The Chemistry Careers Resource

Chemists are special individuals who are able to take matter and transform it into something incredible. They work in many different fields and industries. One might be researching a new type of plastic, while another is working on a cure for a currently incurable disease. There are many job opportunities available depending on the type of chemistry you want to practice. In most fields, chemists are in high demand and the job forecast looks as if this trend will last for years to come.

Chemistry Education
There is a demand for chemistry educators at all levels from junior high to universities. The work is hard, but rewarding, for many who pursue a teaching career. It can be very inspirational to know you are helping students learn, grow and develop skills in the discipline you love. Teaching at the junior high level will be much different than teaching at the university level. So consider the pros and cons of each before deciding. University level professors have much more responsibility than a junior or high school teacher. There are lectures to be given, research to be done, papers to write and be published. One plus is that the students are more mature at this level and may share your passion for chemistry, if they have chosen it as their major. The pay will be much higher at the university level as opposed to junior or high school.

• College Planning: Lots of information about college planning for careers in chemistry. Includes degrees needed, getting started at a community college, a chemistry program finder and financial aid.
• Education & Training: What degrees are required for careers in chemistry? What other training? Other qualifications? This page answers each of these questions and more.
• Preparation: Getting the right education for a chemistry career. Schools that offer degrees, degree options and graduate school.
• Why Study Chemistry: Advantages of a chemistry degree and what chemists do.

Analytical Chemistry
Choosing a career as an analytical chemist means you will be performing quantitative and qualitative analysis, using different types of science to determine how much matter exists and what it is. Jobs in analytical chemistry can be found in most aspects of chemical research in government, academia and industry. From basic laboratory work to creating instruments that are used in the field, any position you take will be challenging, but most likely rewarding, as you will be making significant contributions to many other fields of science. If you have already had chemistry classes and feel confident in your skills thus far, you can start by taking a nonpaying internship to gain experience in the field.

• Analytical Sciences: What is analytical chemistry? A brief but informative answer is available on this page.
• Analytical Chemistry: Information about careers in analytical chemistry is up first in the overview of chemical job possibilities.
• Analytical Chemist Jobs: What does and analytical chemist do? What education is required? Find the answers here.

Biochemistry
With multiple applications, a career in biochemistry might have you working in medicine, dentistry, food science or agriculture. This field is wide open with many opportunities. Biochemistry is the study of living systems, their composition, structure and chemical reactions to substances. Biochemistry is related to toxicology and also has its place in physiology, microbiology, clinical chemistry and pharmacology. If you are naturally curious, creative, hardworking and inventive then this may be a good match for you. Job opportunities in the biochemistry field are only applicable for those who have a degree in chemistry or a related field. The exciting thing about this field is that it is always growing which means more job opportunities.

• Biochemistry Careers: What can you do with a major in biochemistry? Answers with sample careers, salary and more.
• Careers in Biochemistry: Salary trends, career opportunities and preparation for a biochemistry career.
• Career Opportunities: What is biochemistry? What are the career opportunities in biochemistry? What are the requirements for a biochemistry major?
  

Inorganic Chemistry
The study of the behavior and synthesis of organometallic and inorganic compounds is called inorganic chemistry. It has applications throughout every aspect of the chemical industry. Inorganic chemists can be employed in fields as diverse as the mining and microchip industries, education and environmental science. The majority of chemists go into industry of one type or another, while the rest teach or work for the government. The inorganic chemistry field is considered a creative and artistic one. The opportunities to use your creativity and critical thinking skills are practically endless.

The job market for this career is turning away from its traditional roots in mining and mineral research where opportunities are sparse, to the advanced material field where inorganic chemists over the next few years will be in demand. The job market right now is very tight and competition is fierce, so getting the best and most extensive education you can and taking on an internship for experience will help you interview above others looking for the same jobs.

• Inorganic Chemists: All about recent developments that have had positive effects on jobs for inorganic chemists.

Medicinal Chemistry
The application of chemical research techniques as it relates to the synthesis of pharmaceuticals is medicinal chemistry. A career in this field might have you working on new synthetic drug compounds. The field is geared toward new drug development and discovery. Interestingly, you’ll find there are many important areas of research that are performed in university labs.

Outside of the university, a medicinal chemist might work for a pharmaceutical company, biotechnology organization or the government. Some medicinal chemists are focused on finding new treatments and cures for diseases. The job market depends heavily upon research grants, the economy, and ever-changing government regulations. To snag one of these jobs you have to have at least a bachelor’s degree in medicinal chemistry.

• Medicinal Chemists: Guide to careers in medicinal chemistry. Includes work description, working conditions and job outlook, plus necessary training and salary information.
• Careers in Medicinal Chemistry: Provides rich background information in addition to basic job overview and what students can do to increase their chances of getting a good start toward their career.
• Medicinal Chemistry: Job profile with personal qualifications and expected job progression.

Organic Chemistry
Organic chemistry deals with the reactions, properties and structure of carbon-containing compounds. It is described as a highly creative branch of science. Organic chemists can be responsible for creating new molecules never before see that could have far reaching purposes that could improve human lives dramtically. Organic chemists at every degree level work in the industries that depend on research and development, fundamental discoveries, and applied product development.

Chemists in this field find it both challenging and rewarding. Being responsible for discovering a molecule, that could change human existence as we know it, is a very exciting possibility. Required traits are innovation, creativity, technical mastery, leadership abilities, and good problem solving skills. The job market for organic chemists usually stays strong and they are in demand in a variety of environments.

• Career Options: Overview of careers in chemistry with examples of jobs in organic chemistry.
• Professor: All about becoming a professor of organic chemistry.
• Organic Chemists: What places can an organic chemist work? What is the job outlook? How much does and organic chemist earn?
  

Physical Chemistry
Physical chemist’s main concern is to develop an understanding at the atomic and molecular level. They look at how certain materials act and how chemical reactions occur which is relevant to each area of chemistry. These chemist work with sophisticated equipment and instruments as well as the most highly developed computers. Physical chemistry uses physics and math to solve problems as well as theoretical constructs and computations to better understand and learn about chemical properties.

Physical chemists work in a number of different industries, all while concentrating on their main objective which is to understand, discover and test physical characteristics of materials such as gases, liquids or solids. They can work in a variety of settings like in almost every industry, research institute, educational institution and government agency. A degree in physical chemistry is a must to get your foot in the door, while having a strong understanding of the field and an extended skill set can open even more doors for you.

• What is Physical Chemistry?: Details the practice and study of physical chemistry.
• A Wealth of Career Choices for Chemists: Explores the many opportunities available to chemists.

Theoretical Chemistry
Theoretical chemistry is the basis for the development of modern chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, material science and physics. Chemists in this discipline work with theory and experiment. They use dynamical simulations and synthesis to learn more about the chemical behavior on an atomic level. Many theoretical chemists have a PhD in physical chemistry.

Other Chemistry Fields
Besides the fields already discussed, there are more areas for chemists to work in such as; Biotechnology, chemical engineering, chemical information, colloid and surface chemistry, environmental chemistry, food and flavor chemistry, forensic chemistry, oil and petroleum, polymer chemistry, science writing and water chemistry. As you can see the possibilities are almost endless and any one of these careers will be challenging, creative and exciting.

• Opportunities in Chemistry: Includes a listing of the many specialties within chemistry.
• Clinical Chemistry: What is clinical chemistry? What kinds of jobs are available? Options discussed here.
• Forensic Science: Advice about pursuing a career in forensic science. What jobs are available? What kind of courses to take.
• Environmental Chemistry: Careers, salary forecast, academic requirements and resources.
• Careers in Chemistry: Extensive information about career possibilities in chemistry. Includes food chemistry, toxicology and scientific writing.

With so many opportunities and types of chemistry to study and work with, an aspiring chemist might have a hard time choosing a discipline. Consider how your personality might fit with each type. Would you be more comfortable in one setting than another? Do you like to challenge yourself and try things no one else has ever done before? Are you creative and intuitive? These are all important questions you need to ask yourself before committing to a path of study or starting a new career.