmental Science falls into various sub-branches and categories related to the particular area.
One of such sub-branches is Environmental Biochemistry which is concerned with the protection of the environment regarding Biochemical applications. Several themes of the field include the management of water quality and air resources, protection from radiation, and maintenance of industrial hygiene.
Accordingly, Environmental Biochemists are scientists who utilize living organisms and their capabilities for the purposes listed above. One of the significant concerns of Environmental Biochemists is the microbial metabolism of pollutants. They accurately analyze enzymes that catalyze key steps in various metabolic pathways about genetic, kinetic, and structural aspects.
Professionals with a Master’s degree in a related discipline can apply for the positions at various companies devoted to Environmental Biochemistry.
Biochemistry Specialist at Law Firms
Law firms are generally formed by one or more lawyers who offer legal services such as advising clients about their legal rights and responsibilities, representing clients in criminal or civil cases, or making business transactions. Although, there are still particular law firms that seek scientists who could perform various scientific research as well as analysis, review different patents, prepare and prosecute patent applications.
It might seem a little bit strange at first glance, but even law firms require Biochemistry professionals who would be able to deal with complicated scientific cases. For that reason, M.Sc. Biochemistry freshers interested in legal issues can apply for positions in such companies or organizations.
Biochemistry Specialist at Hospitals
One of the most common workplaces for a Biochemistry professional is a hospital. Medical Biochemistry is among the many other sub-disciplines of Biochemistry which utilizes concepts and methodologies of Biochemistry of human’s body for the enhancement of human healthcare issues.
Biochemistry professionals can work on various positions at hospitals starting from Nutritional Biochemist to Hospital Pharmacist. Still, the most in-demand job for a Biochemist at a hospital is a position for a Laboratory Scientist who would be responsible for testing of various physiological samples, analysis of the results, and writing reports of corresponding findings.
Having a Master’s degree in Biochemistry along with particular experience in the field of expertise, makes it possible for a Biochemist interested specifically in Clinical Biochemistry to work at a hospital as a Laboratory Scientist. Since this is a position that requires precision and accuracy, training in the area is a must.
Biochemistry Specialist at Criminal Departments
Criminal departments are branches of the police forces which are responsible for national security along with many other activities. Investigation process in almost all cases involves performing tasks closely related to Chemistry, Biology, or Biochemistry.
For that reason, there is a specific scientific field, referred to as Forensic Science, which is defined as the investigation of crime using experimental techniques and methods. More specifically, Forensic Biochemistry is the branch of the science mentioned earlier that utilizes Biochemistry for investigation purposes. Accordingly, Forensic Biochemists are professionals who are responsible for performing various tasks to investigate individual cases.
Generally, such scientists are required to examine all the materials that were present at a crime scene. They conduct a comprehensive analysis of these materials to get clues that might lead to the answers. More specifically, Forensic Biochemists are also responsible for detecting the trace of origin of a particular substance, determining the paternity/relationships between specific people or animals, implementing DNA fingerprinting technique, etc.
Considering the severe implications of the Forensic Biochemistry, all the techniques must be used with caution. Therefore, there are specific degree programs graduates of which would have a chance to work as Forensic Biochemists at specialized organizations and facilities.
