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Job Description and Duties

Study of carbon containing molecules. This includes the molecules in living organisms as well as in a broad variety of industrial products such as medicines, cosmetics and plastics. Organic chemists work in all of these industries creating and developing products. According to the ACS, an organic chemist might work on developing a new molecule that is based on a molecule in nature in order to create a new medication or industrial chemical. They may use gas or liquid chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance to get their resulting data. You may be a teacher of the field or you may be a researcher or marketing for a product.

Job Prospects and Salary


According to the BLS, while there will be a continued need for organic (and other) chemists, job growth in this field is expected at four percent between 2010 and 2020, which is slower than average. Some of this is due to chemical manufacturers partnering with smaller firms, and some is due to companies overseas. Persons who have higher degrees, such as Ph.D.s, are expected to have better job prospects. Median salary for chemists was about $70,000 as of May 2011. According to Bureau Labor Statistics Organic and other types of chemist will experience job growth by four percent between 2010 and 2020, which is slower than the average percentage. The higher degree you get (such as PhD) the more likely your job outcome will be. Average pay is $70,000 for chemist as of 2011.

What Employers Are Looking for


Most chemist jobs require at least a bachelor's degree in chemistry. Types of courses you would need to take might include physical science, inorganic and organic chemistry, biology, math and physics. Due to the heavy use of computers in the chemical industry, courses in computer sciences are also important. Since researchers must present their findings by lecturing and in reports and a thesis (for doctorate), good oral and written communication skills are a must. While many organic chemist and chemist in general can work with a Bachelors. A Graduate degree will give you much more responsibility and much more research options especially for Pharmaceutical companies.

Job Postings from Real Employers


The American Chemistry Society highly recommends if you wish for a job in Organic you perform excellent in your undergraduate classes and become a very good people person and have good personal skills The ACS recommends that if you are looking for a career in organic chemistry, make sure you excel in your undergraduate work and develop particular personal skills. They also recommend being a good problem solver and leadership skills to become a team leader. Also start early and get good experience is a must. Take time to learn organic chemistry; just dont learn it in your school time.

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