Analytical chemistry careers range from private industry jobs in the pharmaceutical industry to work for government agencies that oversee environmental quality. Analytical chemists test materials in a controlled environment to determine their chemical composition and produce repeatable and verifiable results. A bachelor’s degree in analytical chemistry is usually required to do this work, and many people have higher degrees to qualify them for specialized work.
Analytical chemist jobs in the public sector can include work for environmental and health and safety agencies. Chemists look for signs of contamination in samples of air, soil, water, and other materials and can make policy recommendations to help agencies protect the environment’s health. They may also conduct contamination tests on foods, medications, and other products. To address safety concerns, the analytical chemist may recommend a recall or a change in product formulation.
Forensic evaluation can also be performed analytical chemists for government agencies. Analytical chemist jobs are available in law enforcement agencies to test materials discovered at crime scenes. Their chemical composition and origins can be determined a chemist. This information could be useful in identifying a suspect or constructing a case to bring someone to justice.
Working in the private sector is also an option. Chemists are in high demand in many companies’ research and development departments. Development of new chemical compounds, testing compounds to learn more about them, and improving existing products are all possible jobs for analytical chemists. Some chemists are interested in developing new analytical chemistry equipment, while others are interested in working on tasks such as pharmaceutical product control or the development of better food stabilizers.
Other opportunities for analytical chemists can be found at educational institutions that require chemists to teach and train their students. Chemists can work for colleges and universities, conducting research as well. They can also teach technicians how to work in laboratories at trade and technical schools. Analytical chemist jobs are also available in non-profit organizations; environmental groups, for example, may maintain labs to conduct independent testing.
Students who want to pursue a career in analytical chemistry should consider specializing in one area. This may aid them in deciding where they will attend school. It may also determine the level of education required for the job. A chemist working in a government laboratory, for example, might need a master’s degree, whereas a pharmaceutical researcher might have a PhD and postdoctoral experience.