Study the chemical composition and 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.

• Biochemist
• Biophysicist
• Staff Toxicologist
• Toxicologist

• Design and build laboratory equipment needed for special research projects.
• Design and perform experiments with equipment such as lasers, accelerators, and mass spectrometers.
• Determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules.
• Develop and execute tests to detect diseases, genetic disorders, or other abnormalities.
• Develop and test new drugs and medications intended for commercial distribution.
• Develop methods to process, store, and use foods, drugs, and chemical compounds.
• Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.
• Examine the molecular and chemical aspects of immune system functioning.
• Investigate the nature, composition, and expression of genes, and research how genetic engineering can impact these processes.
• Isolate, analyze, and synthesize vitamins, hormones, allergens, minerals, and enzymes, and determine their effects on body functions.
• Manage laboratory teams, and monitor the quality of a team's work.
• Prepare pharmaceutical compounds for commercial distribution.
• Prepare reports and recommendations based upon research outcomes.
• Produce pharmaceutically and industrially useful proteins, using recombinant DNA technology.
• Research how characteristics of plants and animals are carried through successive generations.
• Research the chemical effects of substances such as drugs, serums, hormones, and food on tissues and vital processes.
• Research transformations of substances in cells, using atomic isotopes.
• Share research findings by writing scientific articles and by making presentations at scientific conferences.
• Study physical principles of living cells and organisms and their electrical and mechanical energy, applying methods and knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology.
• Study spatial configurations of submicroscopic molecules such as proteins, using x-rays and electron microscopes.
• Study the chemistry of living processes, such as cell development, breathing and digestion, and living energy changes such as growth, aging, and death.
• Study the mutations in organisms that lead to cancer and other diseases.
• Teach and advise undergraduate and graduate students, and supervise their research.

• adhere to safety procedures
• advise clients or customers
• advise governmental or industrial personnel
• analyze biological research, test, or analysis data
• analyze chemical experimental, test, or analysis data or findings
• analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
• classify plants, animals, or other natural phenomena
• collect academic research data
• collect scientific or technical data
• collect statistical data
• communicate technical information
• compound pharmaceuticals or medical preparations
• conduct analyses or tests of organic compounds
• conduct analyses to determine physical properties of materials
• conduct field research or investigative studies
• conduct laboratory research or experiments
• conduct nuclear research
• conduct standardized qualitative laboratory analyses
• conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses
• confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
• confer with research personnel
• confer with scientists
• design equipment, apparatus, or instruments for scientific research
• develop new products based on scientific research results
• develop or maintain databases
• develop plans for programs or projects
• develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
• develop scientific or mathematical hypotheses, theories, or laws
• develop tables depicting data
• direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
• direct implementation of new procedures, policies, or programs
• examine biological or other material specimens under microscope
• explain complex mathematical information
• explain genetic data
• follow infectious materials procedures
• follow microbiology procedures
• follow safe waste disposal procedures
• forecast or predict phenomena based upon research data
• identify nutritional value of foods
• maintain records, reports, or files
• make decisions
• make presentations
• monitor the chemical action of substances
• operate specialized equipment in chemical laboratory
• perform statistical analysis
• perform statistical analysis in physical science or geological research
• plan scientific research or investigative studies
• prepare biological specimens for examination
• prepare reports
• prepare technical reports or related documentation
• prepare vaccines, biologicals, or serums
• provide advice on food or drug storage or use
• provide expert testimony on research results
• recommend further study or action based on research data
• record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
• research human or animal disease
• resolve engineering or science problems
• study structure or properties of submicroscopic matter
• understand pharmaceutical formulas
• use biological research techniques
• use biological testing instruments
• use chemical testing or analysis procedures
• use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
• use hazardous materials information
• use knowledge of investigation techniques
• use knowledge of vivisection
• use laboratory equipment
• use library or online Internet research techniques
• use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
• use microscope
• use nutrition research techniques
• use oral or written communication techniques
• use physical science research techniques
• use plant disease control techniques
• use quantitative research methods
• use relational database software
• use scientific research methodology
• use spreadsheet software
• use teaching techniques
• use word processing or desktop publishing software
• write business project or bid proposals
• write research or project grant proposals
• write scholarly or technical research papers