Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.
<ul><li>Study physical principles of living cells or organisms and their electrical or mechanical energy, applying methods and knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology.</li><li>Share research findings by writing scientific articles or by making presentations at scientific conferences.</li><li>Prepare reports or recommendations, based upon research outcomes.</li><li>Teach or advise undergraduate or graduate students or supervise their research.</li><li>Manage laboratory teams or monitor the quality of a team's work.</li><li>Determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules.</li><li>Isolate, analyze, or synthesize vitamins, hormones, allergens, minerals, or enzymes and determine their effects on body functions.</li><li>Develop new methods to study the mechanisms of biological processes.</li><li>Study the mutations in organisms that lead to cancer or other diseases.</li><li>Study the chemistry of living processes, such as cell development, breathing and digestion, or living energy changes, such as growth, aging, or death.</li><li>Investigate the nature, composition, or expression of genes or research how genetic engineering can impact these processes.</li><li>Design or perform experiments with equipment such as lasers, accelerators, or mass spectrometers.</li><li>Study spatial configurations of submicroscopic molecules, such as proteins, using x-rays or electron microscopes.</li><li>Develop or execute tests to detect diseases, genetic disorders, or other abnormalities.</li></ul>