Reading, lots of reading. My work involves the intersection of chemistry, mathematics, and medicine in that we use machine learning to accelerate small molecule medicinal chemistry. As a consequence, I read a lot of scientific work to try and carve out new opportunities for drug discovery and development. I also spend a fair amount of time in meetings with other scientists to ensure we are moving our projects as quickly as we can.
CAREER
Chemists
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$79,430
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+6.3% (as fast as the average)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Chemists Do
Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
Other Job Titles Chemists May Have
Analytical Chemist, Chemist, Forensic Scientist, Research Chemist
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
The day begins at 6:00 AM and starts with prepping the lab for samples. Turning on instruments and making calibration standards are the first step. Then I go out in the field and collect water samples in various containers that have different preservatives that are test specific. Once the samples are back in the lab, we run a battery of tests on a fixed schedule that meets health department regulations.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.
- Conduct quality control tests.
- Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.
- Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests.
- Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Chemists
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Bachelor's degree (86%)
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Chemistry, General
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
I would recommend strong lab skills either through research or interning at an actual commercial or compliance lab. Since this job is specific to water, a water lab would be best.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
College Students
Having experience in a compliance lab is the most important first step. Internships are the easiest way while still in college to obtain that experience.
I would recommend a direct MD/PhD program if there are chemistry PhD options at a given medical school of interest. Earning them separately took more time and my medical degree cost money as compared to the typically fully funded MD/PhD path.
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
