| Chemistry
deals with the basic laws of the physical world and the investigation
of the composition and properties of matter. The application of
these laws to specific areas has resulted in many discoveries which
make our lives more comfortable, healthy and productive.
Everything in the environment,
whether naturally occurring or of human design, is composed of
chemicals. Chemists 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 material scientists also develop processes that save
energy and reduce pollution, such as improved oil refining and
petrochemical processing methods. Research on the chemistry of living
things spurs advances in medicine, agriculture, food processing, and
other fields. Biochemists study the chemical composition of
living things. They analyze the complex chemical combinations and
reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity.
Biochemists and molecular biologists do most of their work in
biotechnology, which involves understanding the complex chemistry of
life.
Many chemists work in research and
development (R&D). In basic research, they investigate properties,
composition, and structure of matter and the laws that govern the
combination of elements and reactions of substances. In applied
R&D, they create new products and processes or improve existing
ones, often using knowledge gained from basic research. For example,
synthetic rubber and plastics resulted from research on small
molecules uniting to form large ones, a process called polymerization.
R&D chemists and material scientists use computers and a wide
variety of sophisticated laboratory instrumentation for modeling and
simulation in their work.
The use of computers to analyze
complex data has had the dramatic impact of allowing chemists and
materials scientists to practice combinatorial chemistry. This
technique makes and tests large quantities of chemical compounds
simultaneously in order to find compounds with desired properties. As
an integral part of drug and materials discovery, combinatorial
chemistry speeds up material designing and research and development,
permitting useful compounds to be developed more quickly and
inexpensively than was formerly possible. Combinatorial chemistry has
allowed chemists to produce thousands of compounds each year and to
assist in the completion of sequencing human genes.
Career Sources and Professional
Organizations
Sample Job Titles
| Entry
Level: |
Experienced: |
| |
Analytical
Chemist |
|
Biochemist/Chemist |
| |
Associate
Chemist |
|
Clinical
Chemist |
| |
Biological
Technician |
|
Food
Scientist |
| |
Clinical
Technician |
|
Pharmaceutical
Researcher |
| |
Laboratory
Technician |
|
Pharmacologist |
| |
Quality
Control Technician |
|
Physician/Surgeon |
| |
Research
Assistant |
|
Research
Chemist |
Enhancing Employability
- A Ph.D. degree usually is required
for independent research, but a master’s degree is sufficient
for some jobs in applied research or product development; a
bachelor’s degree is adequate for some non-research jobs.
- Computer-related art skills
- Independent research
- Required
courses in chemistry and biology
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and
in a team environment
- communicate clearly and concisely,
both orally and in writing
- Grant-writing skills
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