To become a biophysicist, you typically need a doctoral degree in biophysics, although other related disciplines, such as physics, mathematics, engineering or chemistry, might be applicable. Additionally, an undergraduate curriculum with a strong background in physics, chemistry and mathematics generally must be completed prior to the pursuit of doctoral studies in biophysics.

Doctoral programs in biophysics typically are research-intensive, though their requirements vary. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of biophysics, lab and coursework often depends on your area of interest. Classes, research and completion of your dissertation typically takes six years.

If you would like to pursue a career as a professor at the university level, you might choose to complete a post-doctoral fellowship before looking for a permanent position. As in your graduate studies, you'll conduct original research under the supervision of a principal investigator, but, as a fellow, you'll have more independence and freedom to design and carry out your own research projects. Your responsibility also will increase, and you might write grant proposals for your research or supervise graduate students, giving you experience in the classroom.

Aside from academia, you also might find work as a non-academic scientist in a government or private laboratory, nonprofit research foundation. Depending on your area of interest, additional career opportunities may exist with biotechnical, pharmaceutical, agricultural or product manufacturing companies.

Career Roles & Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct complex projects in basic and applied research
• Manage laboratory teams and monitor the quality of their work
• Isolate, analyze, and synthesize proteins, fats, DNA, and other molecules
• Research the effects of substances such as drugs, hormones, and nutrients on tissues and biological processes
• Review literature and the findings of other researchers and attend conferences
• Prepare technical reports, research papers, and recommendations based on their research findings
• Present research findings to scientists, engineers, and other colleagues
• Secure funding and write grant applications

Career Education Path Summary

Undergraduate Preparation

Although all science majors can pursue biophysics, it’s important to build a strong undergraduate foundation by taking biology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics courses and some advanced courses in fields like biochemistry and neurobiology to develop a sound background. As an undergraduate, take all opportunities to gain research experience. Finding work in a lab doing biophysics research will not only give you experience in the day-to-day life of doing research, but it will give you an invaluable perspective of what’s happening at the cutting edge of biophysics and discover what really stokes your curiosity.

Graduate Programs

Although there are many biophysics departments, many biophysics graduate programs are interdisciplinary programs housed in physics departments or different biological science programs. Biophysics research mentors can be found in almost any science department including biochemistry, pharmacology, chemistry, bioengineering, computational biology, and neurobiology. Most graduate training programs in biophysics offer a PhD degree, although a Master’s degree option exists in some institutions.