O*NET-SOC 19-1021.00

Biochemists and Biophysicists

Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.

Preparation

ItemValue
Preparation zoneZone 5 – Extensive preparation needed
What O*NET says the zone requiresExtensive skill, knowledge, or experience is needed
Broad occupation in O*NETTrue (Yes)
Skills listed for this occupation6
Abilities listed for this occupation6
Tasks listed for this occupation5
Interest scores given for this occupation6

Skills

The 6 skills with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

SkillO*NET elementImportanceDate
Science2.A.1.f4.7508/2020
Reading Comprehension2.A.1.a4.3808/2020
Critical Thinking2.A.2.a4.2508/2020
Writing2.A.1.c4.2508/2020
Active Learning2.A.2.b4.1208/2020
Active Listening2.A.1.b4.1208/2020

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Abilities

The 6 abilities with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

AbilityO*NET elementImportanceDate
Inductive Reasoning1.A.1.b.54.2508/2020
Written Comprehension1.A.1.a.24.2508/2020
Written Expression1.A.1.a.44.2508/2020
Oral Comprehension1.A.1.a.14.1208/2020
Oral Expression1.A.1.a.34.1208/2020
Category Flexibility1.A.1.b.74.008/2020

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Tasks

The tasks O*NET records for this occupation, with the type, respondent count and date each record carries.

TaskTypeIncumbents respondingDate
Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.Core2008/2020
Teach or advise undergraduate or graduate students or supervise their research.Core2008/2020
Study physical principles of living cells or organisms and their electrical or mechanical energy, applying methods and knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology.Core2008/2020
Manage laboratory teams or monitor the quality of a team's work.Core2008/2020
Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.Core2008/2020

Work interests

The interest scores O*NET gives this occupation, on the six interest types.

InterestScoreDate
Investigative7.011/2023
Realistic5.111/2023
Conventional3.6111/2023
Artistic2.6111/2023
Social2.1611/2023
Enterprising1.8211/2023

More occupations in preparation zone 5

Source: O*NET 29.1 Database (Occupation Data, Job Zones, Skills, Abilities, Task Statements, Interests), U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Data fetched 2026-10-31. See about and sources.