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Clinical biochemists analyse patient samples to help medical staff diagnose illnesses.

Clinical biochemists are responsible for testing patient samples and interpreting the results for medical staff. They work as part of a hospital medical team that is responsible for investigating and diagnosing patient illnesses.

Most of their time is spent in the laboratory analysing specimens of blood, tissues or urine using computer-aided and automated testing procedures. Other responsibilities include:

• designing experiments to test theories about how chemicals function in the body

• investigating abnormal biochemical conditions

• analysing chemicals in the body, using techniques such as gel electrophoresis and amino acid assay

• working closely with other scientists including chemists, pharmacologists and toxicologists

• keeping up to date with scientific literature connected with their work

• writing reports of findings

• applying for funding

• presenting findings at biochemistry meetings

Some evening and on-call work will be necessary. Part-time work is an option.

Qualifications and training required

In order to begin training you will need a 2.1 degree or higher in a relevant BSc discipline such as biochemistry, chemistry or biology. Further research experience or qualifications are also desirable

Key skills for clinical biochemists

• The ability to work both independently and in a team

• Attention to detail

• Methodical and thorough approach

• Commitment to patient care in hospital settings

• Numerical and written skills

Typical employers of clinical biochemists

While there is a lot of crossover with biomedical science, clinical biochemists typically work within a medical setting, rather than an industrial or academic setting.