Skip to main content.University of Minnesota. Home page.
Career Center for Science and Engineering


What can I do with a major in Biochemistry?

What Activities Could Biochemistry Majors Do?

Biochemists study the chemical composition of living things, particularly proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates.  They study the physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena.  They also conduct research to further understand and analyze the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity.  This could include the molecular and chemical aspects of immune system functioning or the expression of genes.  Research could even include how certain characteristics of plants and animals are carried through successive generations.

Biochemists also research methods of transferring characteristics, such as resistance to disease, from one organism to another.  They develop and execute tests to detect disease, genetic disorders, or other abnormalities.  Biochemists may research and determine the chemical action of substances, such as drugs, serums, hormones, and food on tissues and vital processes on living organisms.  They can develop and test new drugs and medications intended for commercial distribution.

What Industries Could Biochemistry Majors Explore?

Biotechnology Research Institutes Food Processing Cosmetics
Pharmaceutical Government Medical Centers Agriculture

What Employers Hire Biochemistry Majors?

Pfizer National Science Foundation GlaxoSmithKline Merck
Johnson & Johnson Bristol-Myers Squibb Bayer Group General Mills
Abbott Laboratories Amgen Universities Cargill
Eli Lily Genentech Food and Drug Administration Schreiber Foods, Inc.
R & D Systems MicroSurfaces, Inc. Boston Scientific 3M
ProtaTek International EV3 Endovascular Medtox Laboratories  

What Are Some Full-Time Job Titles For Biochemistry Majors?

Regulatory Affairs Associate Product Manager Scientist Chemical Technician
Process Engineer Lab Technician Technical Aide Clinical Coordinator
Research Associate Production Team Advisor Technical Consultant Research Scientist

What Are Some Useful Websites For Biochemistry Majors?

Biotechnology Industry Organization www.bio.org
Biology Jobs www.biologyjobs.com
BioSpace Jobs www.biospace.com/jobs
Careers in Science and Engineering www.nap.edu/readingroom/books/careers/contents.html
Hire Bio www.hirebio.com
Life Sciences World www.lifesciencesworld.com
Minnesota Life Science www.minnesotalifescience.com