Biochemist career

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Biochemists study the chemical structure and function of animals, plants and micro-organisms like bacteria and viruses. They use this research to develop medical, industrial and agricultural products.

Biochemists study the chemical structure and function of animals, plants and micro-organisms like bacteria and viruses. They use this research to develop medical, industrial and agricultural products.

What would you do as a Biochemist?

Biochemists

  • usually work regular business hours
  • usually work in offices and laboratories
  • may work in hazardous conditions
  • need to be methodical, practical and identify and solve problems

Tasks

  • study animals, plants and microorganisms
  • run scientific experiments
  • plan biological experiments
  • analyse biological samples
  • set up scientific equipment
  • improve research methods
  • guide lab staff
  • teach university students
  • write reports and proposals

How can you become a Biochemist?

You need a qualification to become a biochemist.

You need

  • a bachelor's degree in biochemistry and cell biology or similar area OR a Bachelor of Science (Honours)

You may need

  • a postgraduate certificate or diploma in medical science, biochemistry and cell biology or similar area
  • a Master of Science or similar
  • a doctoral degree in biochemistry and cell biology or similar

If you're in school

You need University Entrance to do the study or training for this job.

Qualifications

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Study a Molecular and Cellular Biology major in our Bachelor of Science, and add Biochemistry as a minor to build your knowledge of the chemistry of living things. You'll train in our biochemical and molecular genetics laboratories, and like all our undergraduate degrees, it includes work-integrated learning.

With your bachelor's degree, you'll be well placed for biochemist roles. To move into specialised areas such as clinical biochemistry or research, you can continue with our Master of Science.

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Where these qualifications can take you

Biochemistry work at Waikato is built through Molecular and Cellular Biology, a major that combines biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, and physiology to study how cells function at the molecular level. This broader grounding reflects how biochemists actually work today, alongside related disciplines rather than in isolation.

Common areas Waikato graduates in this space work in:

  • Medical and pharmaceutical research
  • Industrial and agricultural product development
  • Structural biology and protein engineering
  • Biomedical research relevant to human and veterinary medicine
  • Food science and biotechnology

Biochemist FAQs

Scholarships

A range of scholarships are available to help with the cost of studying at Waikato. Options are available across a wide range of subjects and study levels, including scholarships for new students, current students and specific areas of study.

Find a scholarship

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School of Science

School of Science, The University of Waikato, Gate 8, Hillcrest Road, Hamilton, New Zealand