All About Biochemical Engineers
Position Description 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.
Biochemical Engineer Responsibilities
- Direct experimental or developmental activities at contracted laboratories.
- Prepare piping or instrumentation diagrams or other schematics for proposed process improvements, using computer-aided design software.
- Design or conduct follow-up experimentation, based on generated data, to meet established process objectives.
- Design products to measure or monitor airborne pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, or particulate matter.
- Develop biocatalytic processes to convert biomass to fuels or fine chemicals, using enzymes of bacteria, yeast, or other microorganisms.
- Design processes to manufacture synthetic molecules for applications such as pharmaceuticals or pesticides.
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Biochemical Engineer Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Biochemical Engineers say are important on the job.
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.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Types of Biochemical Engineer
- Biochemical Development Engineer
- Pharmaceutical Engineer
- Biosecurity and Filtration Lead
- Process Development Engineer
- Nanotechnologist
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. There will be an estimated 9,500 positions for Biochemical Engineer per year.
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.
Average Biochemical Engineers Salary
The salary for Biochemical Engineers ranges between about $50,750 and $155,650 a year.
Biochemical Engineers who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Biochemical Engineers in different U.S. states.
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 do Biochemical Engineers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Biochemical Engineers may use on a daily basis:
- 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
How to Become a Biochemical Engineer
Education needed to be a Biochemical Engineer:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Biochemical Engineer?
Where Biochemical Engineers Are Employed
Below are examples of industries where Biochemical Engineers work:
Similar Careers
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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