Research
Opportunities in Research
Opportunities abound for chemists desiring careers in research. Of the nearly 200,000 chemists in the work force, roughly two-thirds are engaged in research. The majority of these are employed by the chemical, pharmaceutical and related industries, while a significant number are employed by academic institutions, and a somewhat smaller number by government.
About three-fourths of the industrial research is applied research, which is designed to find solutions to some specific need of society. For instance, products such as biodegradable detergents and fast-acting, short-lived insecticides were developed as a result of growing concern for the environment.
Industrial laboratories also conduct a significant amount of basic research, which is primarily intended to broaden our knowledge. Such research, however, often leads to the introduction of new marketable products. For example, new synthetic fibers, plastics, and polymers have been developed as a result of fundamental studies of large molecules in industrial laboratories.
Research conducted at academic institutions is generally fundamental in nature. Such research constitutes the first component of the unique, four-fold mission entrusted to universities - to create, assimilate, preserve, and transmit scholarly knowledge.
Federal, state, and local governments also hire large numbers of chemists for a multitude of needs. Environmental agencies, for example, employ chemists to a analyze air, water, and soil samples for pollutants. Transportation departments employ chemists to develop better road surfaces, while health and law-enforcement agencies employ chemists in investigative roles. Chemists in the federal government often work in areas of environment, quality control, national defense, fundamental research, and consulting.
Industry and governmental agencies hire chemists with bachelors, masters and doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees. Most administrative positions such as a project or group leader require the Ph.D. However, there are exceptions in which a chemist with a master's degree may take on considerable administrative responsibility. Advancement for chemists in the private and civil service sectors can be frequently achieved in administration. Therefore, chemists interested in advancement must develop their skills in communication, business and human relations as well as in chemistry.
Teaching
Opportunities in Teaching
Educating the next generation of scientists begins in kindergarten and continues through graduate school. Participating in this process at any level is an exciting and rewarding adventure. Secondary schools, colleges and major universities all need people who are proficient in teaching chemistry and in training other scientists. The degree requirements for those who teach depend upon the nature of the institution.
Nationally there is an enormous undersupply of middle and secondary science teachers. Secondary schools usually prefer a bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry with sufficient course work to teach in related fields such as mathematics and physics. Colleges and small universities prefer faculty who have earned the Ph.D. Under certain circumstances, some institutions may hire a person with a masters degree. At major universities, where a Ph.D. degree is required, faculty members are expected to teach and to be productive in research as well; this not only helps them keep abreast of new developments, but also helps to maintain their enthusiasm for transmitting new knowledge to others. Currently a number of chemistry departments in the U.S. are offering Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in chemical education.
Other Opportunities
Opportunities in Sales and Marketing
Industry employs chemists to help the company solve problems with product applications and development. Chemists who enjoy traveling and dealing with people make good sales personnel. This lucrative occupation requires presenting the company's goods and services in a favorable light to a wide range of clients.
Technical representatives provide on-site testing and product performance evaluations. Often these people are called in to investigate poor product performance or component failure. Therefore, they not only must be well-trained as chemists, but also must have excellent interpersonal skills.
Marketing personnel target prospective clients for sales representatives. They must understand the product or service they market, and also know how to identify the industrial segment they target.
Training in business administration as well as academic degrees in chemistry are beneficial for individuals in these vocations.
Opportunities in Library and Science Information Services
Chemical librarians work for universities, government and industry. They usually hold a bachelors degree in chemistry and a masters degree in library science. Science information services such as Chemical Abstracts store, retrieve, and transmit chemical information as needed. Abstracts and surveys are entered in a computation data base by experts in chemistry. In addition to having a chemistry degree ranging up to the Ph.D., the information specialist needs to have expertise in programming and operating computers. Opportunities in this area are expected to increase rapidly with the increasing importance of the internet, the world-wide web, and other electronic means of data and information storage and retrieval.
Opportunities in Reporting
Chemical science writers are employed by corporations, news media and magazines to prepare technical manuals, feature articles, public information releases, and sales brochures. These people should have training in and a flair for writing as well as a bachelors degree in chemistry. The American Chemical Society and commercial publishers employ chemists as abstractors, editors and reporters. Some of these jobs require either formal or on the job training in journalism.
Salary Considerations
Starting salaries for beginning full-time chemists are dependent upon such things as location, type of employer and level of education. Current statistics (updated yearly) by the Committee on Economic and Professional Affairs of the American Chemical Society are available on the ACS Website. Click on the "Careers" tab on the main page.
Job Placement
The University Career Center (UCC), located at 110 Burge Union, is a valuable resource for students seeking permanent employment. It provides advice and assistance in resume writing, preparing for an interview, and locating potential employers. The UCC offers an internet-based service (KU Career Connections) that allows students to post their resumes and sign up for companies planning on-campus interviews.
The chemistry major advisors occasionally receive information about job opportunities, which is distributed via e-mail to chemistry majors. They also maintain a list of companies in the greater Kansas City area that employ or place chemists. In most instances students will need to contact these companies themselves, since representatives are rarely sent to the campus. The major advisors also have materials (interviewing and resume-writing tips) that are especially geared to chemists.
