Physical chemists usually work in research laboratories, universities, or other facilities where they have access to a large amount of experimental materials and equipment. They are involved in the formulation, testing, and analysis of several types of materials, including:
As you can see, there are many different uses for physical chemistry in the development of materials, but these professionals are also required to perform laboratory experiments, test processes, and prepare analytical reports. The skills they use to perform these jobs require them to use various scientific methods and processes, including:
If you’re considering pursuing a career as a physical chemist, you will have to complete formal training before you are employed. A person who receives a bachelor’s degree in chemistry typically takes two years to finish. However, some students choose to take less time to finish their training and can finish earlier, depending on their career goals and their educational background.
In addition to earning their degrees, those who work as physical chemists can often find themselves working in research and professional positions. These individuals can often find jobs as researchers and technologists in research labs, in manufacturing facilities, or in laboratories and universities.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a physical chemist, but don’t want to have to spend four years earning a degree, you may be able to find a position that doesn’t require a four-year degree. For example, there are several post-secondary schools that offer a variety of programs in chemistry that do not require any additional schooling for students. Students who earn a Bachelor of Science in chemistry can begin their careers in the fields of research and engineering, or as a research technician in the biomedical field, and as a scientist.
If you don’t want to take a four-year program, you might be able to qualify for a physical chemistry certification program at your local community college. Most community colleges offer these programs in chemistry so that students can earn a bachelors degrees in the subject matter at the beginning stages of their education. It’s a good idea to consider obtaining a degree in chemistry prior to going on to higher education because it’s easier to take a degree if you already know what you want to study.
Those who already have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry can look into physical chemistry certification programs. Certification programs allow students to have more credibility in their chosen career field and can help them get better job opportunities down the road. Certification programs can also make it easier to become eligible for federal government grants.
Many certification programs are available online, so you can complete your classes from home and still have time to spend with family and friends. Some programs also have online quizzes, so you can check your knowledge at all times. If you’re looking for a more flexible schedule than traditional classroom settings, you may want to consider attending a physical chemistry certification program.
If you’re a college student or have recently graduated from a college with a degree in chemistry, you should definitely consider working as a physical chemist. There are plenty of benefits to getting a degree in this field and working in this capacity provides you with a unique experience and educational foundation for your career.
As a physical chemist, you’ll be working under the supervision of a senior member of the research team. You’ll also be working under the direct care of a supervisor who has many years of experience in the field of chemistry. Your responsibilities will include developing the laboratory equipment, keeping it in good condition, and maintaining laboratory safety and security.
A typical day will include testing samples for use in other labs and studies using the laboratory’s equipment. You will likely need to handle the preparation of samples for analysis by different types of equipment and performing various experiments. Once you finish your certification, you’ll be given a certificate or have your name placed on the laboratory wall.
