Jobs in the chemical industry are as diverse as the industry itself. Several other modern industries, such as automotive, medical, and manufacturing, rely heavily on the chemical industry. Pharmaceutical research, petrochemical research and development, manufacturing, management, and sales are all common jobs in the chemical industry. Many of the jobs in this field require advanced degrees and specialized knowledge.
Pharmaceutical research creates a lot of jobs in the chemical industry. Biochemical research is one of the more advanced jobs. Biochemists are scientists who study chemical processes in plants and animals, including how they work, when they fail, and how different chemicals affect them. Other pharmaceutical researchers can then try to synthesize and formulate new medications using this information. The effects of these medications are then tested by medical researchers to determine their safety and effectiveness.
Chemists are also employed in the petrochemical industry. Studying and improving the processes that break crude oil into useful components is one example of what a petrochemical industry researcher might do. This is a critical task because unanticipated reactions can have disastrous consequences for oil refineries. Other petrochemical researchers are trying to find new or more efficient uses for the crude oil that isn’t used to make gasoline.
Research into new oil sources is another facet of the petrochemical industry. While some sources, such as oil shale, have been discovered, chemical extraction processes that are both cost-effective and efficient have yet to be fully developed. This issue has been studied by a number of research groups.
Other jobs in the chemical industry can be found in the manufacturing sector. Plastics, electronic components, and synthetic rubbers are just a few examples of modern materials that must be chemically synthesized. Researchers and chemical technicians are hired by manufacturers to improve and administer these processes.
In all chemical industries, management plays a critical role. Individual researchers cannot complete modern chemical research and development because it is too complex. Managers are responsible for deciding which avenues of chemical research should be funded and pursued, in addition to coordinating various aspects of the research and development process. Managers are responsible for standard management tasks such as assigning specific tasks and maintaining the workforce, just as they are in other industries.
While many people work hard to develop and manufacture chemical products, many more work in sales. Pharmaceutical companies, petrochemical companies, and other manufacturing companies would not exist without sales. Chemical sales jobs necessitate a thorough understanding of chemical applications and processes. Chemical salespeople can work in a variety of settings, from retail to industrial.