From specialty materials such as catalysts, coatings and composites to scientific instrumentation, I have had a diverse career in applied research. In general, I would say that chemists in industry must be flexible with a broad background and set of skills that allows them to continuously learn new fields. It is exciting to take new products from bench scale to production. On a large production scale, at thousands of pounds per hour or more, the statistics are such that the product either works or it doesn't. If the product has a problem it is a big one that must be solved quickly so that production can continue. Time is money where production is concerned.<br/><br/>On the other hand scientific instrumentation is a completely different scenario. This is a niche industry that primarily requires direct contact with clients from all over the world. The applications and problems that are brought to a scientist in this position span all industries. Application support in this industry is broad in nature, a scientist here, is not directly responsible for a final product/solution. However, the rigorous nature of this position is to identify new instrumentation that is capable of solving new problems for a significant percentage of clients.<br/><br/>Industrial or applied research can be ideal for the right candidate. It is interdisciplinary, requires team work and good interpersonal skills. A person that can learn quickly and finds it exciting to move between scientific fields will be most successful in this type of career.

Chemistry and industrial careers

256th National Meeting (2018)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.