How to become A Chemist

• Analytical Chemist
• Physical Chemist
• Organic Chemist
• Inorganic Chemist
• Computational Chemist
• Theoretical Chemist
• Forensic Chemist

What do Chemists do?

A Chemist would typically need to:

• Collaborate with senior management to identify areas of interest, followed by planning and executing complex research projects, such as developing new products, and testing methods
• Provide instruction on appropriate, safe and advanced experimental protocols, including reagents, reaction processes, and required conditions
• Prepare solutions, mixtures, and compounds used as starting materials, intermediates or finished products in different laboratory procedures
• Analyze substances using a range of diverse techniques to characterize materials and determine their properties
• Comply with lab safety protocols, contribute to sustainable and green chemistry by improving existing laboratory procedures and finding alternative safer options
• Write technical reports and publish research papers that detail methods and findings; present research findings to scientists, engineers, and other colleagues
• Purchase, maintain, troubleshoot laboratory instruments and supplies; make detailed inventories of chemicals and reagents
• Collaborate with different STEM disciplines, research institutions, or industrial firms for key advancements; travel for testing and conferences when necessary
• Use technology and computational Chemistry to further or consolidate research
• Oversee the construction, operation, maintenance and modification of new laboratories, pilot facilities, processing units or facilities
• Provide hands-on and theoretical training and supervision
• Help develop guidelines for the handling of dangerous chemicals, environmental protection legislation, specifications for foods, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods
• Keep up-to-date with current scientific endeavors and breakthroughs by networking, reading journals, and attending webinars and conferences

Chemists typically work in both laboratories and offices. In the labs, they work with a range of equipment and chemical reagents to perform experiments followed by time in the office analyzing and processing the results to plan out the next steps. While Chemists perform a large part of the experimental work individually, most also need to work as part of interdisciplinary teams.

Chemists who work for manufacturing companies may have to travel occasionally, especially if their company has multiple facilities. Others may work outdoors to collect samples and conduct an onsite analysis of air, soil, or water.

Chemists must wear protective clothing like lab coats and items of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and goggles when handling any chemicals in the laboratory. Their dress code in other situations may be business casual unless otherwise specified.

Chemists typically work full time and keep regular hours. Occasionally, they may have to work additional hours to meet project deadlines or perform time-sensitive laboratory experiments during off-hours.

While some Chemists choose to work in industrial professions, particularly in the research and development (R&D) sector, others decide to pursue the academic career path and become high school teachers or university professors. A growing number of Chemists work in interdisciplinary fields, such as biochemistry and geochemistry.

Chemists are generally employed by:

• University Research Groups
• Chemical Manufacturing Companies
• Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Companies
• Paint Manufacturing Companies
• Food & Nutrition Companies
• Cosmetics Companies
• FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) Companies
• Contract Research Organizations & Testing Laboratories
• Government
• Forensic Institutions
• Administrative & Support Services
• Waste Management & Remediation Services

Professional associations and organizations are a crucial resource for Chemists in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more looks excellent on your resume to bolster your credentials and qualifications.

• Exposure to health or safety hazards when handling certain chemicals without following proper procedures
• Understanding, memorizing and retaining a large amount of information/knowledge about the reactivity of various substances and use of different equipment
• Understanding concepts that may not be tangible or visible and communicating findings and results in a wide range of audiences
• Repeated failure to achieve useful results from lab experiments
• Physical fatigue from long hours spent standing and using wrists and hands
• Obtaining funding for research projects
• Comparatively lower salaries in research-based jobs

Laboratory experience through internships, fellowships, or work-study programs in industry will prove useful for aspiring Chemists. Some universities offer cooperative programs in which students gain work experience while pursuing a degree.

Most employers require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in Chemistry, with many preferring an advanced degree such as a master’s or a doctorate (depending on the industry). These degrees can be obtained through local colleges, universities, or accredited educational institutions. Chemists with a PhD and postdoctoral experience typically lead teams engaged in basic or applied research.

Undergraduate Chemistry students are typically required to take courses in Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry. Besides, they take classes in math, biological sciences, and physics. Computer science courses are essential because Chemists need computer skills to perform modeling and simulation tasks, manage and manipulate databases, and operate computerized laboratory equipment.

Graduate students studying chemistry commonly specialize in a subfield such as analytical Chemistry. For example, those interested in researching the pharmaceutical industry usually develop a strong background in medicinal or organic Chemistry.

Combined programs, which offer an accelerated bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Chemistry, are also offered by universities.

Voluntary certification from an objective, credible, and reputed organization is often seen as evidence of a Chemist’s drive and motivation, giving them a leg up for raises and promotions.

Successful certification programs serve and protect the public welfare by investigating Chemists that practice outside of the program’s Code of Ethics. They help a profession secure its future by earning trust and respect.

Chemists typically receive greater responsibility and independence in their work as they gain experience. Greater responsibility also is gained through further education. Chemists with a PhD usually lead research teams and have control over the direction and content of projects. Even PhD holders have room to advance as they gain experience. As Chemists become more proficient in managing research projects, they may take on larger, more complicated, and expensive projects. After reaching a specific salary band, Chemists may choose to continue following the technical career path and become Technical Leaders or ranch off to the managerial track. Some even acquire an MBA degree to facilitate rising in administrative positions.

Lab experience outside of a classroom, such as with an internship, can improve job prospects for new Chemistry graduates. Advanced degrees and work experience, especially with green Chemistry, can increase your opportunities, and jobs will continue to be available due to the need to replace Chemists leaving the occupation.

With experience and advanced education in the form of a doctorate, Chemists can become Lead Researchers. Additional expertise can mean assignments that include working on more prominent and more complex projects with multiple stakeholders.

From Lab Work to Communicating Science Stories

The Chemist designation covers a lot of ground—from research and development to sales and including production and quality control. In the lab, Chemists are in charge of analyzing the properties of molecules and investigating novel reaction pathways. In the plant, they design and optimize continuous production facilities while ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards. Chemists can also be in charge of marketing chemicals and communicating science stories.

Tools of the Trade

They also use computers and a wide variety of specialized software for modeling, simulation, and data analysis. For example, some Chemists use three-dimensional computer modeling software to study the structure and properties of complex molecules.

Multidisciplinary Team Work

The number of scientific research projects that involve cross-collaboration between multiple disciplines, such as biology, physics, computer science, mathematics, and engineering, is increasing. For example, in pharmaceutical research, Chemists may work with biologists to develop new drugs and with engineers to design ways to mass-produce the new drugs.

Additional Avenues for Chemists

Chemists may also utilize their science background and transferable skills in other areas such as patent law, regulatory services, science journalism, quality control and assurance, instrument manufacturing, marketing, and consulting.

More about Research

Some Chemists work in basic research. Others work in applied research. In basic research, Chemists investigate the interactions between different elements and compounds and explore the properties, composition, and structure of matter. In applied research, Chemists study potential new products and ways to improve existing ones. Chemistry research has led to the discovery and development of new and improved drugs, plastics, fertilizers, flavors, batteries, cleaners, and thousands of other products.

Specialization

Chemists often specialize in a particular branch of the field. Knowing what areas of study and work are available is essential when you are career planning. Analytical Chemists Analytical Chemists determine the chemical structure, composition, and nature of substances using a range of analytical techniques such as spectroscopy and microscopy. Their research has a wide range of applications in food safety, pharmaceuticals, pollution control, and much more.

Physical Chemists

Physical Chemists study the fundamental characteristics of chemical processes and how matter behaves on a molecular and atomic level and how chemical reactions occur. They often work closely with materials scientists, theoretical chemists, and mathematicians.

Inorganic Chemists

Inorganic Chemists study the structure, properties, and reactions of molecules that do not contain carbon, such as metals. They figure out how these materials, such as ceramics and superconductors, can be modified, separated, or used in products.

Organic Chemists

Organic Chemists study the structure, properties, and reactions of molecules that contain carbon. They also design and make new organic substances, via a range of synthetic reaction pathways. These substances have unique properties and applications, mainly commercial products such as pharmaceuticals and plastics.

Forensic Chemists

Forensic Chemists analyze chemical-based evidence on crime sites to identify unknown substances and help solve criminal investigations. Testing can involve working with DNA or drug products, followed by in-depth analysis, and presentation of findings to the team or testifying in court.

Medicinal Chemists

Medicinal Chemists research and develop chemical compounds that can be used as pharmaceutical drugs. They also help improve new and improved manufacturing processes to produce new medications on a large scale.

Theoretical and Computational Chemists

Theoretical and Computational Chemists investigate theoretical methods and reasoning that can predict and explain the outcomes of chemical experiments. They require a deep understanding of chemical concepts, Quantum Chemistry, and programming, and computational software.

Technetium is the first artificially-made element, discovered in Italy in 1937. The name comes from ‘technetos,’ Greek for ‘artificial.’

As a Chemist, you can explore interactions between different types of matter and mold this understanding to advance scientific applications for the betterment of society. The countless intersections between daily life and Chemistry give you ample opportunities to unleash your curiosity and problem-solving skills. You can discover new molecules for pharmaceutical products, improve the flavors of well-loved consumer foods, or even enhance a perfume’s notes! All outstanding work results from immense zeal applied to a great idea.

Think like a proton, and stay positive. Time and patience nurture any scientific work from conception to successful results. Keep questioning and delving deeper into the unknown by thinking outside the box.