How to become a Chemist

A chemist is a scientist who has studied the subject of chemistry. Chemists examine the qualities and composition of materials. Chemists characterise the features they examine in terms of quantity, down to the level of molecules and the atoms that make them up. Chemists quantify material quantities, chemical reaction rates, and other chemical parameters with great precision. Pharmacists are commonly referred to as chemists in Commonwealth English. Chemists apply their expertise to discover the composition and characteristics of new chemicals and copy and synthesise vast amounts of naturally existing substances and develop new artificial substances and processes.

Chemists can specialise in a variety of chemical subdisciplines. For example, materials scientists and metallurgists have a lot in common with chemists regarding education and abilities. Chemical engineers collaborate closely with industrial chemists to create innovative techniques and methods for commercial-scale chemical and related product manufacturing. Chemical engineers are primarily concerned with the cost-effective design, building, and assessment of large-scale chemical plants and collaborate closely with industrial chemists to develop novel processes and methods for the commercial production of chemicals and associated products.

A chemist is primarily involved in conducting experiments on organic and inorganic chemical substances. The purpose of conducting such qualitative and quantitative experiments can be to develop new products, study the composition or concentration of elements, and explore the beneficial compounds of the substance for quality control and research purposes. In addition, they study the nature and properties of chemical matter and the interactions between different substances that add to the scientific understanding of the same. Their goal is to use the knowledge from these experiments to improve people's quality of life. Insights from their work can be applied to various fields, including energy and fuel use, cosmetics, pharmacology, and food processing. They can choose to specialise in areas such as inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry.

• Design experiments with detailed specifications for the methodology including blending times, working temperatures, and fixings
• Direct and oversee the work of laboratory technicians in analyzing the chemical’s components and properties
• Develop quality control methods to ensure that the equipment or the substances are not contaminated by controllable variables in the environment
• Prepare solutions, compounds, and reagents required to carry out the experiments
• Develop guidelines for handling of dangerous substances, sensitive equipment, and operating procedures
• Ensure that the laboratory environment and equipment is maintained and used in accordance with the health and safety guidelines
• Communicate the findings to engineers, researchers, and scientists
• Write technical reports regarding their findings that outline the methods and results of the study

A person who wishes to pursue a career as Chemist must be patient, perseverant, and aggressive. To be a good chemist, you must have deductive solid thinking ability and problem-solving capabilities. A chemist's knowledge of advanced laboratory equipment is essential in order to do simulations and modelling as required. Working knowledge of the computer software and hardware necessary for the experiments. They must possess the necessary communication abilities to present complex scientific knowledge straightforward and easily understandable to others. Their writing abilities will be necessary for the documentation of the experiments, including the production of clear, correct, and thorough reports.

They should also demonstrate leadership qualities and the capacity to function as a member of a team. A career as a chemist necessitates using logical reasoning skills in conjunction with exceptional analytical talents. In addition, chemical engineers must be meticulous in their organisation and time management abilities to operate effectively and meet all applicable deadlines. Given the nature of a chemist's profession, one should be very detail-oriented and meticulous in their approach.

A "Chemist" salary can vary based on factors such as education, experience, the type of employer, and the specific role within chemistry.

• Minimum Monthly Salary: The monthly salary can be from INR 25,000 to INR 40,000.
• Maximum Monthly Salary: The monthly salary can be from INR 70,000 to INR 1,50,000 or more.
• Annual Salary: The annual salary can be from INR 3,00,000 to INR 18,00,000 or more.
• Highest Paying Job and Scope: The highest paying job for a Chemist is often in specialized or leadership positions within research and development (R&D) departments of pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, or chemical manufacturing companies.The scope for Chemists is promising, with opportunities in various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, healthcare, petrochemicals, environmental sciences, and materials research.

1. Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
2. Chemical Manufacturing
3. Research and Development
4. Environmental Science and Pollution Control
5. Food and Beverage Manufacturing
6. Petrochemicals and Energy
7. Cosmetics and Personal Care
8. Agricultural and Agrochemicals
9. Forensic Science and Crime Laboratories
10. Quality Control and Testing Laboratories