Chemists (NOC 2112)
Description
Chemists conduct research and analysis in support of industrial operations, product and process development, quality control, environmental control, medical diagnosis and treatment, bio technology and other applications. They also conduct theoretical, experimental and applied research into basic chemical and biochemical processes to create or synthesize new products and processes. Chemists are employed in research, development and quality control laboratories, chemical, petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries; mineral, metal and pulp and paper industries as well as in a wide variety of manufacturing, utility, health, educational and government establishments.
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Example Titles
- agricultural chemist
- analytical chemist
- biochemist
- chemist
- clinical chemist
- coatings chemist
- electrochemist
- environmental chemist
- food chemist
- inorganic chemist
- nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopist
- oceanographic chemist
- organic chemist
- organic mass spectrometrist
- organometallic chemist
- pharmacological chemist
- physical chemist
- polymer chemist
- quality control chemist
- research chemist
- soil chemist
- textile chemist
- theoretical chemist
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Classified Elsewhere
- Chemical Engineers (2134)
- Geochemists (in 2113 Geologists, Geochemists and Geophysicists)
- Metallurgists and material scientists (in 2115 Other Professional Occupations in Physical Sciences)
- Molecular Biologists (in 2121 Biologists and Related Scientists)
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Duties
Chemists perform some or all of the following duties:
- Analyze, synthesize, purify, modify and characterize chemical or bio chemical compounds
- Develop and conduct programs of analysis to ensure quality control of raw materials, chemical intermediates or final products
- Conduct programs of sample and data collection and analysis to identify and quantify environmental toxins
- Conduct research to develop new chemical formulations and processes and devise new technical applications of industrial chemicals and compounds
- Conduct fundamental and applied research into the synthesis and properties of chemical compounds and the mechanisms of chemical reactions
- Investigate chemical aspects of the mechanisms of drug action, the diagnosis and treatment of disease, organ function and the assessment of health
- Participate in interdisciplinary research and development projects working with chemical engineers, biologists, microbiologists, agronomists, geologists or other professionals
- Act as technical consultants in a particular field of expertise
- May supervise other chemists and chemical technicians and technologists.
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Skills
Chemists should like working with their hands building scientific apparatus and performing experiments. Chemists need the following characteristics:
- perseverance, curiosity, and creativity,
- knowledge of current legislation and regulations, e.g., food safety, handling of hazardous materials, environment...
- mathematical ability,
- good spatial perception, good eyesight and colour vision, and a sense of smell,
- the ability to theorize, plan and conduct experiments,
- be objective and able to concentrate on details,
- be able to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing,
- computer skills in analyzing data and operating equipment,
- analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills,
- be able to synthesize information and find innovative solutions to problems,
- work with instruments at tasks requiring precision,
- a habit of keeping a clean and orderly laboratory,
- be able to work independently or as part of a team,
- direct the work of others.
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Employment Requirements
- In Manitoba, a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry or in a related discipline is required.
- A master's or doctoral degree is usually required for employment as a research chemist.
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Terms & Conditions
Chemists commonly work in laboratories, offices, and chemical production facilities. They may also work outside on occasion. They may exposed to health or safety hazards when handling chemicals that are deemed flammable, volatile and toxic and must take precautionary steps, such as wearing protective gloves, safety glasses, and respirators.
Most chemists work a 37.5 or 40 hour work week, although shift work may be required in the Manufacturing sector. Nearly all Chemists work full-time (92%). There are very few opportunities for self-employment.
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Earnings
$40,300 per annum - starting
$60,100 per annum - average
$98,700 per annum - high
Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.
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Education / Training
- Brandon University, Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface, the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba offer degree programs in Chemistry.
- Red River College and the University of Winnipeg offer a 4-year Joint Diploma/Degree program in Applied Chemistry.
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Career Paths
Mobility between specializations in chemistry usually occurs at a junior level.
Mobility is possible to occupations concerned with research, plant management, technical sales and the development and management of regulatory programs.
Some scientists with post-graduate degrees become university professors. Experienced scientists may advance to managerial positions in research centres, government, or private firms.
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Outlook
Employment prospects for chemists are expected to be good in the period 2010 to 2014. The number of positions in Manitoba in 2010 is estimated at 340.
Although most job growth is expected to occur in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors; continued employment opportunities are expected in various industrial applications such as paint manufacturing, mineral processing, petrochemical and industrial chemicals; and in government enforcement of environmental, health, and food safety regulations. The population is aging and becoming more health-conscious, which will create greater demand for new and improved drugs, an area where chemists play an important role. As well, public concern over environmental issues, water quality, quality control, and occupational health and safety bodes well for the employment of chemists.
Rapid advances in chemistry and biochemistry mean that the work of chemists will continue to change and evolve. Also, work is increasingly being conducted in collaboration with specialists in other fields, such as engineering.
A proportionally larger number of jobs for chemists are located in Winnipeg. They are employed in Manufacturing (38%), Public Administration (20%), Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (16%) and Health Care and Social Assistance (10%).
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Employment by Age Group
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Employment by Industry
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Employment by Region
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Employment by Gender
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Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification
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Employment by Visible Minority
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Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census.
Professional Associations, Unions, and Regulatory Bodies...
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Other Related Information...
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