chemist

//Chemists// conduct research and analysis in support of industrial operations, product and process development, quality control, environmental control, medical diagnosis and treatment, biotechnology and other applications. They also conduct theoretical, experimental and applied research into basic chemical and biochemical processes in order to create or synthesize new products and processes. Chemists are employed in research, development and quality control laboratories, in chemical, petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries, in mineral, metal, and pulp and paper industries and in a wide variety of manufacturing, utility, health, educational and government establishments.

//Chemists// analyse, synthesize, purify, modify and characterize chemical or biochemical compounds. They develop and conduct programs of analysis to ensure quality control of raw materials, chemical intermediates or final products, and they conduct programs of sample and data collection and analysis to identify and quantify environmental toxicants. They also conduct research to develop new chemical formulations and processes and devise new technical applications of industrial chemicals and compounds. Further, they conduct fundamental and applied research into the synthesis and properties of chemical compounds and the mechanisms of chemical reactions, as well as investigate chemical aspects of the mechanism of drug action, the diagnosis and treatment of disease, organ function and the assessment of health. They participate in interdisciplinary research and development projects, working with chemical engineers, biologists, microbiologists, agronomists, geologists or other professionals. They might also act as technical consultants in a particular field of expertise or supervise other chemists, chemical technicians and technologists.

//chemists (2112)//: Chemists usually work regular hours in offices and laboratories, although they may do some of their research in a chemical plant or outdoors (for example, gathering samples of pollutants). Chemists may work in small or large laboratories. Larger laboratories may incorporate prototype chemical manufacturing facilities as well as advanced equipment. Some chemists may be exposed to health or safety hazards in the handling of certain chemicals, but if proper procedures are followed, there is little risk.
 * clinical chemist
 * coatings chemist
 * oceanographic chemist
 * pharmacological chemist
 * organometallic chemist
 * theoretical chemist
 * environmental chemist
 * agricultural chemist
 * analytical chemist
 * inorganic chemist
 * organic chemist
 * physical chemist
 * quality control chemist
 * food chemist
 * soil chemist
 * polymer chemist
 * textile chemist
 * electrochemist
 * research chemist
 * biochemist
 * nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopist
 * organic mass spectrometrist
 * petroleum chemist
 * Working Conditions**

Although there are many different types of chemists, overall employment prospects are good for these professionals. Growing public concerns over environmental issues, water quality, quality control and occupational health and safety will continue to stimulate the demand for chemists. Communication and information involving quality control in health and the environment, along with national and international consultation, are new areas that could create work for chemists. In addition, those who have acquired extensive experience can direct their careers toward leading projects with junior scientists and groups of technicians. The expertise of chemists is also in demand in the area of chemical sales, where the complexity of products requires representatives who have extensive knowledge of chemistry. Specialists in pharmacology and toxicology are in demand in industrial pharmacy. Analytical chemists will find more opportunities to work on multi-disciplinary teams with business administrators, engineers, physicists, technicians and computer scientists. Technological advances in have caused their work to evolve from traditional chemistry to sophisticated processes that use computerized instruments. The use of robots, currently being introduced in analytical laboratories, will affect chemists who work with hazardous substances, such as toxic products, solvents and radioactive material. Competency in programming these robots is becoming an asset. Needs in the pharmaceutical industry are creating new research areas in hospitals, research institutes and companies. New technologies are helping clinical biochemists, particularly in the development and automation of immunological methods. A new range of simplified, miniature instruments makes it possible to provide the services of a clinical biochemist outside a traditional laboratory.