Biophysiker/Biophysikerin

Biophysical Journal, European Biophysics Journal, Physics in Perspective, Physics Today, Physik in unserer Zeit, pro-physik.de, Spektrum der Wissenschaft, The European Physical Journal (EPJ), Welt der Physik, Zeitschrift für Naturforschung B. A Journal of Chemical Sciences.

The following interests are important and helpful for success in this field of study. Interests are listed in order of their importance. Activities are provided for illustration for each area of interest. Interest in theoretical-abstract activities (e.g., researching the function of metabolic processes and nervous systems), interest in organizational-auditing activities (e.g., weighing substances for specific experiments, checking cell growth under the microscope).

Biophysicists primarily work in laboratories, in office and meeting rooms, and in lecture halls and seminar rooms (when teaching). Additionally, they may also work from a home office or remotely.

Core competencies acquired or deepened during the university studies (Studium): Applied physics, biophysics, development, research, medical physics, medical technology, biomedical technology, measurement methods (handling, determining, etc.), physical measurement and testing procedures. Further competencies that may be significant for practicing this profession: Application technology, application consulting, biochemistry, biotechnology, bioprocess engineering, preparing specialist publications, expert/appraiser activity, laboratory work, laboratory technology, laser technology, teaching (university), nanotechnology, neurobiology, patent and trademark law, project management, quality management, radiation physics, technical optics, theoretical physics, presentation activities, scientific documentation.

The progressive digitalization of the working and professional world can change task areas and requirement profiles. For biophysicists, there may be an opportunity to engage with the following technologies, procedures, or systems: 3-D printing (e.g., producing organic research objects using 3-D printers), 3-D simulation (e.g., visualizing the molecular mechanism of action of new drugs with the help of a 3-D simulation), blended learning (e.g., preparing teaching material for the combination of virtual learning settings and in-person events), digital whiteboard (e.g., using an interactive, digital whiteboard during university lectures), laboratory information systems - LIS (e.g., examining nerve cells of the human brain with networked laboratory devices), Massive Open Online Course - MOOC (e.g., conducting online courses at a university), medical nano and microrobots (e.g., developing and testing microrobots for medical purposes), numerical simulation (e.g., biophysical p).

Biophysicists research and analyze the function and development of biological systems and apply their research results, for example, to develop new biomaterials. This requires a systematic-methodical and precise approach. Collaboration with specialists from other fields such as molecular biology or genetics requires interdisciplinary thinking and teamwork skills. High demands are placed on their communication skills. English language skills, both spoken and written, are necessary in international project teams, at conferences, or for reading specialist literature. In the private sector or public institutions, as well as when acquiring research funds (third-party funds), negotiation skills and persuasiveness play a major role. If they lead a team as a project manager, their tasks include organization, planning, and personnel management. In teaching at universities, they also apply pedagogical and subject-specific didactic skills.

Biophysicists can become self-employed, for example, as consultants in biotechnological research and development or as experts and specialists.

Example gross basic remuneration in the public service collective bargaining area (monthly): 4,489 € to 6,765 €. Example gross basic remuneration in the commercial sector (monthly): 6,378 € to 6,650 €. Sources: Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Länder (TV-L), Collective Agreement Collection of the Bavarian State Ministry for Family, Labour and Social Affairs. This information is for orientation purposes only; no claims can be derived from it.

Natural, engineering, agricultural sciences and medicine; other research and development in natural, engineering, agricultural sciences and medicine (e.g., biophysical research institutes and societies, medical technology and environmental technology research institutes); universities, universities of applied sciences, professional academies (e.g., biophysical laboratories); medical technology, orthopedics, dental technology (e.g., manufacturing of radiation and electrotherapy equipment and electromedical devices, manufacturing of medical and dental apparatus and materials n.e.c.); healthcare (e.g., university hospitals, research in radiation and environmental biophysics); chemistry (e.g., manufacturing of basic chemicals, fertilizers and nitrogen compounds, plastics in primary forms and synthetic rubber in primary forms, especially biotechnology companies); pharmaceuticals (e.g., manufacturing of pharmaceutical specialties and other pharmaceutical products, e.g., research).

Those who wish to work in this profession generally need a completed undergraduate (grundständig) degree in biophysics or physics. Leadership positions or specialized tasks usually require a master's (Masterstudium) degree. Activities in science and research often require a doctorate (Promotion) or habilitation (Habilitation).

Biophysics (undergraduate), Biophysics (postgraduate), Physics (undergraduate), Physics (postgraduate).

Biophysicists primarily find employment in research institutes, universities, university hospitals, and in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. They also find employment with manufacturers of medical technology devices or lasers, in the field of DNA-chip technology, and in companies in the semiconductor industry.

Biophysicist. Job title in English: Biophysicist (m/f). Job title in French: Biophysicien/Biophysicienne.

To practice this profession, certain key characteristics are required: Willingness to perform and commitment (e.g., readiness to take on additional, technically demanding laboratory and monitoring tasks during work bottlenecks), perseverance and determination (e.g., persistently working on the lengthy development of new biomaterials or biosensors despite setbacks), conscientiousness (e.g., careful evaluation of measurement results from complex metabolic processes), independent working style (e.g., independently planning and conducting experimental series in development and testing laboratories), willingness to learn (e.g., staying informed about new research findings).

Biophysicists research biological systems using principles and approaches from physics and apply their research findings in the economy.

analytik.de, Biologie.de, BiologyJobs.com, Bionity.com Karriere, hum-molgen, jobvector, life-science Karriere Services, nature careers, pro-physik.de, SciTechCareer.

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), Gewerkschaft Erziehung und Wissenschaft (GEW), Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), SPECTARIS - Dt. Ind.-Verband f. opt., medizin. und mechatron. Technologien e.V., VBIO Verband Biologie, Biowissenschaften und Biomedizin in Deutschland e.V.

Biophysicists take responsibility for individuals (e.g., teaching and supervising students). They work with technical devices, machines, and systems (e.g., various measuring and testing devices, laboratory and research facilities). Screen work (for evaluating and presenting results) is common. Protective clothing and equipment are worn (e.g., lab coat, protective gloves, and safety glasses in the lab). Work takes place in laboratories, offices (e.g., documentation activities), and classrooms/training rooms (e.g., conducting lectures in auditoriums or seminar rooms). Exposure to smoke, dust, gases, and vapors (e.g., handling hazardous vapors and solvents) and working under odor influence (exposure to sharp, acidic, or alcoholic disinfectants and solvents) can occur. Work is often under artificial lighting (in laboratories) and involves irregular working hours (e.g., during ongoing monitoring of experimental series).

Biophysicists can work in various fields: laboratory analysis, laboratory management, teaching at universities, lecturing at universities and academies, study program coordination, quality assurance and management (as a manager in quality management or quality assurance), process and product development (as a head of research and development or product developer), as an approval officer, and in scientific research (as a research associate, head of a research group, or scientific staff member).

Objects of study include cells, larger cell clusters, tissues, organs, higher organisms, and biomaterials. Laboratory equipment and chemicals (such as temperature and pressure gauges, spectrometers, atomic force microscopes, oscilloscopes, particle accelerators, research reactors, incubators, disinfectants, and solvents) are used. Data and documents (such as measurement and investigation results, assembly and circuit diagrams, project plans, expert opinions, presentation materials, technical publications, and legal regulations) as well as office equipment like PCs, internet access, and telephones are also work tools.

Biophysicists work in various fields. In research, they investigate physical laws affecting living systems, for example, dealing with radiation biophysics, examining the biological effects of electromagnetic fields, and the mechanical properties of biomaterials. They publish their research findings and conduct lectures at universities. They work where both physical-technical and biological knowledge is required, such as in biotechnological, pharmaceutical, or medical technology companies. They also work on new biomaterials, biosensors, in project management, quality assurance, or prepare expert opinions for companies.

Continuing education for professional adaptation helps to keep professional knowledge up-to-date and adapt it to new developments (e.g., in the fields of physics, physical measurement technology, biology, research and development).

Bachelor's graduates can expand their career opportunities through further Studium (higher education), for example, in physics, biophysics, or biotechnology. A Promotion (doctorate) is generally required for a scientific career at a university; to become a university professor, a Habilitation (postdoctoral lecturing qualification) is usually needed. A doctorate may also facilitate access to higher professional positions in the private sector, in research, and in public administration.

Conduct basic research, e.g., in radiation biophysics; apply physical-technical and biological knowledge in the pharmaceutical and medical technology industries or in biotech companies; develop new research methods for biology, pharmacy, and medicine; engage in science and teaching, participate in research projects and write reports; research the functions of metabolic processes and nervous systems; observe the effects of drugs, e.g., on proteins in the body; investigate the interactions of electromagnetic fields with living systems; conduct lectures and, if necessary, administer exams; hold (project) management and staff positions in companies in research and development; develop new imaging techniques, e.g., to visualize bacterial infections in the body; develop new biomaterials, e.g., bioplastics; work on the development of biosensors.

The following additional employment alternatives are available for the profession of biophysicist: Scientific research field, Physicist, Human Biologist, Molecular Biologist. Commonalities: Conducting measurement and analysis procedures as well as laboratory examinations, setting up experimental and production apparatuses, monitoring processes and documenting, evaluating, and interpreting results. Note: The mentioned job alternatives may require a longer training period or an additional Ausbildung (vocational training).

Biophysicists research the function and development of biological systems using principles and approaches from physics and apply their research findings in various areas of the economy. They conduct research and teach at universities and institutes. In doing so, they use methods from physics (especially laser physics and modern optics), material and surface sciences, and other technologies. For example, they track complex metabolic processes to gain insights into the formation and breakdown of substances in the body or to understand communication or localization systems of living organisms. One of the most important areas is medical research. Together with clinical doctors, biophysicists are, for example, investigating the mechanisms of respiratory and lung diseases in smokers. They research new methods for observing the mode of action of medicines or deal with physical interactions.

The following abilities, knowledge, and skills are required for performing possible activities in this Studium (university degree) profession. Abilities: Numerical (computational) thinking (e.g., applying mathematical methods and models to describe and explain biophysical relationships), figural-spatial thinking (e.g., understanding three-dimensional models and simulations to represent biophysical processes), technical understanding (e.g., developing and optimizing medical technology devices), ability to plan and organize (e.g., taking on planning and coordination tasks in project groups). Knowledge and skills: Calculation skills (e.g., calculating biomaterial compositions).

The exercise of the profession may entail the following physical requirements. This information does not necessarily apply to every activity profile or every professional application. Functionality of arms and hands (e.g., setting up experimental arrangements for physical experiments), fine motor skills of hands and fingers (e.g., assembling temperature control cells), near vision - even corrected (e.g., evaluating screen results and preparing for presentations; working with a microscope; reading measuring devices), color vision (e.g., recognizing color changes in experiments or processes), spatial vision (e.g., recognizing three-dimensional structures of chips or distributions of electromagnetic fields in body models), hearing and speech comprehension (e.g., discussing research results with specialists from molecular biology or genetics). Note: This information does not form a basis for legal action and is not in this sense.

The following lists professions or activities that show similarities to the original profession. These professions represent a possible alternative for applicants who cannot find a vacant position in their learned profession. In addition, employers can consider specialists from these professions as alternatives for filling a job in the original profession. Some alternative professions only comprise partial activities of the original profession, others require an induction period, which can vary in length in individual cases. The following immediate employment and staffing alternatives are available for the profession of biophysicist: Job and staffing alternatives in related professions: Medical Physicist. A list of all possible degrees of kinship can be found here: Explanations of the individual degrees of kinship.

The activity as a biophysicist is not regulated. No professional recognition is necessary to work in this profession with a qualification acquired abroad. However, there is the possibility to apply for an individual certificate evaluation for foreign university degrees by the Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen (ZAB) (Central Office for Foreign Education). This can be helpful for applications in the German labor market. Further information on living and working in Germany: Hotline Arbeiten und Leben in Deutschland - central information hotline of the Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (BAMF) (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees) and the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BA) (Federal Employment Agency). For people from abroad - an information offer from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit. Zentrale Auslands- und Fachvermittlung der Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Central International and Specialist Placement of the Federal Employment Agency). Make it in Germany - The welcome portal of the Fachkräfte-Offensive (Skilled Workers Initiative) for international skilled workers.

The following health limitations could lead to problems when performing the profession. This information may not necessarily apply to every activity profile or every professional application. Increasingly, there are also ways to compensate for limitations, for example, with technical aids. Restricted functionality of arms and hands (e.g., setting up experimental arrangements for physical experiments), restricted fine motor skills of hands and fingers (e.g., assembling temperature control cells), uncorrectable near vision impairment (e.g., evaluating results on screen and preparing for presentations; working with a microscope; reading measuring devices), color vision deficiencies (e.g., recognizing color changes in experiments or procedures), absent/impaired spatial vision (e.g., recognizing three-dimensional structures of chips or distributions of electromagnetic fields in body models), hearing impairment, hard of hearing, deafness, hearing disorder.

The following alternative occupations are available for the Biophysicist profession from an employer's perspective: In the field of scientific research: Physicist, Biologist, Human Biologist, Molecular Biologist. Commonalities: Conducting measurement and analysis procedures as well as laboratory examinations, setting up experimental and production apparatuses, monitoring processes and documenting, evaluating, and interpreting results. Note: The mentioned alternative occupations may require an induction period, which can vary in length depending on the individual case.