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Biochemical Engineer

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What Does it Take to Be a Biochemical Engineer?

Example of Biochemical Engineer Job Develop usable, tangible products, using knowledge of biology, chemistry, or engineering. Solve problems related to materials, systems, or processes that interact with humans, plants, animals, microorganisms, or biological materials.

Daily Life Of a Biochemical Engineer

  • Collaborate with manufacturing or quality assurance staff to prepare product specification or safety sheets, standard operating procedures, user manuals, or qualification and validation reports.
  • Create simulations or models to predict the impact of environmental factors, such as pollutants, climate change, or environmental remediation efforts.
  • Develop experiments to determine production methods that minimize pollution or waste.
  • Develop recovery processes to separate or purify products from fermentation broths or slurries.
  • Confer with research and biomanufacturing personnel to ensure the compatibility of design and production.
  • Design or conduct follow-up experimentation, based on generated data, to meet established process objectives.

Things a Biochemical Engineer Should Know How to Do

Biochemical Engineers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Types of Biochemical Engineer

  • Nanotechnologist
  • Pharmaceutical Scientist
  • Bioprocess Development Engineer
  • Biochemical Engineer
  • Research Greenhouse Supervisor

Job Opportunities for Biochemical Engineers

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 132,500 jobs in the United States for Biochemical Engineer. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 8,500 new jobs for Biochemical Engineer by 2026. The BLS estimates 9,500 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Biochemical Engineer are Nevada, Utah, and North Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Minnesota, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Salary for a Biochemical Engineer

The average yearly salary of a Biochemical Engineer ranges between $50,750 and $155,650.

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Biochemical Engineers who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.

How much do Biochemical Engineers make in each U.S. state?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $115,710
Alaska $114,040
Arizona $94,450
Arkansas $71,510
California $107,700
Colorado $111,610
Connecticut $100,230
District of Columbia $132,530
Florida $82,970
Georgia $93,580
Hawaii $96,940
Idaho $110,270
Illinois $87,220
Indiana $73,340
Iowa $78,230
Kansas $82,060
Kentucky $79,690
Louisiana $90,580
Maine $85,800
Maryland $118,420
Massachusetts $109,220
Michigan $90,420
Minnesota $101,620
Mississippi $79,630
Missouri $86,850
Montana $79,590
Nebraska $82,760
Nevada $94,950
New Hampshire $99,070
New Jersey $114,990
New Mexico $114,790
New York $95,270
North Carolina $83,900
North Dakota $83,270
Ohio $93,370
Oklahoma $83,080
Oregon $90,720
Pennsylvania $96,550
Rhode Island $95,790
South Carolina $100,750
South Dakota $84,320
Tennessee $82,030
Texas $113,370
Utah $89,810
Vermont $81,960
Virginia $118,390
Washington $104,890
West Virginia $91,420
Wisconsin $86,600
Wyoming $97,040

What Tools & Technology do Biochemical Engineers Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Biochemical Engineers:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • JavaScript
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Python
  • Structured query language SQL
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • SAS
  • Linux
  • UNIX
  • Hypertext preprocessor PHP
  • Minitab
  • Oracle software
  • SAP software
  • Wolfram Research Mathematica
  • Splunk Enterprise
  • Microsoft Azure
  • Software development tools

Becoming a Biochemical Engineer

Education needed to be a Biochemical Engineer:

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What work experience do I need to become a Biochemical Engineer?

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Career changers with experience as a Biochemical Engineer sometimes find work in one of the following fields:

References:

Image Credit: Zina Deretsky, National Science Foundation via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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