Chemists

Eric Miller
Chemists conduct different types of chemical experiments and analyses in labs in order to develop new products. Chemistry is an investigative career. These types of jobs require a good amount of thinking and working with ideas.

Chemists must be able to observe chemical and physical properties of different chemical compounds to find structure, composition and reactions they have with other compounds. Chemists must also be able to develop and improve upon other data, formulas and equipment that they use. The collection and sharing of data with other chemists is often done in a chemistry field. Chemists also create their own experiments and have the ability to manipulate the outcomes of the expierments with different reaction agents. Lastly, the ability to write technical papers explaining processes used and results.

Chemists must know basic science processes, as well as problem solving strategies. The ability to write papers and comprehend those written by others are needed to be a successful chemist. Lastly, being able to manage your time well and listen to other chemists discoveries are very important. A knowledge of many things is required to be a chemist. The most important thing is a knowledge of basic chemistry, such as knowing chemical structure, compositions and different properties of a substance. Math is used very often in chemistry, so a chemist must be good at math, and must know how to use computers and other basic technology. Chemists have to know how to use their equipment in the labs.

A career in chemistry requires a four year bachelor's degree as well as many years of on-the-job training. Different types of training include analytical training, organic and inorganic training, and theoretical and physical chemistry.

On average, a person in the chemistry field earns between $46,550 and $86,990 per year. It is estimated that by the year 2016, 5,660 chemists will be employed in New York, with about 160 jobs open every year. Some jobs similar to chemistry would be soil and plant scientists, material scientists, food science technicians, chemical technicians, and chemical plant and system operators.