The study of radioactive chemical elements, such as their structure, function, and potential applications in human and environmental health, is known as radiochemistry. Scientists who specialize in radiochemistry can study natural phenomena, develop new medicines, and develop renewable energy sources. A person interested in becoming a radiochemist should first determine which area of the science piques his or her interest, then pursue a doctoral degree in that field. A aspiring radiochemist can also look for entry-level research positions at hospitals, universities, private laboratories, and R&D firms.
Radiochemists work in a variety of academic and industrial settings, so it’s crucial to decide on a general career path before enrolling in school. Many scientists study the properties of isotopes, which are forms of elements that emit radiation as they decay. They can look into radioactive decay to figure out how old rocks are and confirm information about Earth’s environmental and evolutionary history. Other radiochemists focus on developing pharmaceuticals that use isotopes to detect pathogens or cancers in the body. Others work at nuclear power plants to improve the quality and safety of nuclear-energy-harvesting processes.
A high school graduate interested in pursuing a career as a radiochemist should consider four-year universities with strong science programs. The majority of future radiochemists major in chemistry, but students can also prepare for work in the field with a degree in another science or premedical studies. A student can attend lectures during undergraduate school to learn about the history, terminology, and statistical techniques used in radiochemistry. Typically, laboratory courses are required to familiarize a student with experimental procedures and the scientific method. Radiochemists frequently write detailed papers and publish them in scholarly journals, so courses in communication, writing, and computer science may be beneficial.
A person interested in becoming a radiochemist can look for research assistant positions at his or her college while pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Practical research experience can help you meet the admissions requirements for doctoral programs. Students who want to conduct independent research usually apply to graduate schools in chemistry or radiochemistry, whereas those who want to work in hospitals usually enroll in medical school. The majority of advanced degree programs last four years and include extensive classroom and laboratory work.
A person who wants to work as a radiochemist in a medical institution can enroll in a residency program at a general hospital or clinic after receiving their degree. Postdoctoral fellowships at universities or private laboratories are common for new research scientists. Fellowships and residency programs provide new radiochemists with expert training and hands-on experience from seasoned professionals. An individual can become a radiochemist and begin pursuing specific research interests after successfully completing a training program and passing the required licensing exams.