Career as Chemical Scientist
Chemical scientists are involved in chemical analysis, synthesis, research and sampling of solids, liquids or gases for determining their composition, properties, physical and chemical changes. Their study is used for developing new products through improved production processes and advanced scientific research. Chemistry consists of the following sub-fields and chemists usually specialise in one of these - analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry and industrial chemistry.
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Job Profile
- The job of chemical scientists depends on the area of specialisation. Chemical scientists work in production and non-production jobs.
- Non-production jobs have professional specialists, technical and managerial staff, marketing and administrative personnel.
- Production work requires handling raw material and managing the production process as well as operating highly technical equipment’s. Professional speciality occupations in the chemical industry include Chemists, Chemical Engineers, and Science and Maths Technicians.
- Study involving chemical analysis, synthesis, research, and sampling of solids, liquids or gases for determining their composition, properties, physical and chemical changes.
- Using the findings for developing new products through improved production processes and advanced scientific research
- Testing samples of materials or substances using chemical processes
- Making quantitative and qualitative analysis
- Work on research projects for improving methods of production and for devising new products
- Organic Chemists work with organic carbon compounds and specialize in petroleum, dyes, rubber, alcohol, oils, natural fats, organic acids, pesticides, organic compounds and their polymerization and precipitate products which include plastics and soaps.
- Inorganic Chemists work relates to metals, acids, salts and gases. Specialization is in production of acids, salts, minerals, metals etc.
- Physical Chemists work with metals, ores, gases, and different chemical elements and compounds to ascertain their physical and chemical properties, radioactivity, structures, atomic and molecular weights etc. Specialized work is in the area of electrochemistry, thermodynamics, chromatography etc.
- Analytical Chemists are engaged in conducting chemical analysis of inorganic and organic samples to ascertain their composition, reaction and properties. They must report their findings to medical or other authorities and even do statistical analysis.
- Industrial Chemists are primarily engaged in testing samples from production lines
- Chemical Engineers design chemical manufacturing processes and equipment.
- Chemical Engineering Technician's job is mainly related to the production processes and they work closely with Chemical Engineers in industrial production of chemicals.
- Non production jobs: The chemical industry has executive, managerial, and administrative positions. Workers in sales and marketing promote the sales of chemicals and chemical products. They work with research and development Chemists and Engineers for helping to develop new products. They also create marketing plans and inform customers of company products and services.
Employment Opportunities
Industrial growth has created a great demand for trained
chemists and this trend is expected to continue. Opportunities for
Graduate/Postgraduates in Chemistry exists in industries
manufacturing textiles, petroleum products, rubber , plastics,
agricultural products, papers, pharmaceutical, food, fertilizers,
paints and even in cosmetic and other aromatic product
manufacturing industries. All industries manufacturing chemicals
employ professionals with a background in chemistry.
The electronic, paper and pulp, metal, cement and aerospace
industries also offer employment opportunities.
Chemical scientists with interests in the environment find
opportunity for work in the water treatment, sanitary and sewage
treatment plants.
Agricultural chemists research for better and improved crop
cultivation, developing fertilizers and agricultural chemicals.
Food chemistry and technology incorporates the work chemists do in
food flavoring, pet foods, food preservatives. These are developing
areas for research and production.
Other fields offering opportunities are molecular biology,
biotechnology, and polymer chemistry.
Postgraduates/graduates from the field of Chemistry work in Sales,
Marketing and Management, Patent and product liability law,
Chemicals business market research, and public policy. Those with a
PhD work in research labs.
Opportunities for students of chemistry also exist with the
government in research laboratories. Civil services is an option
for those who prefer not to be in a scientific profession but in
administration.
Army recruits women candidates for the Army Service Corps as Food
scientists. Candidates are required to have a post graduate degree
in organic chemistry/Biochemistry of foods. Graduates in Chemistry
are enrolled for the Army ordinance corps.
Those who have commercial interest may opt for a management course
after graduating with Chemistry to find suitable employment in the
management cadres of industries marketing goods such as paints,
fertilisers, pesticides etc.
The packaging and processed foods industry offers viable
options.
In health care too Chemistry graduates are opting for Medical
Laboratory Technology as well as in sales of pharmaceutics.
Chemistry researchers work in museums in art conservation and
restoration, carbon 14 dating, and in analysying the genuineness of
artifacts through chemical procedures of analysis.
Forensic chemists work in forensic labs for crime detection.
Toxicologists are chemists studying the harmful influence of
chemicals on biological systems.
Chemists and Chemical Engineers are employed in consultancy firms
to provide specialists guidance in areas related to their research
speciality.
Recruiting Companies
Recruiting Sectors
- Government research laboratories
- Army service corps
- Army ordinance corps
- Paint manufacturing firms
- Fertiliser companies
- Food industry
- Packaging industry
- Forensic labs
- Consultancy firms
- Pharmaceutical firms and pesticide companies
- Textile manufacturers etc.
How do I get there?
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Std XII
Stream: Sc PCM
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Graduation
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Postgraduation
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Goal
Chemical Scientist
-
Std XII
Stream:Sc PCM
-
Graduation
-
Postgraduation
-
Goal
Chemical Scientist
Department of Chemical Technology, Mumbai
University of Mumbai, MumbaiFeatured Institutes in India
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Content on this page is by Career Expert Mrs. Kum Kum Tandon MA (Psychology), M.Ed, Diploma in Educational Psychology, Vocational Guidance & Counseling (NCERT, Delhi) | View Complete Profile |