Biochemistry is a specialized field of science. Individuals working in this field are involved in the study of the chemical processes that take place inside the body of living beings; not necessarily human beings. These processes initiate various reactions, positive and negative. The responsibilities of a biochemistry technologist revolve around the research, diagnosis, interpretation, and analysis of these chemical processes.
A biochemistry technologist analyzes the samples of body fluids such as urine, mucus, blood, etc., and identifies the presence, absence, excess or deficiency of elements such as white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, drugs, etc. To perform this task, he uses a wide range of automated and manual tools in the laboratory. The results obtained after the analysis are then presented to other specialists for further reference.
A biochemistry technologist is assigned with the responsibility of setting up and maintenance of laboratory equipments and requirements for the study. He has to implement and follow high standards of quality and safety while working on a project. He is required to instruct other staff in the laboratory and train them to avoid mishandling of equipments.
After completion of a project, a biochemistry technologist may also author research findings and circulate or publish those for the community and agencies.
To learn more about the responsibilities of a biochemistry technologist, go through the details provided below.
Collecting and Labeling Samples
A biochemistry technologist collects, labels, and stores or circulates blood, mucus, urine or other fluid samples. He maintains records of the samples for reference of the laboratory staff in case he is absent or away.
Setting Up and Maintaining Laboratory Equipments
The biochemistry technologist installs, tests, and maintains the laboratory equipments. He sterilizes the utensils and stores them to avoid any damage or defect. He reports the faults and damages in the equipments to the authorities and recommends purchase of new equipments.
Testing, Analyzing, and Reporting
A biochemistry technologist tests and studies the various components of a sample. He may do so either alone or with a team of specialists. After tests are over, he has to analyze the test results and prepare reports for the reference of other staff in the laboratory or for authorities.
Training
A biochemistry technologist is assigned with the responsibility of training and mentoring new recruits and the staff who got promoted.
Quality Assurance
A biochemistry technologist is asked to implement the quality standards and ensure that they are followed during a study. Be it the safety of staff, sterilization of utensils, or storage of samples, the biochemistry technologist controls the quality for each task and process.
A biochemistry technologist is required to be:
Individuals with an associate or a bachelor's degree in laboratory technology, with or without experience, can apply for entry level positions. Senior level positions require individuals who have completed a master's degree in a related course and hold several years of experience.
The career advancement is largely dependent on your qualifications, experience, and performance. As discussed above, individuals entering with an associate or bachelor's degree may have to work for several years before they reach to senior positions, whereas individuals with a master's or doctoral degree may be recruited to a senior position with a high package.
Average salary for a biochemistry technologist is $55,000. The actual salary offered to you may vary depending on your qualifications, job location, organization, and how you negotiate during the interview.
The biochemistry technologist responsibilities help you ascertain this career from different perspectives. It helps you to understand how to make a start in terms of education, acquiring the requisite skills, and moulding yourself to the nature of this profession.