Chemists deal with the production and further development of chemical products and the properties of chemical substances. They work in areas such as science and teaching, development, production planning and control, environmental analysis or consulting.
Chemists can work in different areas. For example, in the chemical industry they develop new process engineering concepts for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, fertilizers, synthetic fibers, paints or plastics, manage production processes or carry out quality controls. In authorities and offices they monitor compliance with guidelines, participate in the approval of pharmaceuticals and investigate the behavior of chemical products in the environment. They can also work as assessors or experts, e.g. in criminology.
In scientific research, chemists plan and manage experimental laboratory tests, develop substances and synthesis routes and publish research results. At universities they teach students, prepare lectures and seminars, correct written work and take exams. Independent scientific activities usually only become possible after a master's degree and a doctorate.
Chemists find employment e.g.
The salary level for Chemist in Germany is: from 5172 up to 6141 EUR per month
Chemists deal with the production and further development of chemical products and the properties of chemical substances. They work in areas such as science and teaching, development, production planning and control, environmental analysis or consulting.
In process development and application engineering, they transfer research results from laboratory tests to the operational scale. In this so-called scale-up, they look for technically feasible, economical and environmentally friendly production methods for new products and test the results from the development laboratory under practical conditions. Together with process engineers or technicians, they develop special equipment for production.
They plan the workflows in the production hall, analyze and optimize processes and manage employees. They ensure product quality, for example, through accompanying laboratory analyses of the raw materials as well as the intermediate and final products. They apply for approval or a manufacturing permit in accordance with the applicable regulations for medicines, fertilizers or detergents.
In food and environmental analysis, they examine samples of foodstuffs as well as soil, air and water, for example for residues of pesticides. In the healthcare sector, they implement environmental management systems in clinics, for example, or carry out environmental audits. Securing evidence in forensics, determining the age of archaeological finds, advising citizens or organizations on the environmental compatibility of certain substances, or preparing expert reports can also be areas of responsibility for chemists.
A master's degree is often required for management positions.
In the areas of research and development in the chemical, pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry or at universities or research institutions, chemists develop substances or synthesis routes, for example, or work on improving products. In order to produce a product with the desired characteristics, they examine the properties of chemical compounds, such as the molecular structure and behavior under certain reaction conditions, e.g. at different temperatures, different pressures, addition of acids, alkalis and catalysts. For example, they research the possibilities of producing nanoparticles, clusters or polymers as basic materials for nanotechnology, using catalytic nanoparticles or producing fillers, pigments and coatings from nanoparticles.
They record the research results in publications and thus make them accessible to other scientists and students. They present their findings at conferences and congresses. They hold lectures and seminars, supervise scientific work and take examinations.
A master's degree and a doctorate are usually required for independent scientific activities.
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