Also called: Molecular Biophysicist
Uses physics to understand how living things work, from how proteins fold to how nerves send signals.
You might use lasers to grab a single DNA strand and stretch it, or freeze proteins and image them atom by atom with an electron microscope. Many biophysicists work on new medicines at drug companies.
Based on BLS biochemists and biophysicists.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 10 years after high school. PhD in biophysics, physics, or biochemistry.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Biophysics, Physics, Biochemistry, Chemistry.
Growing much faster than average (about 9% over 10 years).
Medium risk for 10 years. AI predicts structures and analyzes images; laser tweezers, microscopes and wet-lab experiments stay hands-on.
Classes: AP Physics, AP Biology, AP Chemistry.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-1029.
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