Description
Study the physical principles that govern living cells and organisms, including mechanics, electromagnetism, and energy transfer. Conduct experimental and computational research to quantify molecular interactions, structures, and dynamics underlying metabolism, signaling, growth, and heredity. Evaluate how physical factors and agents, such as forces, fields, and drugs, affect tissues and vital processes.
- • Prepare reports or recommendations based on research outcomes.
- • Develop new biophysical methods to probe mechanisms of biological processes.
- • Manage laboratory teams and monitor data quality and safety.
- • Publish findings in scientific journals and present at conferences.
- • Develop or apply imaging, spectroscopy, or single-molecule assays to detect disease markers or abnormalities.
- • Quantify effects of drugs, fields, or mechanical forces on cells, tissues, or biomolecules.
- • Investigate how mutations alter protein structure, dynamics, and interactions related to disease.
- • Determine three-dimensional structures of macromolecules using x-ray, cryo-EM, or NMR.
- • Analyze spatial organization of subcellular structures with advanced microscopy.
- • Model the physics of living systems, including transport, mechanics, and electrophysiology.
- • Design and perform experiments using lasers, optical traps, microfluidics, or mass spectrometers.
- • Develop computational models and simulations for biomolecular or cellular dynamics.
- • Measure binding kinetics, thermodynamics, and conformational changes of biomolecules.
- • Design or build instrumentation, sensors, or custom apparatus for specialized experiments.
- • Use isotopic or spectroscopic tracers to study transformations in cells.
- • Collaborate with clinicians or biologists to translate biophysical insights to diagnostics or therapies.
- • Teach, mentor, or supervise students and research staff.
- • Write grant proposals to obtain research funding.
- • Maintain and calibrate complex instruments and establish standard operating procedures.
- • Integrate and analyze large experimental datasets using statistical or machine-learning methods.
- • Ensure compliance with ethical, biosafety, and data integrity standards.
- • Develop methods to process, store, or analyze biophysical data.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
