Biochemists study the biochemistry of living organisms and the molecular structure and function of related components.

Skill Level

1

Specialisations

• Enzyme Chemist
• Protein Chemist

Unless you are exempt in very limited circumstances, you are required to have a positive Skills Assessment to apply for the visas listed above.

Skills Assessment authority for Biochemist is Vocational Education & Training Assessment (VETASSESS). To have a positive skills assessment, you must meet the following criteria:

• Qualification assessed at Australian Bachelor degree or higher in a highly relevant field of study AND at least one year of post-qualification highly relevant employment at an appropriate skill level in the last five years
• Highly relevant fields of study include the following:
  • Major focus on biochemistry
  • Scientific study of the chemistry of living things
  • Fundamental chemical substances and reactions
  • Chemical pathways and information transfer systems

Examine the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of humans, animals, plants and other living organisms to better understand how living organisms function and interact with each other and the environment in which they live.

Tasks

• 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
• Studying the forms and structures of bodily organs and tissues by systematic observation, dissection and microscopic examination
• Investigating the chemical structure and function of living cells and their isolated components, organs and tissues in humans, animals, plants, and micro-organisms
• Examining micro-organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, yeast and their enzymes, and using the knowledge gained to create and develop new, and improve existing, products, materials and processes
• Investigating the effects of environmental factors, such as rainfall, temperature, sunlight, soil, topography and disease, on plant growth
• Planning and undertaking experiments to study, measure and understand marine animals and plants
• Studying the growth and characteristics of micro-organisms, such as bacteria, algae and fungi, and the effects they have on plants, animals and humans to develop medical, veterinary, industrial, environmental and other practical applications
• Investigating the interrelationships between animals in their natural surroundings, in captivity and in laboratories

Indicative Skill Level

In Australia and New Zealand:

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Occupations in this Group

• 234511 Life Scientist (General)
• 234513 Biochemist
• 234514 Biotechnologist
• 234515 Botanist
• 234516 Marine Biologist
• 234517 Microbiologist
• 234518 Zoologist
• 234599 Life Scientists nec