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What does an Organic Chemist do?

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Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

An organic chemist is a scientist who studies the structure, properties, and reactions of organic molecules.

Organic Chemist job duties include:

  • Developing new ways to create and use chemicals
  • Conducting research to develop new products or processes
  • Developing methods for producing and testing new chemicals
  • Analyzing data to determine the best way to create or use a chemical
  • Working with other chemists and engineers to develop new products or processes
  • Presenting findings to colleagues, clients, or managers
  • Writing reports or papers on findings
  • Monitoring production processes to ensure they are efficient and safe
  • Investigating complaints about the quality of products

Organic Chemist Job Requirements

An Organic Chemist typically needs a Ph.D. in Chemistry, with a focus on Organic Chemistry. They may also need to be certified by the American Board of Chemistry or a similar organization. They should have several years of experience working in a laboratory setting.

Organic Chemist Skills

  • Organic synthesis
  • Characterization of organic compounds
  • NMR
  • Mass spectrometry
  • Infrared spectroscopy
  • UV-Vis spectroscopy
  • Chromatography
  • X-ray crystallography
  • Organic reactions
  • Catalytic reactions
  • Organic mechanism

Related: Top Organic Chemist Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an Organic Chemist

Organic chemists are responsible for the study and production of organic compounds. They work in a variety of industries, including the pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and cosmetics industries. In order to become an organic chemist, one must first earn a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field. After completing an undergraduate program, many organic chemists choose to pursue a master's degree or doctorate in organic chemistry. Some organic chemists may also choose to specialize in a particular area of the field, such as medicinal chemistry or environmental chemistry.

The job outlook for organic chemists is positive, with an expected job growth of 6% from 2018 to 2028.* With the ever-growing demand for new and innovative products, organic chemists will continue to play an important role in the development of new products and processes.

*Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/chemists-and-materials-scientists.htm

Related: Organic Chemist Resume Example

Related: Organic Chemist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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