ADD ADVICE TO FAVDevelopment chemist
Development chemists work predominantly in the laboratory, developing, optimising and scaling-up chemical processes to semi- and full-scale production.
What development chemists do
- provide technical support to the manufacturing, sales and marketing departments
- may also have direct contact with customers
- keep up with relevant developments reported in journals and at conferences
- keep track of new patents.
Key skills
- the ability to work on your own and in a team
- good communication and presentation skills in order to establish sound relationships with colleagues, key technology partners and potential customers
- project-management skills
- commercial awareness
- the ability to translate scientific terminology into everyday language
- written and oral communication skills to keep records of and present findings.
Training to be a development chemist
Most training is on the job, although a postgraduate degree can serve the same purpose, and many companies offer specific commercial training courses in areas such as management skills.
The Royal Society of Chemistry has a professional development programme that leads to chartered status.
Salaries
Depending on the specialism, salaries for development chemists range from about £20,000 to £50,000.
