How to become An Atmospheric Chemist

• Atmospheric Researcher

What do Atmospheric Chemists do?

An Atmospheric Chemist would typically need to:

• Collect data from the surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar equipment; use charts, maps, photographs, reports, and atmospheric models to learn more about the characteristics of the atmosphere and assess the weather conditions
• Research atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate; use meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, environment, or related information to formulate forecasts
• Measure wind, temperature, and humidity in the upper atmosphere, using weather balloons; conduct wind assessment, integration, or validation studies; collect air samples from planes or ships over land or sea to study atmospheric composition
• Interpret collected data for use in meteorological reports; predict short- or long-range weather conditions for the upcoming days or weeks, by applying the knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics to computer models
• Analyze historical climate information to understand how atmospheric variables such as precipitation, temperatures, or wind speeds differ over time; detect seasonal and global patterns to predict future weather or climate trends
• Use techniques such as geophysical fluid dynamics, data assimilation, or numerical modeling
• Research the impact of industrial projects or pollution on climate, air quality, or weather phenomena; issue reports on environmental effects; look at ways to reduce polluting circumstances
• Use computer programs to analyze and interpret data; look for trends and use the data collected to explain atmospheric changes
• Apply meteorological knowledge to estimate or predict the impact of global warming, pollution control, or ozone depletion
• Consult with other offices, agencies, professionals, or researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information for weather predictions and warnings
• Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics; prepare forecasts and briefings for industry, business, government, or other groups; prepare scientific atmospheric or climate reports, articles, or texts
• Provide direct forecasting services at weather stations; broadcast weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the internet or provide this information to the news media
• Design or develop new equipment or methods for meteorological data collection, remote sensing, or related applications
• Create visualizations to illustrate historical or future changes in the earth's climate, using paleoclimate or climate geographic information systems (GIS) databases
• Write articles, reports, and research papers to share research findings with other scientists as well as with politicians, government advisors, and other stakeholders; give presentations on results at conferences or to interested organizations
• Teach college-level courses on topics such as atmospheric and space science, meteorology, or global climate change
• Engage in outreach activities with students at local schools to raise awareness of pollution issues; help people understand the changing climate to tackle the environmental crisis
• Perform managerial duties, such as creating work schedules, creating or implementing staff training, matching staff expertise to situations, or analyzing the performance of offices

Most Atmospheric Chemists work indoors in weather stations, offices, and laboratories, while some need to travel frequently to observe and compare weather events across time and distance. You might explore the atmosphere around urban areas, or you could travel to places like the Arctic or Antarctic to gather data. Those who work in the private industry may have to travel to meet with clients as well. Atmospheric Chemists spend considerable time at the computer, number-crunching data, plotting graphs, and interpreting the data collected. They wear functional clothes in the field and casuals or business casuals in offices and weather stations. While rare, some roles in laboratories require wearing lab coats and safety goggles.

Atmospheric Chemists generally work full time, but emergencies and severe weather, such as hurricanes, call for extended hours and working overnight. While 40-hour workweeks are the norm, some researchers may also work nights and weekends on particular projects.

Atmospheric Chemists move relatively quickly between the different domains of atmospheric science as there is considerable overlap among them.

Atmospheric Chemists are generally employed by:

• Weather Stations
• Meteorological Departments
• Environment or Climate Research Organisations
• Government Agencies
• Private Agencies
• Scientific Equipment Manufacturers
• Universities

The International Association of Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences (IAMAS) promotes research in all atmospheric sciences, especially programs requiring international co-operation. It is committed to the principle of free exchange of data and knowledge among nations and encourages direct scientific participation by all members.

The numerous symposia and workshops organized by the IAMAS provide its members with a platform to discuss their respective methodologies, results, and hypotheses while planning collaborative research projects. The symposia are incredibly helpful to younger scientists from developing countries.

• Uncertain travel timings, dependent on weather patterns
• Possibility of danger to self in the field
• Burnout while working on massive data sets and complex research; the negative psychological impact caused by studying rapid climate change
• The stress of meeting deadlines; high workload during severe weather and calamities

Take up opportunities to do as much varied fieldwork as and when possible, even if they are voluntary. You could find opportunities to volunteer on science expeditions or with charities. You will gain skills that help your communication and understanding of where atmospheric chemistry fits into the broader picture. Organizations like your country’s national weather service may offer authentic opportunities through internships, fellowships, and volunteer and scholarship programs.

Atmospheric Chemists typically require a bachelor's degree in atmospheric science, focusing on chemistry, physics, biology, geography, environmental studies, mathematics, geology, geophysics, and oceanography. Some courses may include a specific module on atmospheric chemistry. Coursework in remote sensing of the environment, by radar or satellite, may be a requisite.

Students who wish to pursue research should have at least a master’s degree in atmospheric chemistry to develop expert knowledge and research skills. However, a PhD will give you a competitive advantage when searching for jobs, especially in academic institutions.

Voluntary certification demonstrates competency in a skill or set of skills, typically through work experience, training, the passage of an examination, or some combination of the three. Certification from an objective and reputed organization can help an Atmospheric Chemist gain professional credibility, encourage renewal, and become an independent consultant.Voluntary certification demonstrates competency in a skill or set of skills, typically through work experience, training, the passage of an examination, or some combination of the three. Certification from an objective and reputed organization can help an Atmospheric Chemist gain professional credibility, encourage renewal, and become an independent consultant.

You can choose a more academic career that would lead to teaching and supervising. As a researcher, you can take on projects as a leader or part of a group and secure grants to secure your tenure. You can move up the career ladder through involvement in more complex science and management roles.

Besides the standard roles in academics and research, Atmospheric Chemists can choose to specialize as Atmospheric Physicists & Dynamists, Atmospheric Scientists, Broadcast Meteorologists, Climate Scientists, Climatologists, Hurricane Trackers, Weather Analysts, and Warning Coordination Meteorologists.

With stiff competition a likely prospect, aspiring Atmospheric Chemists would do well to earn a master’s degree. Knowledge of advanced mathematics will also help better job prospects because of the highly quantitative nature of much of the work in this occupation.

The limited number of research positions at colleges and universities makes them highly sought after while budget constraints limit government positions. The private industry is your best bet.

Continuing professional development is the holistic commitment of Atmospheric Chemists towards enhancing personal skills and proficiency throughout their active careers through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. There are a whole host of CPD courses, seminars, and workshops to help professionals in the field.

CPD allows individuals to upskill continually, regardless of their age, job, or level of knowledge. It prevents practical and academic qualifications from becoming outdated. It enables Atmospheric Chemists to identify any knowledge gaps and progress within a new specialism.

Atmospheric Chemists can expect support and additional training from the academic institution or from Vitae, a non-profit global leader with over 50 years’ experience in enhancing the skills of researchers. In partnership with governments, funders of research, academies, professional bodies, trusts & foundations, universities, and research institutes, Vitae offers training, resources, events, consultancy, and membership.

Links with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The work of an Atmospheric Chemist goes towards fulfilling at least a few of the 17 SDGs laid out by the United Nations. Atmospheric Chemists work in sync with the SDGs to promote the health and wellbeing of all humankind while focusing on inclusive and sustainable economic growth. They also contribute to combating climate change, creating sustainable and resilient cities, and promoting sustainable consumption and production.

Your Influence

Governments all over the world are taking action to reduce air pollution. There is a growing need for Atmospheric Chemists who can measure pollution levels and predict future trends. You could influence government policy, helping people lead healthier lives in more sustainable ways. You would also predict weather or climate trends for use by agriculture, construction, and energy industries.

The Ins and the Outs

Atmospheric chemistry is not only about the air we breathe outdoors. Some Atmospheric Chemists are also researching the quality of the air within our homes and workplaces. Their work will provide valuable information to businesses about how to improve the air quality in their workplaces and to all of us about how we can make our home environments healthier.

The Archetypical Atmospheric Chemist

The natural world fascinates you. You find it stimulating to understand how it works, how we are affecting it, and how we can minimize the harm we are causing to it. You enjoy numbers, analyzing trends, and putting together data to explain something. You seek a job that holds diversity and excitement. You want to work at the forefront of research in an area you are passionate about and stretch the horizons further.

You thrive on the challenge of trying to interpret and present the data you find. You have no qualms about working hard, and you realize that despite the rigors, you do not have as many deadlines to meet as in the typical business environment.

Tips for Aspiring Atmospheric Chemists

Environmental science needs experts from all the sciences. These experts require computer expertise as well as analytical and communication skills. Given the overlap between the different sciences, you can move between them reasonably quickly without a sense of monotony. Use your imagination and be alert to opportunities to get to where you want. With options to travel the world for fieldwork and to stay engaged, there can hardly be a dull moment in your life or career. Appear keen, and you will be much more likely to be offered a job or given another task to do, which will broaden your experience.

Halocarbons, containing carbon and one or more of the halons (chlorine, fluorine, or bromine), are man-made. When released into the atmosphere, they deplete the ozone layer and speed up global warming.

We know that climate change presents a severe threat to life on Earth. To make meaningful changes to the way the world works, we need evidence to support decision making. Atmospheric Chemists continue to open up doors to further and more abundant knowledge, overflowing in beauty and utility.

“I never see what has been done. I only see what remains to be done.”