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Biochemist

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Biochemists study the chemical structure of living cells and biological processes to improve medical treatments, pharmaceuticals, and food production.

  • This role has a low level of AI exposure. Core skills such as adaptability, social intelligence, and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
      • NSW
  • 10,000 people employed in Australia
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).

How do I become a biochemist

Get qualified to work as a biochemist with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Common questions

The average weekly salary for a Biochemist in Australia is approximately $1,631. Increase your earning capacity by obtaining post-graduate and research qualifications in a specialist field (eg, biomedicine, nutritional biochemistry, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, genetics, marine science, zoology) and joining a professional organisation such as the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB).

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There are no clear employment figures for Biochemists working in Australia right now. They are employed by scientific and medical research centres, hospital laboratories, drug manufacturing companies, food processing plants, academic institutions, and government agencies.

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Get started as a Biochemist in Australia with a Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) or Bachelor of Biomedicine (Biochemistry) followed by a Master of Science (BioSciences) or specialist post-graduate qualification. The Master of Biomedical Science (Biochemistry & Pharmacology), Master of Biotechnology (Biochemistry), and Master of Biomedical Science (Food Biochemistry) are great choices.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023

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Further reading

A Beginner's Guide to Laboratory Technician Training in Australia

7th February 2025

Choosing a security licence course in Australia: A step-by-step guide for jobseekers

10th November 2023

What can you do with a Certificate III in Pathology Collection?

4th November 2021

Biochemist careers

Biochemists are scientific professionals who are fascinated by the chemical structure of living cells and the biological processes that occur inside the human body — as well as plants and animals. They use their skills and knowledge to advance the quality and outcomes of medical procedures, pharmaceutical drugs, food production, and other fields that improve the quality of human (and animal) life.

As a Biochemist you could be conducting a toxicology analysis, determining the structure of molecules using computer modelling software, supervising a laboratory technician who is entering field data into a structured database, studying a series of medical tests and screening the data for similarities and anomalies, writing a report from your research findings, or attending an international conference for Biochemists and biomedical professionals.

Biochemists spend a lot of time in the laboratory carrying out highly specialised tests and screening procedures. To succeed in this role you’ll need a keen eye for detail, a commitment to data accuracy and integrity, and the skills to create written reports, recommendations, and technical documents.