Become A Research Chemist

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Working As A Research Chemist

Documenting/Recording Information
Interacting With Computers
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Analyzing Data or Information
Processing Information

Unpleasant/Hazardous Environment
$76,066
Average Salary

What Does A Research Chemist Do

A Research Chemist is a scientist who specializes in the study of chemistry. They work in public laboratories or for private organizations, using their knowledge to investigate applications in medicine or other scientific innovations.

How To Become A Research 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.

Education

A 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 Qualities

Analytical 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.

Advancement

Chemists 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 Chemist jobs

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Research Chemist Career Paths

Research Chemist

Laboratory Manager Clinical Research Coordinator

Clinical Study Manager

8 Yearsyrs

Senior Research Chemist Senior Scientist Project Manager

Engineering Manager

10 Yearsyrs

Laboratory Manager Operations Manager Plant Manager

Manufacturing Director

14 Yearsyrs

Senior Chemist Research Scientist Process Engineer

Manufacturing Manager

10 Yearsyrs

Senior Scientist Project Manager Program Manager

Operations Director

9 Yearsyrs

Research Scientist Senior Scientist Group Leader

Operations Manager

7 Yearsyrs

Senior Scientist Associate Director Operations Director

President Of Operations

11 Yearsyrs

Scientist Research Scientist Project Manager

Product Manager

7 Yearsyrs

Analytical Chemist Laboratory Manager Operations Manager

Purchasing Manager

9 Yearsyrs

Analytical Chemist Quality Control Quality Assurance Manager

Quality Assurance Director

11 Yearsyrs

Associate Scientist Quality Assurance Specialist Quality Control Manager

Quality Control Director

9 Yearsyrs

Senior Chemist Laboratory Manager Quality Assurance Manager

Quality Systems Manager

12 Yearsyrs

Quality Control Engineering Technician Research And Development Engineer

Research And Development Project Manager

7 Yearsyrs

Quality Control Chemist Research Associate Product Manager

Research And Development Technician

6 Yearsyrs

Associate Scientist Quality Assurance Operations Director

Senior Director, Operations

14 Yearsyrs

Scientist Project Manager Senior Project Manager

Senior Product Manager

9 Yearsyrs

Quality Control Chemist Quality Control Supervisor Quality Assurance Manager

Senior Quality Assurance Manager

11 Yearsyrs

Research Scientist Assistant Professor

Senior Scientist

9 Yearsyrs

Senior Research Chemist Scientist Quality Assurance

Vice-President Of Quality

15 Yearsyrs

Average Length of Employment

Senior Research Chemist 5.2 years
Chief Chemist 5.2 years
Senior Chemist 4.8 years
Staff Chemist 4.6 years
Chemist Scientist 4.4 years
Product Development Chemist 4.3 years
Research Chemist 4.0 years
Associate Research Scientist 3.8 years
Research Scientist 3.8 years
Senior Research Associate 3.7 years
Applications Chemist 3.5 years
Chemist, Development 3.5 years
Research And Development Chemist 3.4 years
Principal Chemist 3.4 years
Analytical Research Chemist 3.3 years
Chemist 3.3 years
Process Chemist 3.3 years
Associate Chemist 3.1 years
Analytical Chemist 3.1 years
Research And Development Scientist 3.1 years
Quality Assurance Chemist 3.0 years
Chemist Lead 2.9 years
Production Chemist 2.8 years
Quality Control Chemist 2.6 years
Laboratory Chemist 2.5 years
Chemist Assistant 2.5 years
Contract Chemist 1.4 years

Top Careers Before Research Chemist

Top Careers After Research Chemist

Research Chemist Demographics

Gender

Male
62.6%
Female
29.7%
Unknown
7.7%

Ethnicity

White
67.0%
Asian
20.9%
Hispanic or Latino
7.8%
Unknown
3.4%
Black or African American
0.9%

Languages Spoken

Spanish
24.0%
Chinese
14.7%
Japanese
9.3%
Russian
8.0%
Mandarin
8.0%
German
6.7%
French
6.7%
Cantonese
4.0%
Vietnamese
2.7%
Italian
2.7%
Swahili
1.3%
Indonesian
1.3%
Czech
1.3%
Dakota
1.3%
Malay
1.3%
Marathi
1.3%
Hindi
1.3%
Polish
1.3%
Korean
1.3%
Arabic
1.3%

Research Chemist

Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.

Research Chemist Education

Schools

Purdue University
7.3%
Pennsylvania State University
6.8%
University of Florida
6.8%
University of Houston
6.3%
University of Illinois University Administration
5.9%
University of Cincinnati
5.4%
Ohio State University
5.4%
Wayne State University
4.9%
Michigan State University
4.9%
University of Utah
4.9%
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
4.9%
Georgia Institute of Technology -
4.9%
Wright State University
4.4%
Lehigh University
4.4%
Illinois Institute of Technology
3.9%
Eastern Michigan University
3.9%
Cleveland State University
3.9%
University of Illinois at Chicago
3.9%
Iowa State University
3.9%
University of California - Irvine
3.4%

Majors

Chemistry 67.6%
Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology 5.1%
Biology 4.8%
Pharmacy 3.9%
Chemical Engineering 3.7%
Business 3.2%
Plastics Engineering 1.6%
Materials Sciences 1.5%
Management 1.0%
Finance 0.9%
Project Management 0.8%
Materials Science And Engineering 0.8%
Medicine 0.7%
Mathematics 0.7%
Education 0.6%
Environmental Science 0.6%
General Education, Specific Areas 0.6%
Pharmacology 0.6%
Marketing 0.6%
Computer Science 0.5%

Degrees

Masters
30.6%
Doctorate
29.7%
Bachelors
28.7%
Other
7.6%
Certificate
2.0%
Associate
1.1%
Diploma
0.3%
License
0.1%

Research Chemist

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Real Research Chemist Salaries

Job Title	Company	Location	Start Date	Salary
Research Chemist	Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP	Bartlesville, OK	Sep 04, 2015	$114,500 - $127,000
Research Chemist	Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP	Bartlesville, OK	Sep 03, 2015	$114,500 - $124,500
Research Chemist	SES Group & Associates, LLC	McLean, VA	Sep 14, 2016	$112,528
Research Chemist	Stepan Company	Houston, TX	Jul 19, 2016	$110,000
Research Chemist	Scientific Design Company, Inc.	Little Ferry, NJ	Aug 10, 2015	$109,000
Research Chemist	Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, L.P.	Bartlesville, OK	Aug 25, 2016	$105,100 - $157,700
Research Chemist	BASF Corporation	Wyandotte, MI	May 17, 2016	$102,294 - $130,400
Research Chemist	Ultivue Inc.	Cambridge, MA	Sep 01, 2015	$100,000
Research Chemist	Halocarbon Products Corporation	North Augusta, SC	Sep 24, 2015	$100,000
Research Chemist	Cytec Industries Inc.	Stamford, CT	Aug 26, 2016	$99,227
Advanced Research Chemist	Eastman Chemical Company	Kingsport, TN	Jul 08, 2016	$93,700 - $113,700
Research Chemist I	The Broad Institute Inc.	Cambridge, MA	Apr 05, 2016	$93,150
Advanced Research Chemist	Eastman Chemical Company	Kingsport, TN	Aug 29, 2015	$89,200 - $99,200
Head Research Chemist	PTP Group Americas, Inc.	CA	Mar 18, 2016	$89,170
Research Chemist	PPG Industries, Inc.	Monroeville, PA	Sep 15, 2016	$77,000 - $82,000
Research Chemist	PPG Industries, Inc.	Monroeville, PA	Sep 25, 2016	$77,000 - $82,000
Research Chemist	Microchem Corporation	Westborough, MA	Jan 25, 2015	$76,960
Research Chemist	Energy Power Systems LLC	Pontiac, MI	May 09, 2016	$75,000
Research Chemist	ICL-Ip America, Inc.	Ardsley, NY	Jul 09, 2016	$74,756
Research Chemist	Johns Manville	Littleton, CO	Sep 13, 2015	$73,000 - $93,000
Research Chemist	Sabic Innovative Plastics Us LLC	Vernon, IN	Aug 14, 2016	$72,100
Research Chemist	The Lubrizol Corporation	Cleveland, OH	Dec 01, 2015	$71,718
Research Chemist	Natural Systems Utilities LLC	Hillsborough, NJ	Sep 17, 2015	$62,000
Research Chemist	USDA, Agricultural Research Service	Hilo, HI	Jun 01, 2015	$61,760
Research Chemist 1	Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International	Parkton, NC	Jul 15, 2016	$61,500 - $71,500
Research Chemists	Anichem, Inc.	North Brunswick, NJ	May 14, 2015	$61,402
Research Chemist	Athenex, Inc.	Buffalo, NY	Sep 19, 2016	$60,528
Research Chemist, Dry Polymer	Chemeor, Inc.	Covina, CA	Aug 25, 2016	$60,000
Research Chemist	Liquid Ion Solutions LLC	Pittsburgh, PA	Jun 08, 2016	$60,000

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Top Skills for A Research Chemist

Top Research Chemist Skills

Method Development
Laboratory Equipment
New Product Development

You can check out examples of real life uses of top skills on resumes here:

Collaborate with manager to understand and execute method development needs.
Adapt literature methodology to available laboratory equipment and establish validation documentation to support accurate performance.
Project manager, currently lead several new product development and cost saving projects.
Performed organic synthesis for the development of antimicrobial formulations.
Developed an HPLC assay that separated all the intermediates in the heme biosynthetic pathway.