Biophysicist
Also known as: biophysics researcher, bio-physicist, biophysics research analyst, biophysics biotechnologist, biophysics research scientist, biophysics analyst
About this occupation
Biophysicists study the existing relation between living organisms and physics. They conduct research on living organisms based on the methods of physics that aim to explain the complexity of life, predict patterns, and draw conclusions about aspects of life. Biophysicists' research fields cover DNA, proteins, molecules, cells, and environments.
A specialisation of biologist.
Essential skills and knowledge
- apply scientific methods
- physics
- scientific research methodology
- analyse experimental laboratory data
- conduct research on fauna
- protein
- examine cell specimens microscopically
- gather experimental data
- perform laboratory tests
- conduct research on flora
- analyse cell cultures
- biology
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Biochemists and Biophysicists (O*NET 19-1021.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.
- Teach or advise undergraduate or graduate students or supervise their research.
- Study physical principles of living cells or organisms and their electrical or mechanical energy, applying methods and knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology.
- Manage laboratory teams or monitor the quality of a team's work.
- Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.
- Write grant proposals to obtain funding for research.
- Typical education (US)
- Post-Doctoral Training
- Preparation
- Job Zone 5 of 5
- Interests
- Investigative, Realistic, Conventional
Top skills: Science, Reading Comprehension, Writing, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Speaking
US median pay: US$127,410 a year (2025), 33,830 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- BiologyO*NET: BiologyExtremely important (4.7)
- ChemistryO*NET: ChemistryVery important (4.3)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (4.3)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.3)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsVery important (4.0)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.5)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Post-Doctoral Training
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Molecular and Cellular Biologists
- Microbiologists
- Geneticists
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
- Chemists
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
- Bioinformatics Scientists
- Physicists
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
- Animal Scientists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.