Careers In Chemistry: Analytical chemist
Do you have
a strong science-based degree along with good technical skills? this could be
the job for you
Analytical
chemists use a diverse range of methods to investigate the chemical nature of
substances. The aim is to identify and understand the substance and how it
behaves in different conditions.
In the
pharmaceutical industry, for example, you would be involved throughout the drug
development process.
This would include studying the physical or chemical
properties of drug substances and formulations, with a view to determining the
quality and stability of drug products.
Types of
analytical chemist
Work may be
carried out in areas as diverse as:
- drug formulation and
development;
- chemical or forensic analysis;
- process development;
- product validation;
- quality control;
- toxicology.
Responsibilities
Techniques
or activities vary depending on the employer or specialist area, but may
include:
- analysing samples from various
sources to provide information on compounds or quantities of compounds
present;
- using analytical techniques and
instrumentation, such as gas and high performance liquid chromatography
(HPLC), ion chromatography, electrochromatography and spectroscopy
(infrared and ultraviolet, amongst others);
- interpreting data and meeting
strict guidelines on documentation when recording data;
- reporting scientific results;
- developing techniques for the
analysis of drug products and chemicals;
- working collaboratively in
cross-functional teams;
- liaising with customers, staff
and suppliers;
- being aware of, and keeping up
to date with, health and safety issues;
- validating methods and
equipment.
At a more
senior level, it's likely you'll be involved in preparing documentations for
product licence applications and setting specifications for finished products.
Salary
- Typical graduate starting
salaries for analytical chemist jobs are in the region of 22,281.73 to
32,767.25 Dollars. Those with a PhD may start on higher salaries.
- With experience or at a more
senior level, salaries range from 32,767.25 to 49,806.22 Dollars.
- Senior analytical chemists with
management responsibilities could earn over 65,534.50 dollars with extensive
experience.
Salaries
vary depending on the employer and location. Benefits also differ according to
the employer, but free or subsidised medical insurance is common.
Income
figures are intended as a guide only.
Working
hours
The working
hours are usually 9am to 5pm, possibly with some extra hours required depending
upon the workload and sample schedule. Part-time work and career breaks may be
possible.
Self-employment
is very unlikely due to the significant financial investment in equipment and
staffing, plus the need for accreditation. There are opportunities for
freelance consultancy work, although large companies tend to have their own
experts.
What to
expect
- Working in multidisciplinary
teams is common, as is communicating with scientists and customers from
both within and outside the company.
- At the start of your career,
it's likely you'll be predominantly lab-based but as you reach more senior
levels you'll work more in an office.
- Jobs are widely available
throughout the country and tend to be in large, localised centres.
Research and development (R&D) work can be more commonly found in
south England.
- You may find the work
occasionally stressful due to tight deadlines and pressure to solve
problems as quickly as possible. Routine analysis can involve doing the
same job for long periods of time, although this is less likely at more
senior levels.
- Typically, travel within a
working day and absence from home overnight are not that common. Overseas
travel is rare, although secondments abroad may be possible as you reach
higher grades.
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