A Biochemist studies the biochemistry of living organisms and the molecular structure and function of related components.
Occupation description
A Biochemist studies the biochemistry of living organisms and the molecular structure and function of related components.
Occupations considered suitable under this ANZSCO code:
- Enzyme Chemist
- Protein Chemist
Occupations not considered suitable under this ANZSCO code:
- Microbiologist
- Industrial Pharmacist
- Chemistry Technician
- Biotechnologist
These occupations are classified elsewhere in ANZSCO or are not at the required skill level.
Biochemist is a VETASSESS Group A occupation
This occupation requires a qualification assessed as comparable to the educational level of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Bachelor degree or higher, in a field highly relevant to the nominated occupation.
Applicants must also have at least one year of highly relevant, post-qualification employment, at an appropriate skill level completed in the last five years.
Applicants will not meet the required skill level if:
- The qualification(s) are not at the required educational level.
- The qualification(s) are not in a highly relevant field of study.
- The employment has been completed prior to the completion of the qualification.
A positive assessment of both qualifications and employment is required for a positive Skills Assessment outcome.
** Highly relevant paid employment duration (20 hours or more per week):
One year of post-qualification paid employment (20 hours or more per week) highly relevant to the nominated occupation, at an appropriate skill level in the last five years before the date of application for a Skills Assessment.
Qualification and employment criteria
Employment
Highly relevant tasks include, but are not limited to:
- Investigating the chemical structure and function of living cells and their isolated components, organs and tissues in humans, animals, plants, and micro-organisms
- Designing and conducting experiments, making observations and measurements, researching information, analysing data, preparing or supervising the preparation of laboratory reports and scientific papers, presenting findings at scientific meetings and conferences, and supervising the work of staff.
Additional tasks may include:
- Studying the chemical events involved in physiological processes
- Isolating and identifying enzymes, hormones, metabolites and other substances produced by living cells or tissue
- Investigating the roles of vitamins, hormones and minerals and the effects of toxic substances on physiological processes
- Preparing or supervising the preparation of laboratory reports and scientific papers
- May supervise the work of technical officers and technicians.
Employment Information
A biochemist studies the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes such as cell development, growth, and heredity. Biochemists who do applied research develop products and processes that improve our lives. For example, in medicine, biochemists and biophysicists develop tests used to detect diseases, genetic disorders, and other illnesses.
A biochemist will also use electron microscopes, lasers, and other laboratory instruments and equipment to carry out their research. They use advanced technologies to conduct scientific experiments and analysis. Most biochemists work on research teams.
Research projects are often interdisciplinary, and biochemists frequently work with experts in other fields, such as physics, chemistry, computer science, and engineering.
Supporting material for assessment
When applying for a Skills Assessment, please ensure you submit sufficient evidence supporting your proof of identity, qualification and employment claims. A full list of the documents required can be found on the VETASSESS website under Eligibility Criteria.
You may provide additional evidence supporting your role, such as summary briefs for grant applications or similar projects, research articles or conference proceedings, laboratory reports, patents and list of research projects outlining your responsibilities.
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