A marine chemist is a scientist who studies the chemical composition of the ocean, the makeup of underwater structures and landmasses, and the impact of sea life on various water qualities. Any marine chemist’s main task is research, though the scope and nuance of that research varies greatly from person to person. Some marine chemists look at how microorganism cultures in tidal waters have changed over time, while others look at prehistoric cells and compounds stored in glaciers to see how the ocean has changed. Many chemists work in the field, conducting extensive undersea research at stations all over the world, while others work primarily in academia, publishing research, giving talks, and attempting to improve general scientific understanding of the ocean.
Although the opportunities are numerous, all marine chemists share a few characteristics. For one thing, they’re interested in a cellular-level, organic study of ocean waters and tributaries. No matter where the scientists are located or how they are focused in their careers, hands-on research, lab work, data analysis, and paper publication all play a role in marine chemist jobs.
The job description of a marine chemist varies depending on the scientist’s primary objectives, but for the most part, the job entails a lot of field work. Field chemists collect samples while spending time in or near the ocean. Deep-sea trenches, underwater mountain ranges, coral reefs, and shallow tropical waters are all common settings. These chemists believe that identifying particulate matter in the oceans will reveal information about the oceans’ history, formation, and how they are chemically similar to and different from land-based terrains.
Not all marine chemist jobs are as hands-on as others, and scientists don’t have to travel far from home or spend long periods at sea to make a difference in the field. Many marine chemists spend most of their time in laboratories, analyzing slides and drawing conclusions from samples collected in widely dispersed locations. Interdisciplinary chemists may combine elements of marine biochemistry or oceanic geology into their research.
Some universities, but not all, offer specific marine chemistry degree programs, at least not at the undergraduate level. Undergraduates interested in becoming marine chemists should consider general chemistry, marine biology, or biochemistry, to name a few options. The main requirements are a degree in the hard sciences and an interest in scientifically understanding what makes the sea what it is. Students must usually pursue additional studies in order to advance in the field, which usually leads to at least a master’s degree, but more often a doctorate. When it comes to organizing their research, choosing their jobs, and setting their own schedules, marine chemistry doctors have the most freedom.