Chemists

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Chemists and materials scientists search for and use new knowledge about chemicals. Chemical research has led to the discovery and development of new and improved synthetic fibers, paints, adhesives, drugs, cosmetics, electronic components, lubricants and thousands of other products. Chemists and materials scientists also develop processes that save energy and reduce pollution. Research on the chemistry of living things spurs advances in medicine, agriculture, food processing and other fields.

Materials scientists research and study the structures and chemical properties of various materials to develop new products or enhance existing ones. They also determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials for use in a variety of products. Companies whose products are made of metals, ceramics and rubber employ most material scientists.

Chemists also work in production and quality control in chemical manufacturing plants. They prepare instructions for plant workers that specify ingredients, mixing times and temperatures for each stage in the process. They also monitor automated processes to ensure proper product yield and test samples of raw materials or finished products to ensure that they meet industry and government standards, including the regulations governing pollution.

Analytical chemists determine the structure, composition and nature of substances by examining and identifying the various elements or compounds that make up a substance, which is crucial to the pharmaceutical industry. They also identify the presence and concentration of chemical pollutants in air, water and soil.

Organic chemists study the chemistry of the vast number of carbon compounds that make up all living things. They have developed many commercial products, such as drugs and plastics.

Inorganic chemists study compounds consisting mainly of elements other than carbon, such as those in electronic components. Physical and theoretical chemists study the physical characteristics of atoms and molecules and the theoretical properties of matter and investigate how chemical reactions work. Their research may result in new and better energy sources.

Macromolecular chemists study the behavior of atoms and molecules. Medicinal chemists study the structural properties of compounds intended for applications to human medicine. Materials chemists study and develop new materials to improve existing products or make new ones.
Materials scientists also may specialize in specific areas such as ceramics or metals.

Chemists and materials scientists usually work regular hours in offices and laboratories. Some chemists are exposed to health or safety hazards when handling certain chemicals, but there is little risk if proper procedures are followed.

Training and qualifications

A bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related discipline is usually the minimum educational requirement for entry-level chemist jobs. Many research jobs require a Ph.D. Some materials scientists hold a degree in materials science, but a bachelor's degree in chemistry, physics or electric engineering also is accepted. For research and development jobs, a Ph.D. in materials science or a related science is often required.

Students planning careers as chemists and materials scientists should like working with their hands building scientific apparatus and performing laboratory experiments and computer modeling. Perseverance, curiosity and the ability to concentrate on detail and to work independently are essential.

Undergraduate chemistry majors usually study biological sciences, mathematics and physics. Computer courses are essential. Because research and development chemists and materials scientists are increasingly expected to work on interdisciplinary teams, some understanding of other disciplines, including business and marketing or economics, is desirable, along with leadership ability and good oral and written communication skills.

Job outlook

Employment of chemists is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2010. Job growth will be concentrated in drug manufacturing and in research, development and testing services firms. To meet these demands, chemical firms — the major employer of chemists — will continue to devote money to research and development. Strong demand is expected for chemists with a master's or Ph.D. degree.

Within the chemical industry, job opportunities are expected to be most plentiful in pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms, which offer possibilities for the development of new drugs. Chemical firms that develop and manufacture personal products such as toiletries and cosmetics must continually innovate and develop new and better products. And as the population grows and becomes better informed, the demand for different or improved grooming products will remain strong.

In most of the remaining segments of the chemical industry, employment growth is expected to decline as companies downsize and turn to outside contractors to provide specialized services. As a result, research and testing firms will experience healthy growth. Environmental research will offer many new opportunities for chemists and materials scientists.

Earnings

Chemists and materials scientists held about 92,000 jobs in 2000. Over half of all chemists are employed in manufacturing firms - mostly in the chemical manufacturing industry

Median annual earnings of chemists in 2000 were $50,080. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of chemists in 2000 were:

Federal government $65,950
Drugs 50,820
Research and testing services 41,820

Related links

For general information on career opportunities and earnings for chemists:

American Chemical Society, Education Division, 1155 16th St. NW, Washington, DC 20036.

Information on obtaining a position as a chemist with the Federal Government is available from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) through a telephone-based system. Consult your telephone directory under U.S. Government for a local number or call (912) 757-3000; Federal Relay Service: (800) 877-8339. The first number is not toll free. Information also is available from the OPM Internet site.

For general information on materials science:

Materials Research Society, 506 Keystone Dr., Warrendale, PA 15086-7573.

Adapted from the Labor Department's Occupational Outlook Handbook.