Chemist or Materials Scientist
Chemist or Materials Scientist
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What Chemists and Materials Scientists Do
Chemists and materials scientists research and analyze the chemical properties of substances to develop new materials, products, or knowledge.
Duties
Chemists and materials scientists typically do the following:
- Plan and carry out research projects, such as development of products and of testing methods
- Direct technicians and other staff in chemical processing and testing, including for ingredients, mixing times, and operating temperatures
- Collaborate with engineers and other scientists on experiments, product development, and production processes
- Prepare solutions, compounds, and reagents used in laboratory procedures
- Analyze substances to determine their composition and concentration of elements
- Conduct tests on materials and other substances to ensure that safety and quality standards are met
- Write technical reports that detail methods and findings
- Present research findings to scientists, engineers, and other colleagues
Chemists and materials scientists work usually work in either basic or applied research. In basic research, chemists and materials scientists investigate the properties, composition, and structure of matter. They also experiment with combinations of elements and the ways in which they interact. In applied research, chemists and materials scientists investigate developing new products or improving existing ones, such as medications, batteries, and cleaners.
Chemists and materials scientists use computers and other laboratory equipment for modeling, simulation, and analysis. For example, chemists may use three-dimensional modeling software to study the structure and properties of complex molecules.
Most chemists and materials scientists work as part of a team that may include physicists, microbiologists, and engineers. For example, chemists in pharmaceutical research may work with biochemists and biophysicists or chemical engineers to develop new drugs and with industrial engineers to design ways to mass-produce the drugs.
Chemists may work in interdisciplinary fields, such as biochemistry or geochemistry. They also may specialize in a particular field. The following are examples of types of chemists:
Analytical chemists identify elements and compounds in a substance to determine its structure, composition, and nature. They also study the interactions between parts of compounds. Some analytical chemists specialize in developing new methods of evaluation. Their research has a range of applications, including food safety and pollution control.
Forensic chemists aid in criminal investigations by testing and analyzing evidence, such as DNA. These chemists work primarily in laboratories but may testify in court as expert witnesses to explain the results of their analyses.
Inorganic chemists study the structure, properties, and reactions of substances that do not contain carbon, such as metals. They work to understand the behavior and the characteristics of inorganic substances, such as ceramics and superconductors, for modifying, separating, or using in products or for other purposes.
Medicinal chemists research and develop chemical compounds to create and test new drug products. They also help develop and improve manufacturing processes to effectively produce new drugs on a large scale.
Organic chemists study the structure, properties, and reactions of molecules that contain carbon. They also design and make organic substances for use in developing new commercial products, such as medicine and plastics.
Physical chemists study how matter behaves and how chemical reactions occur. From their analyses, physical chemists may develop theories, such as how complex structures are formed, and research potential uses for new materials.
Theoretical chemists investigate abstract methods that predict the outcomes of chemical experiments. Their specializations may incorporate different branches of computer science, such as artificial intelligence. Some examples of theoretical chemists are computational chemists, mathematical chemists, and chemical informaticians.
Materials scientists typically specialize in the material they work with most often. Examples include ceramics, metals, polymers, and semiconductors.
Work Environment
Chemists held about 87,100 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of chemists were as follows:
| Chemical manufacturing | 30% |
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 21 |
| Testing laboratories | 9 |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 7 |
| Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services | 4 |
Materials scientists held about 7,900 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of materials scientists were as follows:
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 36% |
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | 12 |
| Chemical manufacturing | 11 |
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private | 8 |
| Computer and electronic product manufacturing | 5 |
Chemists and materials scientists typically work in laboratories and offices, where they conduct experiments and analyze their results. Some chemists and materials scientists work in industrial manufacturing facilities.
Chemists and materials scientists who work for manufacturing companies, especially ones with multiple facilities, may travel occasionally.
Injuries and Illnesses
Chemists and materials scientists may be exposed to health or safety hazards when handling certain chemicals. They wear protective clothing, such as goggles and masks, and follow safety procedures to reduce the risk of injury or illness.
Work Schedules
Most chemists and materials scientists work full time. Occasionally, they may have to work additional hours to meet project deadlines or perform time-sensitive laboratory experiments during off-hours.
Getting Started
How to Become a Chemist or Materials Scientist
To enter the occupation, chemists and materials scientists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related field. However, they may need a master’s degree or Ph.D. for some jobs, such as research positions.
Education
Chemists and materials scientists typically need a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related physical science field. Some jobs require a master’s degree or Ph.D. and work experience. Chemists and materials scientists with a Ph.D. and postdoctoral experience may lead research teams.
Undergraduate chemistry programs typically require a number of courses in chemistry, most of which include a laboratory component. They also require courses in a variety of other subjects, including math, biological sciences, and physics.
Some chemistry programs offer materials science as a specialization, and some engineering programs offer a joint degree in materials science and engineering.
Graduate programs in chemistry commonly include specialization in a subfield, such as analytical chemistry or inorganic chemistry. For example, those interested in doing pharmaceutical research may choose to develop a strong background in medicinal or organic chemistry.
Combined programs, which offer an accelerated bachelor’s and master’s degree in chemistry, also are available.
Training
Laboratory equipment in the workplace is expensive and may differ from the equipment available in university laboratories. As a result, chemists and materials scientists may receive training after they are hired, with experienced chemists and materials scientists demonstrating proper use of their employers’ laboratory equipment.
Laboratory experience gained through internships, fellowships, or cooperative programs in industry is also useful.
Advancement
Chemists may advance as they gain experience, typically by receiving greater responsibility and independence in their work.
Another path to advancement is through further education. For example, Ph.D. chemists may lead research teams and take on larger, more complicated projects as they progress.
Some chemists and materials scientists advance to become natural sciences managers.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of chemists and materials scientists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 7,200 openings for chemists and materials scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment
Demand for chemists and materials scientists is expected to stem from innovations in a variety of research areas, including nanotechnology and biomaterials.
Chemists will be needed to develop improved products and processes, such as new medicines and methods for ensuring food safety. Materials scientists will be needed to research and develop affordable, safe, high-quality materials for electronics, energy, transportation, and other uses.
Contacts for More Information
For information on career opportunities, earnings, and education for chemists and materials scientists, visit
For more information about certified degree programs in chemistry, visit
American Chemical Society Committee on Professional Training
For information about academic programs in green chemistry, visit
American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Academic Programs
To find job openings for chemists and materials scientists in the federal government, visit
Similar Occupations
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of chemists and materials scientists.
| Occupation | Job Duties | Entry-Level Education | Median Annual Pay, May 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Biochemists and Biophysicists |
Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes. |
Doctoral or professional degree | $103,810 |
|
Chemical Engineers |
Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, physics, and engineering to design equipment and processes for manufacturing products such as gasoline, detergents, and paper. |
Bachelor's degree | $106,260 |
|
Chemical Technicians |
Chemical technicians conduct laboratory tests to help scientists analyze the properties of materials. |
Associate's degree | $50,840 |
|
Environmental Scientists and Specialists |
Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. |
Bachelor's degree | $76,480 |
|
Forensic Science Technicians |
Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence. |
Bachelor's degree | $63,740 |
|
Geoscientists |
Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth. |
Bachelor's degree | $87,480 |
|
High School Teachers |
High school teachers teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market. |
Bachelor's degree | $62,360 |
|
Materials Engineers |
Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials used to create a wide range of products. |
Bachelor's degree | $100,140 |
|
Natural Sciences Managers |
Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists, and biologists. |
Bachelor's degree | $144,440 |
|
Postsecondary Teachers |
Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level. |
See How to Become One | $80,840 |