Become A Research And Development Chemist
Where do you want to work?
Working As A Research And Development Chemist
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Interacting With Computers
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Processing Information
Unpleasant/Hazardous Environment
$74,531
Average Salary
What Does A Research And Development Chemist Do
How To Become A Research And Development Chemist
Chemists and materials scientists need at least a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related field. However, a master’s degree or Ph.D. is required for many research jobs.
EducationA bachelor’s degree in chemistry or in a related field is needed for entry-level chemist or materials scientist jobs. Although some materials scientists hold a degree in materials science, most have a degree in chemistry, physics, or engineering. Many jobs require a master’s degree or a Ph.D. and also may require significant levels of work experience. Chemists and materials scientists with a Ph.D. and postdoctoral experience typically lead basic- or applied-research teams.
Many colleges and universities offer degree programs in chemistry that are approved by the American Chemical Society. There are few programs specifically in materials science, but the number of programs is gradually increasing. Some colleges offer materials science as a specialization within their chemistry programs, and some engineering schools offer degrees in the joint field of materials science and engineering. High school students can prepare for college coursework by taking chemistry, math, and computer science classes.
Undergraduate chemistry majors typically are required to take courses in analytical, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry. In addition to chemistry coursework, they take classes in mathematics, biological sciences, and physics. Computer science courses are essential, because chemists and materials scientists need computer skills to perform modeling and simulation tasks, manage and manipulate databases, and operate computerized laboratory equipment.
Laboratory experience, either at a college or university, or through internships, fellowships, or work–study programs in industry, is also useful.
Graduate students studying chemistry commonly specialize in a subfield, such as analytical chemistry or inorganic chemistry. For example, those interested in doing research in the pharmaceutical industry usually develop a strong background in medicinal or organic chemistry.
Important QualitiesAnalytical skills. Chemists and materials scientists carry out scientific experiments and studies. They must be precise and accurate in their analyses, because errors could invalidate their research.
Communication skills. Chemists and materials scientists need to communicate with team members and other scientists. They must be able to read and write technical reports and give presentations.
Critical-thinking skills. Chemists and materials scientists carefully evaluate their own work and the work of others. They must determine if results and conclusions are based on sound science.
Interpersonal skills. Chemists and materials scientists typically work on interdisciplinary research teams and need to work well with others toward a common goal. Many serve as team leaders and must be able to motivate and direct other team members.
Math skills. Chemists and materials scientists regularly use complex mathematical equations and formulas, and they need a broad understanding of mathematics, including calculus, algebra, and statistics.
Organizational skills. Chemists and materials scientists need to document processes carefully in order to conform to regulations and industry procedures. Disorganization in the workplace can lead to legal problems, damage to equipment, and chemical spills.
Perseverance. Scientific research involves substantial trial and error, and chemists and materials scientists must not become discouraged in their work.
Problem-solving skills. Chemists and materials scientists research and develop new and improved chemical products, processes, and materials. This work requires a great deal of trial and error on the part of chemists and materials scientists before a unique solution is found.
Time-management skills. Chemists and materials scientists usually need to meet deadlines when conducting research. They must be able to manage time and prioritize tasks efficiently while maintaining their quality of work.
AdvancementChemists typically receive greater responsibility and independence in their work as they gain experience. Greater responsibility also is gained through further education. Ph.D. chemists usually lead research teams and have control over the direction and content of projects, but even Ph.D. holders have room to advance as they gain experience. As chemists become more proficient in managing research projects, they may take on larger, more complicated, and more expensive projects.
Some chemists and materials scientists become natural sciences managers.
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Research And Development Chemist jobs
Research And Development Chemist Career Paths
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Senior Research Chemist 5.2 years
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Senior Chemist 4.8 years
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Staff Chemist 4.6 years
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Chemist Scientist 4.4 years
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Product Development Chemist 4.3 years
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Research And Development Specialist 3.7 years
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Product Development Scientist 3.7 years
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Research Chemist 3.7 years
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Research And Development Manager 3.6 years
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Chemist, Development 3.5 years
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Applications Chemist 3.5 years
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Research And Development Technician 3.4 years
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Process Chemist 3.3 years
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Research And Development Scientist 3.1 years
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Analytical Chemist 3.1 years
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Associate Chemist 3.1 years
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Quality Assurance Chemist 3.0 years
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Research And Development Chemist 3.0 years
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Chemist Lead 2.9 years
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Chemist/Laboratory Technician 2.8 years
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Quality Control Chemist 2.6 years
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Formulation Chemist 2.6 years
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Chemist Assistant 2.5 years
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Laboratory Chemist 2.5 years
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Research And Development Assistant 2.0 years
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Contract Chemist 1.4 years
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Quality Control Chemist 14.2%
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Chemist 13.5%
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Laboratory Technician 11.3%
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Research Assistant 9.9%
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Analytical Chemist 7.5%
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Research Associate 4.0%
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Internship 3.7%
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Senior Chemist 3.4%
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Teaching Assistant 3.1%
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Research Chemist 2.9%
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Laboratory Assistant 2.9%
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Laboratory Manager 2.4%
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Researcher 2.3%
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Production Chemist 2.2%
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Scientist 2.2%
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Chemist 12.6%
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Senior Chemist 8.0%
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Scientist 7.8%
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Senior Scientist 7.7%
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Analytical Chemist 7.7%
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Research Assistant 4.2%
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Research Scientist 3.9%
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Research Associate 3.6%
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Laboratory Manager 3.6%
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Process Engineer 3.4%
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Associate Scientist 3.4%
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Research Chemist 3.0%
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Project Manager 2.9%
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Consultant 2.7%
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Product Manager 2.6%
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Average Length of Employment
Top Careers Before Research And Development Chemist
Top Careers After Research And Development Chemist
Research And Development Chemist Demographics
Gender
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Male
60.6% -
Female
35.2% -
Unknown
4.3%
Ethnicity
-
White
67.4% -
Asian
18.6% -
Hispanic or Latino
9.0% -
Unknown
4.0% -
Black or African American
1.0%
Languages Spoken
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Spanish
36.0% -
French
15.1% -
German
12.8% -
Chinese
8.1% -
Croatian
3.5% -
Italian
3.5% -
Russian
2.3% -
Portuguese
2.3% -
Japanese
2.3% -
Hebrew
2.3% -
Sami
1.2% -
Vietnamese
1.2% -
Romanian
1.2% -
Hindi
1.2% -
Korean
1.2% -
Hungarian
1.2% -
Occidental
1.2% -
Greek
1.2% -
Carrier
1.2% -
Serbian
1.2%
Research And Development Chemist
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Research And Development Chemist Education
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Fairleigh Dickinson University
6.7% -
San Jose State University
6.7% -
Case Western Reserve University
6.7% -
University of Cincinnati
6.0% -
University of California - Berkeley
5.3% -
University of Southern Mississippi
5.3% -
Iowa State University
5.3% -
University of Toledo
4.7% -
Illinois Institute of Technology
4.7% -
University of California - Irvine
4.7% -
Pennsylvania State University
4.7% -
University of Massachusetts - Lowell
4.7% -
Louisiana State University and A&M College
4.7% -
University of Florida
4.7% -
Wright State University
4.7% -
University of Illinois at Chicago
4.7% -
University of Tennessee - Knoxville
4.0% -
Auburn University
4.0% -
University of California - Los Angeles
4.0% -
University of Akron
4.0% -
Chemistry 56.8%
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Biology 7.9%
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Chemical Engineering 7.0%
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Business 5.9%
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Pharmacy 4.1%
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Plastics Engineering 1.8%
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Management 1.5%
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Marketing 1.3%
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Materials Sciences 1.2%
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Mathematics 1.0%
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Project Management 0.9%
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Computer Science 0.7%
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Food Science 0.7%
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Finance 0.7%
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Geology 0.7%
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Pharmacology 0.7%
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Public Health 0.5%
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Microbiology 0.5%
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Bachelors
45.3% -
Masters
31.4% -
Doctorate
12.3% -
Other
6.6% -
Associate
1.9% -
Certificate
1.7% -
Diploma
0.6% -
License
0.1%
Schools
Majors
Degrees
Research And Development Chemist
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Real Research And Development Chemist Salaries
Job Title
|
Company
|
Location
|
Start Date
|
Salary
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior R&D Chemist | Interfashion Cosmetics Corp. | Teterboro, NJ | Jan 14, 2015 | $116,200 |
| Process Development Manager, Senior R&D Chemist | CVC Specialty Chemicals, Inc. | Maple Shade, NJ | Sep 07, 2013 | $116,050 |
| Analytical Research and Development Chemist | Perrigo Pharmaceuticals Company | Allegan, MI | Aug 18, 2015 | $111,755 |
| R&D Chemist | Celanese Corporation | Florence, KY | Sep 20, 2013 | $105,000 - $115,000 |
| R&D Chemist | Celanese Corporation | Irving, TX | Jan 28, 2014 | $105,000 |
| Senior R&D Chemist/Manager | Belzona Global, LLC | Miami Lakes, FL | Jul 02, 2014 | $102,000 |
| Senior R&D Chemist | Belzona Global, LLC | Miami Lakes, FL | Jul 02, 2014 | $102,000 |
| R&D Staff Separations Chemist | Ut-Battelle, LLC (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) | Oak Ridge, TN | Jan 04, 2016 | $100,200 |
| R&D Staff Separations Chemist | Ut-Battelle, LLC (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) | Oak Ridge, TN | Apr 01, 2016 | $100,200 |
| Senior Research & Development (R&D) Chemist | SNF Holding Company | Riceboro, GA | Aug 30, 2016 | $100,000 - $120,000 |
| R&D Chemist | W.R. Grace & Co. | Columbia, MD | Dec 09, 2016 | $96,000 |
| R&D Chemist | Air Liquide Advanced Materials Inc. | Branchburg, NJ | May 09, 2016 | $95,000 |
| Research and Development Chemist | Actega Kelstar, Inc. | Cinnaminson, NJ | Dec 15, 2015 | $76,840 |
| R & D Chemist-Aerospace | Hentzen Coatings, Inc. | Milwaukee, WI | Sep 06, 2014 | $75,000 |
| Senior R&D Chemist | The Sherwin-Williams Company | Chicago, IL | Sep 15, 2016 | $75,000 - $85,000 |
| Senior R&D Chemist | The Sherwin-Williams Company | Columbus, OH | Aug 08, 2016 | $75,000 - $85,000 |
| Analytical R&D Chemist | Ascent Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | Central Islip, NY | Jun 11, 2016 | $75,000 |
| Senior R&D Chemist-Analytical Services | Lehigh Valley Technologies Inc. | Allentown, PA | Nov 25, 2014 | $74,000 - $80,000 |
| Senior R&D Chemist-Analytical Services | Lehigh Valley Technologies Inc. | Allentown, PA | Nov 14, 2014 | $74,000 - $80,000 |
| R & D Chemist | Pharmaceutics International, Incorporated | Huntingtown, MD | Jun 17, 2016 | $73,133 |
| Senior R&D Chemist | Belzona Global, LLC | Miami Lakes, FL | Aug 16, 2014 | $61,800 |
| Research and Development Chemist | Cardolite Corporation | Monmouth Junction, NJ | Sep 04, 2014 | $61,500 - $65,500 |
| R&D Chemist | NEOS Therapeutics, LP | Grand Prairie, TX | Jan 09, 2016 | $61,000 |
| Research & Development Chemist | Carolina Liquid Chemistries Corporation | Brea, CA | Jun 13, 2014 | $61,000 |
| Research & Development Chemist | Carolina Liquid Chemistries Corp. | Brea, CA | Dec 11, 2014 | $61,000 |
| Research & Development Chemist II | Mayne Pharma LLC | Greenville, NC | Oct 26, 2016 | $60,000 |
| R&D Chemist | Allure Labs, Inc. | Hayward, CA | Aug 28, 2013 | $60,000 |
| Research & Development Chemist II | Mayne Pharma Inc. | Greenville, NC | Apr 25, 2016 | $60,000 |
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Top Skills for A Research And Development Chemist
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Top Research And Development Chemist Skills
- New Product Development
- Laboratory Equipment
- New Raw Materials
- Worked with clients on new product development.
- Serviced, maintained, and troubleshot laboratory equipment in order to maintain optimal functionality and reliability of equipment and resources.
- Research and development of new raw materials and products (printing inks and pigment pastes) that meets specific consumer requirements.
- Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities: Developed analytical methods for process development.
- Develop and establish lab procedures and processes for product quality and conformance.
Top Research And Development Chemist Employers
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