How to become a Chemist

Chemists study the physical and chemical properties of materials to determine their composition. They use this information to develop new materials and products, to devise more efficient processes for making materials and to increase scientific knowledge. Chemists should not be confused with pharmacists (see separate entry for Pharmacist).

Personal requirements for a Chemist

Enjoy scientific activities, including laboratory work, fieldwork and research
Able to think logically and creatively
Aptitude for accurate work
Patient and able to persevere
An inquiring mind
Able to work independently or as part of a team

Education & Training for a Chemist

To become a chemist you usually have to complete a science or applied science degree at university with a major in chemistry. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology are normally required. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Additional information

Students and graduates of a chemistry-related program may be eligible for membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. For research and teaching positions, postgraduate qualifications may be required. Geochemists require tertiary training in earth science, as well as in chemistry.

Duties & Tasks of a Chemist

Chemists:

Conduct experiments to identify chemical composition and study chemical changes that occur in natural substances and processed materials
Undertake research and analysis to develop and test theories, techniques and processes
Develop practical applications of experiments and research findings, including those combining new compounds for industrial, agricultural, veterinary and medical use
Test products and materials and prepare specifications and standards to ensure compliance with government health laws and quality standards
Undertake cost analysis, pricing and quality assurance exercises when developing new substances, processes and products
Take part in the marketing and financial management of substances, processes or products developed
Supervise and coordinate the work of technical support staff
Conduct routine analyses in a process environment.

Tasks

Analyses and conducts research to develop theories, techniques and processes, and tests the reliability of outcomes under different conditions.
Conducts experiments and tests to identify the chemical composition and reactive properties of natural substances and processed materials.
Develops practical applications of experimental and research findings.

Working conditions for a Chemist

Chemists may work alone or as part of a team of professionals and technicians. They work in laboratories, in the field or in chemical processing plants, offices and educational institutions. Depending on the type of laboratory, chemists may have to handle dangerous or hazardous materials. Protective clothing and equipment are usually provided.

Employment Opportunities for a Chemist

Chemists are employed in a wide range of government, industrial and university laboratories. They may work in hospital laboratories or with medical and scientific research bodies, food processing firms and pharmaceutical manufacturers. They also find employment as consultants, technical specialists, patent officersand teachers. Chemists may specialise in developing new products or supervising production. With experience, they may progress to management positions.

Specializations

Analytical Chemist

An analytical chemist carries out tests and analyses to determine the compositions of substances and to detect the presence of impurities, residues and trace elements.

Environmental Chemist

An environmental chemist monitors waste products from all sources, determines ways to neutralise any negative effects pollutants might have on the environment and devises industrial processes that are environmentally friendly.

Geochemist

A geochemist studies the chemistry of earth materials.

Industrial/Production Chemist

An industrial/production chemist designs, runs, troubleshoots and improves the processes of chemical and material production on an industrial scale.

Research Chemist

A research chemist provides innovative solutions to chemical problems and may be involved in pure or applied research.

Organic Chemist

An organic chemist studies the nature of organic compounds to develop new substances for use in the industrial, agricultural, veterinary and medical fields.

Physical Chemist

A physical chemist studies macroscopic, atomic, subatomic and particulate phenomena in chemical systems in terms of physical laws and concepts.