Oregon Labor Market Information System
Occupational Information Center
Occupational Report for Biochemists and Biophysicists (19-1021) , Oregon Statewide
Occupational Description

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.

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Biochemists and Biophysicists
Employment Outlook for Biochemists and Biophysicists
Statewide Employment Analysis 2008 employment is estimated to be much smaller than the regional average. This occupation is expected to grow at a somewhat faster rate than the regional average. Total job openings are projected to be much lower than the regional average.

Due to few projected job openings in this occupation, reasonable employment opportunities do not exist.

Data Sources and Limitations
Current Employment Department Job Openings for Biochemists and Biophysicists There are no openings for this occupation.
Job Openings from the Web for Biochemists and Biophysicists There are no openings for this occupation.
State of Oregon License Information for Biochemists and Biophysicists No statewide license is required for this occupation.
Wages for Biochemists and Biophysicists
Region ---------------- 2010 Wages ----------------
Percentiles (hourly wages) Avg
Hourly
($/hr)
Avg
Annual
10th 25th 50th
(median)
75th 90th
Oregon Statewide $17.54 $20.04 $22.98 $27.80 $34.58 $24.93 $51,855
Multnomah / Washington 17.30 19.70 22.44 25.13 36.30 24.53 51,020
Data Sources and Limitations
Regional Employment Projections for Biochemists and Biophysicists
Region Employment Change % Change Projected Annual Openings
2008 2018 Growth Replacement Total
Oregon Statewide 73 83 10 13.7% 1 3 4
Multnomah / Washington 47 55 8 17.0% 1 2 2
Lane 23 26 3 13.0% 0 1 1
Benton / Lincoln / Linn 3 4 1 33.3% 0 0 0
Clatsop / Columbia / Tillamook 1 1 0 0.0% 0 0 0
Morrow / Umatilla 0 1 1 NA 0 0 0

Replacement openings are caused by existing workers permanently leaving their occupation. Many additional job openings occur due to job changes within occupations.
Data Sources and Limitations
Industries of Employment for Biochemists and Biophysicists
Industry
Click links to view infoUSA employers
Ownership 2008
Employment
Total, All Industries All 73
Total, All Industries Private 26
Manufacturing Private 10
Chemical Manufacturing Private 10
Basic Chemical Manufacturing Private 10
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Private 16
Scientific Research and Development Services Private 13
Total, All Industries Local 44
Educational Services Local 43
Educational Requirements for Biochemists and Biophysicists Workers must have a master's degree to gain the necessary skills for this occupation. However, those with a doctorate degree have a competitive advantage in this labor market.
Skills for Biochemists and Biophysicists
  • Apply Bacteriology Theory
  • Apply Basic Chemistry
  • Apply Biochemistry Theory
  • Apply Biological Theory
  • Apply Chemical Laboratory Tests
  • Apply Chemistry Theory
  • Apply Genetic Theory
  • Apply Linear Algebra
  • Apply Mathematical Principles To New Technology Creation
  • Apply Mathematics To Statistical Modeling
  • Apply Microbiology Theory
  • Apply Physiological Knowledge
  • Apply Research Methodology To Science Or Engineering
  • Apply Statistical Methods
  • Conduct Chemical Analyses
  • Conduct Field Research
  • Conduct Investigations And Research
  • Conduct Laboratory Research
  • Conduct Qualitative Analysis
  • Conduct Quantitative Analysis
  • Conduct Vivisection
  • Design Tables Depicting Data
  • Develop And Revise Databases
  • Follow Hazardous Materials Specifications
  • Make Presentations
  • Perform Microbiology Procedures
  • Prepare Reports In Timely Manner
  • Prepare Vaccines, Biologicals And Serums
  • Present Technical Papers And Research Results
  • Research Work-Related Topics Using Library Resources
  • Use Algebra
  • Use Biological Research Techniques
  • Use Biological Testing Instruments
  • Use Calculus
  • Use Graphic Design Software To Model Chemical And Molecular Structures
  • Use Molecular Design Principles
  • Use On-Line Search Techniques
  • Use Quantitative Research Methods
  • Write Grant Proposals
  • Write Technical Papers From Original Research
Schools and Training Providers for Biochemists and Biophysicists The training providers listed below offer programs related to this occupation. This information is updated once per year. Anyone interested in a particular program should check with the training institution regarding its availability. Listing these training providers does not necessarily constitute or imply their endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the State of Oregon.

Eastern Oregon University
One University Blvd
La Grande, OR 97850
Phone: (541) 962-3672
Programs of Training:
Pacific University
2043 College Way
Forest Grove, OR 97116
Phone: (503) 352-1111
Programs of Training:
Linfield College
900 SE Baker
McMinnville, OR 97128
Phone: (503) 883-2200
Programs of Training:
Portland State University
724 SW Harrison
Portland, OR 97201
Phone: (503) 725-4433
Programs of Training:
Oregon Health & Science University
3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd
Portland, OR 97239
Phone: (503) 494-7800
Programs of Training:
Oregon State University
104 Kerr Administration Bldg.
Corvallis, OR 97331
Phone: (541) 737-0123
Programs of Training:
Lewis & Clark College
0615 S W Palatine Hill Rd
Portland, OR 97219
Phone: (503) 768-7000
Programs of Training:
University of Oregon
110 Johnson Hall
Eugene, OR 97403
Phone: (541) 346-3014
Programs of Training:
Reed College
3203 SE Woodstock Blvd
Portland, OR 97202
Phone: (503) 771-1112
Programs of Training:
Career Pathway Roadmaps for Biochemists and Biophysicists No Career Pathway links were found for this occupation.
Related Occupations The scores listed below indicates how closely the skills for Biochemists and Biophysicists matches the occupation in the list. A score of 100% means the occupations have identical skill sets. A maximum of 10 occupations are displayed below.
Occupation Skill Overlap
Microbiologists 86%
Life Scientists, All Other 76%
Biological Scientists, All Other 75%
Food Scientists And Technologists 72%
Zoologists And Wildlife Biologists 70%
Animal Scientists 68%
Soil And Plant Scientists 59%
Agricultural And Food Scientists 57%
Chemists 50%
Agricultural And Food Science Technicians 46%