Biochemist study the chemicals and chemical reactions the involved in all aspects of the life cycles of living things. They use their knowledge to study the effects of food and environmental chemicals on the cells and tissues of living organisms, to map disease processes in living things, to figure out how natural and man-made chemicals can be used to benefit mankind, to develop new medications, to research the effects of medication, and to find new or better ways to store food, chemicals, and medications. This lab job requires that the biochemist must be able to do many things.

Biochemist have made some important scientific break-throws in the past hundred years but the need to continue research in this field and the diversity of research areas in this field is creating a strong demand for trained biochemist. The medical research aspects of this field have created some of the most well know medications around but still need more research into the effects of some medications and to develop medications in diseases that are currently untreatable.