Top 12 Research Chemist Skills to Put on Your Resume
Crafting an impressive resume is crucial for aspiring research chemists aiming to stand out in the competitive job market. Highlighting a robust set of skills that demonstrate both technical expertise and soft skills is essential to capturing the attention of potential employers and advancing your career in the field of chemistry.
Research Chemist Skills
- Chromatography
- Spectroscopy
- Mass Spectrometry
- NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance)
- HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
- GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry)
- IR Spectroscopy
- UV/Vis Spectroscopy
- PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
- Electrophoresis
- X-ray Crystallography
- Python (for data analysis)
1. Chromatography
Chromatography is a technique used for separating and analyzing components of a mixture by passing it through a medium where the components move at different rates.
Why It's Important
Chromatography is important for a Research Chemist because it allows for the separation, identification, and purification of components in a mixture, facilitating the analysis of complex samples and the development of new compounds.
How to Improve Chromatography Skills
To improve chromatography, a Research Chemist can focus on optimizing several key factors:
Column Technology: Enhance separation efficiency by selecting advanced column materials and technologies suitable for your analytes. Consider the latest developments in stationary phase designs for improved selectivity and resolution.
Mobile Phase Optimization: Adjust the composition and flow rate of the mobile phase. Utilize gradient elution techniques when applicable for better separation of complex mixtures.
Sample Preparation: Enhance sample purity and concentration through meticulous sample preparation, reducing the presence of matrix effects and increasing analyte detectability.
Temperature Control: Implement precise temperature control to improve peak shapes and reproducibility. Understanding the effects of temperature on your separations can be critical, as discussed in this Journal of Chromatography A article.
Detector Optimization: Select the most appropriate detector and optimize its settings for your analytes. This comprehensive guide on detection techniques in liquid chromatography can provide valuable insights.
Method Development Software: Utilize software tools for method development, such as DryLab or ChromSword, to systematically explore the chromatographic space and identify optimal conditions faster.
By focusing on these aspects, you can achieve significant improvements in chromatography, leading to better separation efficiency, resolution, and analytical performance.
How to Display Chromatography Skills on Your Resume
2. Spectroscopy
Spectroscopy is a technique used to analyze the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation, enabling the identification, characterization, and quantification of substances by examining their spectra. This method is crucial in chemical research for understanding molecular structure, composition, and dynamics.
Why It's Important
Spectroscopy is crucial for a research chemist as it allows for the identification and characterization of substances, understanding molecular structure, and monitoring chemical reactions by analyzing the interaction of light with matter. This information is vital for synthesizing new compounds, verifying chemical compositions, and understanding reaction mechanisms.
How to Improve Spectroscopy Skills
Improving spectroscopy involves several strategies aimed at enhancing sensitivity, resolution, and accuracy. For a Research Chemist, consider the following concise tips:
Optimize Sample Preparation: Ensure your sample is prepared optimally for the type of spectroscopy you are using. This might involve concentration adjustments, using appropriate solvents, or sample purification. Sample Preparation Techniques
Instrument Calibration and Maintenance: Regularly calibrate your spectroscopy instruments to ensure accuracy. Proper maintenance also prevents unexpected errors and improves performance. Instrument Calibration
Advanced Detectors and Sources: Invest in high-quality detectors and light sources that offer better sensitivity and resolution. This can significantly enhance the quality of your spectroscopic analysis. Detectors in Spectroscopy
Software and Data Analysis Tools: Utilize advanced software for data analysis to accurately interpret spectroscopic data. This includes software for peak identification, deconvolution, and quantitative analysis. Spectroscopy Software
Method Development and Optimization: Continuously improve and optimize your spectroscopic methods, including adjusting parameters like wavelength, scan speed, and resolution to suit your specific application. Method Development in Spectroscopy
Collaboration and Training: Engage with the spectroscopy community for new insights and training. Collaborations can lead to shared knowledge on cutting-edge techniques and improvements. Spectroscopy Societies
Advanced Techniques: Explore and incorporate advanced spectroscopic techniques that are more suited to your research needs, such as two-dimensional spectroscopy, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, or time-resolved spectroscopy. Advanced Spectroscopic Techniques
Implementing these strategies can significantly enhance the performance and outcomes of spectroscopic analyses in chemical research.
How to Display Spectroscopy Skills on Your Resume
3. Mass Spectrometry
Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique used to identify compounds and determine their molecular composition by ionizing chemical species and measuring their mass-to-charge ratios.
Why It's Important
Mass spectrometry is crucial for a research chemist as it provides precise molecular weight information, enabling the identification and quantification of unknown compounds, elucidation of molecular structures, and analysis of complex mixtures, significantly advancing chemical and pharmaceutical research.
How to Improve Mass Spectrometry Skills
To improve Mass Spectrometry, a Research Chemist can focus on several key areas:
Enhancement of Ionization Techniques: Explore advanced ionization methods (Electrospray Ionization (ESI), Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI)) to improve sample ionization efficiency and sensitivity.
Optimization of Sample Preparation: Refine sample preparation techniques (solid-phase extraction, liquid-liquid extraction) to increase analyte concentration and reduce contaminants.
Advancements in Mass Analyzers: Explore the use of high-resolution mass analyzers (Orbitrap, Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance (FT-ICR)) for better accuracy and resolution.
Improvement of Detection Methods: Leverage more sensitive detection methods (tandem mass spectrometry, time-of-flight (TOF)) for enhanced analyte identification and quantification.
Automated Data Analysis Tools: Utilize advanced computational tools and algorithms (machine learning, data mining) for efficient data analysis and interpretation.
Collaborative Research and Development: Engage in multidisciplinary collaborations with engineers, software developers, and other chemists to develop innovative mass spectrometry technologies and methodologies.
By focusing on these areas, researchers can significantly enhance the capabilities and applications of mass spectrometry in chemical analysis.
How to Display Mass Spectrometry Skills on Your Resume
4. NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance)
NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) is an analytical technique used by research chemists to obtain detailed information about the structure, dynamics, reaction state, and chemical environment of molecules. It exploits the magnetic properties of certain atomic nuclei by aligning them in an external magnetic field and perturbing this alignment using radiofrequency pulses. The resulting electromagnetic signal, which is re-emitted by the nuclei, is measured and analyzed to provide insights into molecular identity, structure, and purity.
Why It's Important
NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) is crucial for research chemists as it provides detailed information on molecular structure, dynamics, and environment, enabling the identification and characterization of compounds, elucidation of complex molecular architectures, and insights into reaction mechanisms.
How to Improve NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) Skills
Improving NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) spectroscopy involves several strategies to enhance signal quality, resolution, and data interpretation, crucial for research chemists aiming for precise molecular characterization. Here's a concise guide:
Sample Preparation: Increase concentration and purity of your sample, and choose an appropriate solvent with minimal hydrogen content (e.g., deuterated solvents) to reduce background noise. ACS Guide on NMR Sample Preparation
Temperature Control: Conduct experiments at optimal temperatures to reduce line broadening and improve spectral resolution. This often means cooling the sample to increase relaxation times. Bruker's Temperature Control in NMR
Optimization of Parameters: Fine-tune acquisition parameters such as the number of scans, pulse width, and relaxation delay for maximum signal-to-noise ratio. JEOL NMR Technical Notes
Advanced Techniques: Utilize advanced NMR techniques like 2D NMR (e.g., COSY, NOESY) for complex mixture analysis and structure elucidation. Implementing pulse sequences that enhance certain types of interactions can also be beneficial. Varian NMR Techniques Guide
Hardware Upgrades: Consider investing in higher magnetic field strengths and cryogenically cooled probes to significantly enhance sensitivity and resolution. Bruker's CryoProbe Technology
Software and Data Analysis Tools: Employ advanced software for data processing and interpretation to extract maximum information from your NMR spectra. Mestrelab Research
Regular Maintenance and Calibration: Ensure your NMR instrument is regularly maintained and properly calibrated for accurate and reproducible results. NMR Facility Management Tips
By focusing on these aspects, you can significantly improve the quality and interpretability of your NMR data, aiding in more accurate chemical analysis and research outcomes.
How to Display NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) Skills on Your Resume
5. HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) is a powerful analytical technique used by research chemists for separating, identifying, and quantifying compounds in a mixture based on their interactions with a stationary phase and a mobile phase under high pressure, facilitating rapid and precise analyses of complex samples.
Why It's Important
HPLC is critical for Research Chemists as it enables the precise separation, identification, and quantification of compounds in mixtures, facilitating the analysis of complex samples, purity assessment, and the elucidation of chemical structures, thus advancing chemical research and development.
How to Improve HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) Skills
Improving HPLC performance involves optimizing various parameters to enhance resolution, sensitivity, and speed. Here are concise strategies:
Column Selection: Choose the right column material, size, and particle size for your application. Smaller particles provide higher resolution but require higher pressure. Agilent's Guide can help in selection.
Mobile Phase Optimization: Adjust the composition and pH of the mobile phase to improve peak resolution and reduce run time. Consider gradient elution for complex samples. The Waters Mobile Phase Optimization guide offers detailed insights.
Temperature Control: Utilize column temperature control to enhance reproducibility and separation efficiency. Higher temperatures can also speed up analyses.
Flow Rate Adjustment: Optimize flow rate for the best balance between analysis time and resolution. Refer to Thermo Fisher's recommendations for practical tips.
Sample Preparation: Ensure samples are clean and suitable for injection to prevent column clogging and ensure consistent results. Solid-phase extraction (SPE) can be an effective pre-treatment step. Sigma-Aldrich's SPE Guide provides useful protocols.
Detector Optimization: Choose the most appropriate detector for your analytes and adjust detector settings for maximum sensitivity and specificity. Shimadzu's Detector Selection guide can aid in this decision.
Method Development Software: Utilize software tools for method development and optimization, reducing time and improving efficiency. ACD/Labs' Method Selection Suite is an example of such a tool.
By carefully considering and optimizing these aspects, HPLC performance can be significantly improved for more efficient, accurate, and reliable analyses.
How to Display HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) Skills on Your Resume
6. GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry)
GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) is an analytical technique that combines the features of gas-liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify different substances within a test sample. It's widely used for quantifying small molecular weight compounds and elucidating unknown materials, particularly in the fields of forensic analysis, environmental testing, and drug discovery.
Why It's Important
GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) is crucial for a Research Chemist because it allows for the precise identification and quantification of compounds in complex mixtures, aiding in the analysis of chemical reactions, purity assessment, and the discovery of new molecules.
How to Improve GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) Skills
Improving GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) performance involves several strategies, focusing on enhancing sensitivity, resolution, and accuracy. Here's a concise guide:
Optimize Sample Preparation: Ensure samples are clean and concentrated to improve detection. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) or liquid-liquid extraction can enhance analyte recovery. Sample Preparation Techniques
Use High-Quality Columns: Select the appropriate column material and dimensions (length, diameter, film thickness) for your analytes. Silica-based columns with low bleed characteristics improve sensitivity and resolution. Column Selection Guide
Optimize GC Conditions: Adjust the carrier gas flow rate, oven temperature program, and injection volume to achieve the best separation and peak shapes. Helium is commonly preferred for its optimal balance of speed and resolution. GC Optimization Tips
Mass Spectrometer Tuning: Regularly tune the mass spectrometer for optimal ionization and detection of target analytes, ensuring accuracy and sensitivity. Consider electron ionization (EI) or chemical ionization (CI) based on analyte properties. MS Tuning Procedures
Use Quality Standards and Calibrants: Employ high-purity standards for calibration and validation to ensure quantitative accuracy. Frequent calibration checks and the use of internal standards can correct for matrix effects and instrument drift. Standards and Calibration
Data Analysis Software: Utilize advanced data analysis software for improved peak identification and quantitation, reducing human error and increasing throughput. Data Analysis in GC-MS
Regular Maintenance: Follow a regular maintenance schedule for both the GC and MS components to prevent issues related to contamination, leaks, or wear and tear. This includes checking and replacing septa, liners, and cleaning or replacing ion sources and quadrupoles. GC-MS Maintenance Guide
By applying these strategies, a research chemist can significantly improve the performance of GC-MS analyses, leading to more reliable, accurate, and sensitive results.
How to Display GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) Skills on Your Resume
7. IR Spectroscopy
IR Spectroscopy is a technique used by research chemists to identify and study chemical substances through the interaction of infrared radiation with molecular vibrations, providing insights into molecular structure, functional groups, and chemical bonding.
Why It's Important
IR spectroscopy is crucial for a research chemist as it provides a rapid, precise method for identifying functional groups, analyzing molecular structures, and studying chemical interactions, enabling the elucidation of compound compositions and the monitoring of reaction progress.
How to Improve IR Spectroscopy Skills
To enhance IR Spectroscopy, focus on the following aspects:
Sample Preparation: Ensuring optimal sample thickness and homogeneity improves spectral quality. For solids, grinding with KBr to form pellets, and for liquids, using thin film techniques or appropriate solvents can enhance spectra clarity. Sample Preparation Techniques
Resolution and Scan Speed Adjustment: Adjusting the resolution (typically between 0.5 to 4 cm-1) and scan speed according to your sample's requirements can significantly improve spectral quality. Higher resolution is crucial for resolving closely spaced bands. Resolution in IR Spectroscopy
Atmospheric Control: Since IR spectroscopy is sensitive to atmospheric water and CO2, conducting measurements in a controlled atmosphere or using software correction can minimize their spectral interference. Atmospheric Water Vapor Correction
Instrument Calibration and Maintenance: Regular calibration using standard reference materials and proper maintenance of the IR spectrometer ensure accurate and reproducible results. Instrument Calibration
Enhanced Detection Techniques: Utilizing techniques like ATR (Attenuated Total Reflectance) for difficult samples or GC-IR (Gas Chromatography-IR Spectroscopy) for complex mixtures can provide better specificity and sensitivity. ATR-FTIR
Software and Data Analysis: Employing advanced software for spectral analysis, including multivariate analysis and machine learning algorithms, can significantly enhance the identification and quantification of compounds. Advanced Data Analysis
By focusing on these areas, research chemists can significantly improve the performance and utility of IR spectroscopy in their studies.
How to Display IR Spectroscopy Skills on Your Resume
8. UV/Vis Spectroscopy
UV/Vis Spectroscopy is an analytical technique used to measure the absorption of ultraviolet (UV) and visible light by molecules in a sample. It provides information on electronic transitions, enabling the determination of molecular structure, concentration, and interactions, crucial for qualitative and quantitative analysis in research chemistry.
Why It's Important
UV/Vis spectroscopy is crucial for research chemists as it enables the rapid identification and quantification of substances by analyzing their absorption of ultraviolet and visible light, crucial for understanding molecular structure, bonding, and concentration in various samples.
How to Improve UV/Vis Spectroscopy Skills
Improving UV/Vis Spectroscopy involves several strategies focusing on sample preparation, instrument calibration, and data analysis. Here's a concise guide:
Sample Preparation: Ensure your sample is properly prepared and free from contaminants. Use appropriate solvents and filtering techniques to achieve clear solutions. For detailed guidance, refer to Sigma-Aldrich's recommendations.
Instrument Calibration: Regularly calibrate your spectrophotometer with standard materials to ensure accuracy. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides certified reference materials for calibration.
Pathlength and Concentration: Optimize the pathlength and concentration to avoid too high or too low absorbance readings, which can lead to inaccuracies. Thermo Fisher Scientific offers insights into optimizing these parameters.
Baseline Correction: Implement baseline correction to eliminate the influence of solvent absorption and other background noises. A practical guide is found on Shimadzu’s website.
Software and Data Analysis: Utilize advanced software for spectral analysis to deconvolute overlapping peaks and improve the quantitation and identification of components. SpectraSuite and OceanView are examples, and you can explore options at Ocean Insight.
Maintain Instruments: Regular maintenance of your UV/Vis spectrophotometer is crucial. Clean the optics and replace lamps as needed to ensure high performance. Manufacturer websites, like Agilent, often provide maintenance tips.
By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve the reliability and accuracy of your UV/Vis spectroscopic analyses.
How to Display UV/Vis Spectroscopy Skills on Your Resume
9. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a molecular biology technique used for amplifying specific DNA sequences, enabling detailed study and analysis of genetic material.
Why It's Important
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is crucial for amplifying specific DNA sequences, enabling detailed analysis and study of genetic material for research, diagnostics, and forensic applications.
How to Improve PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Skills
Improving PCR efficiency and specificity involves optimizing various parameters. Here's a concise guide:
Primer Design: Use software tools like Primer3 or NCBI Primer-BLAST to design specific primers with minimal self-complementarity, avoiding primer-dimers and hairpin structures.
Template Quality and Quantity: Ensure DNA is of high purity and concentration, using quantification tools like NanoDrop or Qubit.
Optimal MgCl2 Concentration: Adjust MgCl2 concentration, which is crucial for enzyme activity and specificity. Start with 1.5-2.5 mM and optimize as necessary.
Annealing Temperature: Optimize based on primer Tm. Use a gradient PCR to find the ideal temperature that balances specificity and yield.
Extension Time: Typically, 1 minute per 1kb of target DNA at 72°C. Adjust for longer or complex targets.
Hot-Start PCR: Use hot-start DNA polymerases, like Q5 High-Fidelity DNA Polymerase, to reduce non-specific amplification by activating the polymerase at elevated temperatures.
DMSO or Betaine: Additions like DMSO (1-10%) or betaine (1M) can help amplify GC-rich regions by reducing secondary structures.
Cycling Parameters: Adjust the number of cycles (typically 25-35) to avoid plateau effects and increase specificity.
Post-PCR Analysis: Verify product specificity and size using gel electrophoresis. Consider using Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer for high-resolution analysis.
For more detailed insights and step-by-step guides, refer to the PCR optimization section in Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual.
How to Display PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Skills on Your Resume
10. Electrophoresis
Electrophoresis is a laboratory technique used for separating charged molecules, such as DNA, RNA, or proteins, based on their size and charge by applying an electric field across a gel or other medium.
Why It's Important
Electrophoresis is crucial for research chemists as it allows for the separation, identification, and analysis of molecules (such as DNA, RNA, and proteins) based on their size and charge, facilitating the understanding of molecular structures, functions, and interactions.
How to Improve Electrophoresis Skills
To improve electrophoresis, focus on optimizing key parameters and utilizing advanced techniques:
Gel Composition and Concentration: Adjust the gel's composition (e.g., polyacrylamide, agarose) and concentration based on the size of the molecules being separated. Higher concentrations improve resolution for smaller molecules. Bio-Rad Laboratories
Buffer System: Choose the appropriate buffer system to maintain pH and ionic strength, which affect the molecule's charge and the gel's pore size. Thermo Fisher Scientific
Voltage and Running Time: High voltage may lead to faster runs but can cause band distortion. Optimize voltage and time for resolution and clarity. Sigma-Aldrich
Sample Preparation: Proper sample preparation, including concentration and purity, can significantly affect results. Use protein or nucleic acid quantification methods for accurate loading. Qiagen
Temperature Control: Conduct electrophoresis at a controlled temperature to prevent gel overheating and ensure consistent results. Cooling systems or running gels at low voltage can help. Cleaver Scientific
Use of Stains and Dyes: Enhance visibility and resolution by selecting suitable stains or dyes for your target molecules. Consider sensitivity, background staining, and compatibility with downstream applications. Promega
Capillary Electrophoresis (CE): For high-throughput and automated analysis, consider using CE, which offers greater efficiency and resolution with minimal sample preparation. Agilent
Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE): For separating very large DNA molecules, PFGE can improve resolution by periodically altering the electric field's direction. NEB
By carefully tuning these parameters and exploring advanced electrophoresis techniques, a research chemist can achieve optimal separation and analysis of molecules.
How to Display Electrophoresis Skills on Your Resume
11. X-ray Crystallography
X-ray crystallography is a technique used by research chemists to determine the atomic and molecular structure of a crystal. By directing X-ray beams at a crystal and analyzing the diffraction patterns produced, chemists can infer the positions of atoms within the crystal, elucidating its three-dimensional structure with high precision. This method is fundamental in understanding the chemical bonding and molecular geometry of complex molecules.
Why It's Important
X-ray crystallography is crucial for research chemists as it provides precise structural details of molecules, enabling the understanding of chemical bonding, molecular geometry, and interactions at an atomic level, critical for drug design, material science, and elucidating reaction mechanisms.
How to Improve X-ray Crystallography Skills
To improve X-ray crystallography, a Research Chemist can focus on several key areas:
Sample Quality: Enhance crystal quality through optimized crystallization techniques. Understanding and controlling crystallization conditions can lead to better diffracting crystals. RCSB PDB provides insights on crystallization.
Data Collection: Utilize synchrotron sources for higher intensity and resolution X-ray beams, which can significantly improve data quality. Synchrotrons like the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) offer advanced beamlines.
Phasing Methods: Explore advanced phasing methods such as Multi-wavelength Anomalous Dispersion (MAD) or Single-wavelength Anomalous Dispersion (SAD). These methods can improve the accuracy of structure determination. The Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC) offers resources on phasing techniques.
Software and Algorithms: Employ the latest software and algorithms for data processing and structure refinement. Regular updates and advances in software can lead to more accurate models. The Phenix suite is widely used for structure determination.
Cryogenic Techniques: Use cryo-cooling to reduce radiation damage and improve crystal lifetime during X-ray exposure. This can lead to clearer, less noisy data. The Journal of Applied Crystallography often publishes studies on cryogenic techniques in crystallography.
By focusing on these areas, a Research Chemist can achieve significant improvements in the quality and resolution of X-ray crystallography data.
How to Display X-ray Crystallography Skills on Your Resume
12. Python (for data analysis)
Python is a versatile programming language that offers powerful libraries (such as NumPy, pandas, and Matplotlib) for data analysis, enabling research chemists to efficiently manipulate, analyze, and visualize complex datasets to uncover insights and drive scientific discoveries.
Why It's Important
Python is crucial for a Research Chemist in data analysis due to its simplicity, extensive libraries (such as NumPy, SciPy, and pandas) for scientific computing, and powerful data visualization tools (like Matplotlib and Seaborn), enabling efficient manipulation, analysis, and presentation of complex chemical data sets.
How to Improve Python (for data analysis) Skills
Improving your Python skills for data analysis, especially as a Research Chemist, involves focusing on libraries and practices that streamline data manipulation, visualization, and statistical analysis. Here are concise recommendations:
Master Key Libraries: Focus on becoming proficient with Pandas for data manipulation, NumPy for numerical computations, and Matplotlib or Seaborn for data visualization. These libraries are foundational for analyzing and interpreting data.
Learn Scientific Libraries: Dive into SciPy for advanced scientific computing, including statistics and optimization, which are crucial in research chemistry.
Utilize Cheminformatics Tools: Explore libraries like RDKit for cheminformatics tasks, crucial for molecular analysis and chemical data handling.
Practice with Real Data: Apply your skills on datasets from your field. Resources like ChemBL offer access to chemical data which can be used for practice and real research projects.
Join a Community: Engage with communities on platforms like Stack Overflow and GitHub to learn from projects, ask questions, and collaborate.
Follow Tutorials and Online Courses: Websites like Coursera and DataCamp offer courses specifically tailored to Python for data science and analysis.
Implement Version Control: Learn to use Git for version control to manage your code, especially for collaborative projects.
By focusing on these areas, you'll enhance your ability to perform efficient and insightful data analysis relevant to your field in chemistry.