Chemists

HOW TO GET THERE

Typical pathway

A typical path starts in secondary school with strong courses in chemistry, math, physics and English or French, along with labs and science clubs if available. Many students then take a university degree in chemistry or a related science such as biochemistry or chemical engineering, though exact programs can vary by employer and specialty. Some people gain early experience through co-op, internships, summer research, or laboratory assistant work. Entry-level work often includes testing, analysis, quality control, or research support, with further training usually learned on the job or through graduate study for some roles.

THE WORK

What you may do

Legacy duties

• Analyze, synthesize, purify, modify and characterize chemical or biochemical compounds
• Develop and conduct programs of analysis to ensure quality control of raw materials, chemical intermediates or final products
• Conduct programs of sample and data collection and analysis to identify and quantify environmental toxicants
• Conduct research to develop new chemical formulations and processes and devise new technical applications of industrial chemicals and compounds
• Conduct research to discover, develop and refine, and evaluate new products
• Conduct fundamental and applied research into the synthesis and properties of chemical compounds and the mechanisms of chemical reactions
• Investigate chemical aspects of the mechanisms of drug action, the diagnosis and treatment of disease, organ function and the assessment of health
• Participate in interdisciplinary research and development projects working with chemical engineers, biologists, microbiologists, agronomists, geologists or other professionals
• Act as technical consultant in a particular field of expertise
• May participate in the commercialization of new products
• May supervise other chemists and chemical technicians and technologists.

SKILLS TO BUILD

Skills used in this Career