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ESCO occupation

biophysicist

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Biophysicists study the existing relation between living organisms and physics. They conduct research on living organisms based on the methods of physics that aim to explain the complexity of life, predict patterns, and draw conclusions about aspects of life. Biophysicists' research fields cover DNA, proteins, molecules, cells, and environments.

2131.4.4 ISCO 2131 ESCO source
Competences
75
Groups
4
Essential
48
Optional
27

Competences and skills

75 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 11 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
protein

The nutrients that provide living organisms with the energy to live and operate.

ESCO source

Sector-specific

4 competences
genomics

The field of study in relation to whole genomes of organisms, as well as their genetic or epigenetic sequence of information. It aims to provide knowledge about the downstream of biological products and the analysis of the structure and function of these sequences through employing recombinant DNA and bioinformatics approaches.

ESCO source
proteomics

The study of proteomes (i.e., the complements of proteins within cells, tissues or organisms), and their interactions and behaviours, under specific conditions.

ESCO source
spectroscopy

The scientific field that focuses on investigating and measuring spectra that are produced through electromagnetic radiation either in the form of materials interaction with radiations or their emission.

ESCO source
stem cells

The biological development of human embryonic stem cells, together with the ethical concerns related and the legal requirements involved.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

6 competences
biology

Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.

green
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life sciences

The study of the processes related to cells, molecules and living organisms.

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multidisciplinary research

The research technique where a common issue is investigated using approaches from different disciplines with the aim of finding a comprehensive solution to it.

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physics

The natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.

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scientific literature

The medium of informing the scientific community, including academic researchers, about the results of scientific research. It constitutes a permanent and cumulative collection of all the findings of scientific research in various fields and at any point in time.

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scientific research methodology

The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

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Essential skills and competences 37 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

7 competences
analyse cell cultures

Analyse cell cultures grown from tissue samples, performing also screening of the cervical smear to detect fertility issues.

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analyse experimental laboratory data

Analyse experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings

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conduct research on fauna

Collect and analyse data about animal life in order to discover the basic aspects such as origin, anatomy, and function.

green
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conduct research on flora

Collect and analyse data about plants in order to discover their basic aspects such as origin, anatomy, and function.

green
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examine cell specimens microscopically

Prepare and put the cell specimens received for examination on slides, stain and mark cellular changes and abnormalities.

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manage intellectual property rights

Deal with the private legal rights that protect the products of the intellect from unlawful infringement.

research
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operate open source software

Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.

digitalresearch
ESCO source

Cross-sector

30 competences
apply for research funding

Identify key relevant funding sources and prepare research grant application in order to obtain funds and grants. Write research proposals.

research
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apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities

Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.

research
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apply scientific methods

Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.

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communicate with a non-scientific audience

Communicate about scientific findings to a non-scientific audience, including the general public. Tailor the communication of scientific concepts, debates, findings to the audience, using a variety of methods for different target groups, including visual presentations.

research
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conduct research across disciplines

Work and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries.

research
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demonstrate disciplinary expertise

Demonstrate deep knowledge and complex understanding of a specific research area, including responsible research, research ethics and scientific integrity principles, privacy and GDPR requirements, related to research activities within a specific discipline.

research
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develop professional network with researchers and scientists

Develop alliances, contacts or partnerships, and exchange information with others. Foster integrated and open collaborations where different stakeholders co-create shared value research and innovations. Develop your personal profile or brand and make yourself visible and available in face-to-face and online networking environments.

research
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disseminate results to the scientific community

Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.

research
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draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation

Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.

research
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evaluate research activities

Review proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.

research
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gather experimental data

Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.

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increase the impact of science on policy and society

Influence evidence-informed policy and decision making by providing scientific input to and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders.

research
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integrate gender dimension in research

Take into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).

research
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interact professionally in research and professional environments

Show consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.

research
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manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data

Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary.

digitalresearch
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manage open publications

Be familiar with Open Publication strategies, with the use of information technology to support research, and with the development and management of CRIS (current research information systems) and institutional repositories. Provide licensing and copyright advice, use bibliometric indicators, and measure and report research impact.

digitalresearch
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manage personal professional development

Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders. Pursue a cycle of self-improvement and develop credible career plans.

research
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manage research data

Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be familiar with open data management principles.

digitalresearch
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mentor individuals

Mentor individuals by providing emotional support, sharing experiences and giving advice to the individual to help them in their personal development, as well as adapting the support to the specific needs of the individual and heeding their requests and expectations.

research
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perform laboratory tests

Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.

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perform project management

Manage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific goal within a set time and budget.

research
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perform scientific research

Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.

research
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promote open innovation in research

Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.

research
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promote the participation of citizens in scientific and research activities

Engage citizens in scientific and research activities and promote their contribution in terms of knowledge, time or resources invested.

research
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promote the transfer of knowledge

Deploy broad awareness of processes of knowledge valorisation aimed to maximise the two–way flow of technology, intellectual property, expertise and capability between the research base and industry or the public sector.

research
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publish academic research

Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal academic accreditation.

research
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speak different languages

Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.

research
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synthesise information

Critically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.

research
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think abstractly

Demonstrate the ability to use concepts in order to make and understand generalisations, and relate or connect them to other items, events, or experiences.

research
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write scientific publications

Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.

research
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Optional knowledge 14 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

10 competences
alternative fuels

Fuels or power sources that serve, at least partly, as a substitute in the traditional energy supply to transport such as oil and fossil sources. They have the potential to contribute to decarbonisation efforts and enhance the environmental performance of the economy and transport sector.

green
Scope note
Alternative Fuels Directive includes: -Electricity Hydrogen -Biofuels -Synthetic and paraffinic fuels -Natural gas including biomethane in gaseous form (compressed natural gas (CNG) -Liquefied Natural gas (liquefied natural gas (LNG) -Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
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biological chemistry

Biological chemistry is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.

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computational biology

The interdisciplinary scientific field that focus on employing data analytics and theories to investigate biological systems obtained through experiments.

digital
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computational chemistry

The branch of chemistry that aims at addressing complex chemical problems through computer simulations.

digital
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cryopreservation

Cryopreservation deals with procedures, risks and conditions applied to cells or tissues in order to prevent contamination and damage. It refers to the preservation of embryos, eggs, semen and testicle tissue by cooling to very low temperatures (typically -80 or -196°C).

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microbiology-bacteriology

Microbiology-Bacteriology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.

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osteology

The scientific study of human and animal skeletons, bone structure and specific bones. Osteology examines the bone structure as a whole and specific bones. The research can focus on diseases, function or pathology of bones.

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stem cells

The biological development of human embryonic stem cells, together with the ethical concerns related and the legal requirements involved.

ESCO source
supercomputing

The process of dealing with complex data-related problems through multiple computers working in parallel (i.e., a supercomputer). It is used in several fields such as quantum mechanics, molecular modeling, aerodynamics and nuclear fusion research.

digital
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synthetic biology

The field of science that is interdisciplinary between engineering and biology. It aims at redesigning organisms and fabricate biological components and engineering them to have new abilities. It is used by researchers to solve problems in the medical sector, manufacturing and agriculture.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

4 competences
molecular biology

The interactions between the various systems of a cell, the interactions between the different types of genetic material and how these interactions are regulated.

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organic chemistry

The chemistry of compounds and substances containing carbon.

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quantitative analysis

The technique of employing statistical and mathematical modelling and measurement to represent a specific reality through numbers.

digital
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virology

The structure, characteristics, evolution and interactions of viruses and the diseases they cause.

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Optional skills and competences 13 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

2 competences
analyse medication's impact on brain

Consult on pharmaceutical drug trials that might impact the central nervous system.

ESCO source
conduct genome research

Conduct research on matters relating to the genome, including gene expression, metabolic networks and nucleic acid or protein complexes.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

11 competences
apply blended learning

Be familiar with blended learning tools by combining traditional face-to-face and online learning, using digital tools, online technologies, and e-learning methods.

digitalresearch
ESCO source
apply statistical analysis techniques

Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.

digital
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calibrate laboratory equipment

Calibrate laboratory equipment by comparing between measurements: one of known magnitude or correctness, made with a trusted device and a second measurement from another piece of laboratory equipment. Make the measurements in as similar a way as possible.

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collect biological data

Collect biological specimens, record and summarise biological data for use in technical studies, developing environmental management plans and biological products.

green
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collect samples for analysis

Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.

Scope note
Follow the procedures required for the collection of materials and products for laboratory analysis.
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execute analytical mathematical calculations

Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.

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operate scientific measuring equipment

Operate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.

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operate telescopes

Set up and adjust telescopes in order to look at phenomena and objects outside Earth's atmosphere.

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teach in academic or vocational contexts

Instruct students in the theory and practice of academic or vocational subjects, transferring the content of own and others' research activities.

research
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use measurement instruments

Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.

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write research proposals

Synthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the relevant subject and field of study.

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