Biochemistry graduate? Jobs you can do in Nigeria

Biochemistry is a core science course studied in most universities in Nigeria. Becoming a Biochemistry graduate is no ordinary feat.

First, you have to gain admission into the university after going through a competitive admission process, then you have to cram your head with formulas, spend countless hours in the laboratory, and when you finally sign out it is like you are starting all over again.

Many of these graduates don’t even know where they can work with their hard-earned degree. Starting a career in Nigeria is challenging, to say the least, but understanding the value and use of your university education might make it easier.

If you would like to discover what jobs you can get after studying biochemistry then you are reading the right article. We will explore the various career paths you can take and what roles are associated with these job titles.

What does a biochemist do?

Biochemistry is a scientific field that involves studying the chemical processes in living organisms. If you are a trained biochemist there are chances that whatever you do involves a lot of research.

There are many branches of biochemistry including;

• Genetics
• Hematology
• Virology
• Toxicology
• Endocrinology
• Biotechnology
• Neurochemistry
• Immunology
• Molecular chemistry
• Xenobiotics
• Chemotaxonomy
• Nutrition

The work biochemists do impact a wide range of industries from healthcare to the environment. In terms of job opportunities, biochemists work in hospitals, research institutes, Pharmaceutical companies, food production companies, Universities, and secondary schools.

Our world is changing and biochemists are an important part of that change. What are some areas where biochemistry is driving change?

Healthcare– Biochemists, for example, are carrying out important cancer research, opening up a new pathway that can lead to more effective treatment. This is one of the many areas in healthcare where biochemistry is proving to be vital. Research by Biochemists is also being used to develop drugs to tackle diseases like HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, and even depression.

Food- Biochemistry finds application in food production in the areas of fortification and enrichment of food with essential nutrients. This process helps consumers benefit from healthier meals and avoid diseases that result from the deficiency of these important nutrients.

Other applications of biochemistry in food production include fermentation used in bread and alcoholic beverages. Enzymes used to speed up food production are another application.

Agriculture- Through genetic engineering, biochemists can achieve crop improvement by creating better strains that have attributes such as disease resistance, better yield, faster growth etc. This technology is valuable in combating hunger and food insecurity.

Energy- Biochemistry has been used in the production of biofuels, a renewable energy alternative to the fossil fuels used across the world. These biofuels are created from biomass by microorganisms. Biological solar cells can be used to convert sunlight to biofuels which can be used to create electricity.

Environment- Another application of biochemistry is the attempt to create a healthy environment. Biochemistry employs bioremediation techniques to salvage the environment by removing pollutants through the use of biological systems.

Jobs for Biochemistry Graduates

Where can you work as a biochemistry graduate in Nigeria? Luckily, there are so many areas where biochemists can make use of their skills. However, whether there are sufficient jobs to employ a fair amount of biochemistry graduates in Nigeria is debatable.

So, what are these jobs? I will go over some realistic jobs that directly use your skills as a biochemist and can be found in Nigeria.

1. Academic researcher

This is probably the most popular role amongst biochemistry graduates in Nigeria. Many of them want to pursue postgraduate degrees and end up in a university’s lecture room and do research work.

Academics teach in Universities, supervise projects, and carry out research to advance knowledge. They also publish research work in journals and publications. 

This job role is competitive but it is suited to people who have a flair for teaching, learning, and research.

Average monthly salary: An entry-level academic researcher can earn N130,000 in Nigeria.

2. Clinical Biochemist

Clinical biochemists work with healthcare professionals to examine samples from patients. The results are used to diagnose diseases for treatment.

So, biochemists in this field also give reports from their research to healthcare professionals.

People who work in this role typically have reporting skills, organizational skills, and laboratory work.

Average monthly salary: An entry-level clinical biochemist can earn N100,000 in Nigeria

3. Medical sales representative

Medical sales representatives sell products like pharmaceuticals and medical equipment to likely customers such as hospitals, clinical laboratories, and retail pharmacies.

They use various strategies to contact prospective clients, communicate the value of their products, and sell these products to them.

Medical sales representatives should have an understanding of the market for their products, possess excellent communication skills, and should be able to manage time and resources effectively.

Average monthly salary: An entry-level medical sales representative can earn  N80,000 in Nigeria

4. Teacher

Teaching is a noble profession. And yes, some teachers earn good salaries but I wouldn’t enter a classroom for the money if I were you.

As a Biochemist, you are qualified to prepare O’level students for Chemistry. If you love children, understand the subject very well, and have good communication skills then this might be for you.

Average monthly salary: An entry-level teacher can earn N45,000 in Nigeria on average. This figure can vary with location.

5. Research scientist

A biochemist can work with organizations as a research assistant. These organizations use scientific methods to aid the production of food or drugs and they need your skills to achieve this.

A research assistant should have good knowledge of research methods, analytical skills, reporting skills, and the ability to collaborate with others.

Average monthly salary: An entry-level research scientist can earn N120,000 on average in Nigeria.

6. Environmental scientist

Environmental scientists use their knowledge of science to investigate the impact of humans on the natural environment. They document and report their findings to their organizations. These professionals typically work for the government or NGOs in Nigeria.

Biochemists have the training to perform such tasks. To perform their jobs effectively, environmental scientists should have research skills, communication skills, the necessary knowledge of science, and collaborative skills.

Average monthly salary: An entry-level environmental scientist can earn N90,000 on average in Nigeria. Note that the salary varies with the organization.

7. Laboratory analyst

Laboratory analysts are quite similar to research analysts but with some key differences. While they assist researchers in conducting experiments and producing results, they are more concerned with the installation, operation, and maintenance of laboratory equipment which can be sometimes very expensive.

Lab analysts also conduct tests to reveal important scientific data for the benefit of their organizations.

To perform this job effectively, you need to have skills such as research skills, analytical skills, and attention to detail. Being a biochemistry graduate prepares you to perform this job.

Average monthly salary: An entry-level laboratory analyst can earn N80,000 on average in Nigeria.

8. Nutritionist

Nutritionists help patients eat right so that they can improve their health. They create diet plans for patients based on their specific health conditions and in line with the patient’s desired health goals.

These professionals usually work at healthcare facilities but they can work independently. A sound nutritionist should understand the impact of different kinds of food on the body, possess research skills, and communicate effectively with patients.

A biochemistry degree prepares you for this job.

Average monthly salary: An entry-level nutritionist can expect to earn an average of N114,000 in Nigeria.

9. Quality control officer

Quality control officers check a company’s products to ensure that they meet standards in safety, health, and efficiency. 

These professionals achieve this by closely monitoring production processes, recording areas where there are defects, and ensuring that these problems are fixed before the final product is brought to the market.

Quality control officers should be able to test products and analyze and report the results of their tests. They should also understand the legal and regulatory requirements in their industry. Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively are also a plus.

This is one job Biochemists are qualified to do especially in the pharmaceutical, food processing, and manufacturing industries.

Average monthly salary: An entry-level quality control officer can earn N80,000 in Nigeria.

Highest paying jobs in Biochemistry

Just like with any other career path, experience, and skills determine how much one can earn. The same is true for biochemistry.

Frankly, you probably know that salary expectations for jobs in science are different in Nigeria from elsewhere. So, while listing out the highest-paying jobs in biochemistry,

I am going to focus on jobs that have the highest earning potential for people who have the experience and skills to get senior roles in Nigeria.

I would list 4 of these jobs below;

• Research scientist
• Academic researcher
• Nutritionists
• Clinical Biochemists

What you should do as a biochemistry graduate

Having explored various suitable job titles for biochemistry graduates, it is also important to state that these jobs except for roles like quality control officer and medical sales representative are not easy to come by. 

Biochemistry graduates may have to depend on their own abilities to survive while preparing for future jobs. Better still, you might explore foreign job opportunities.

One good way to approach this is by applying for scholarship opportunities that would earn you a student visa to study abroad. Also, aim to study in a country that grants postgraduate work permits.

If you are stuck in Nigeria, you may have to roll up your sleeves and hussle. Having a degree in biochemistry degree can give you an edge in areas with more job opportunities like agriculture and education.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let us go over some frequently asked questions you might have related to biochemistry jobs in Nigeria.

Can a Biochemist open a pharmacy store?

Yes, a biochemist can open a pharmacy store but a professional pharmacist has to be employed in that store for it to meet the regulatory requirements of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria.

Can a Biochemist work in a hospital?

Yes, a biochemist can take up a job as a clinical biochemist in Nigeria. This role would allow them to work in hospitals

Can a Biochemist make drugs?

Yes, a biochemist has the training to carry out research that can help in the production of drugs. They play very important roles in the drug discovery process. 

Can a Biochemist open a laboratory?

Biochemists can open a research laboratory but not a clinical or diagnostic laboratory in Nigeria.

Which country has the best biochemistry jobs?

The United States (on average $8,583 per month) and Switzerland (on average $8,082 per month) have strong biotech industries and high-paying jobs for biochemists.