Pharmaceutical chemists conduct research, experiments and analysis of various elements and compounds. This is done for various purposes, such as development of products, analysis of quantity, application of process, analysis of quality, etc. Pharmaceutical chemists also need to assess all the physical and chemical properties of different synthetic and natural materials and its applications in everyday life. This is required to be done so as to comprehend and apply all the gleaned information to products for medicinal and consumer purposes.
Various scientific methods and techniques are used for this purpose. They are also expected to propose changes in the material's composition, employing different applications, inclusive of elimination or even introduction of heat and light. It is their duty to communicate with their colleagues and have a research comparison. Yet another responsibility would be the maintenance and preparation of reports on the basis of requirement of the client and the various methods employed to arrive at your current conclusion. Chemists are required to work well-equipped labs, plants and classrooms. At times they need to work with materials that are poisonous or explosive.
To be a pharmaceutical chemist, candidates must have a minimum graduate degree, specializing in science, like chemistry or pharmacy. A master's degree or a doctoral degree in chemistry is usually preferred by most employers. A year's experience in the laboratory would be an added advantage.
Pharmaceutical chemists must be self motivation and must possess initiative to move further from well trodden paths to arrive at a favorable result. They must be curious and detail oriented and must know about chemical compositions of various medicines. They must possess the ability to perform various tasks simultaneously and record the results of their work in a systematic and accessible way. They must be comfortable working with hands and must be dedicated towards the profession. They must be able to work independently and as a team sharing relevant data with one another. Candidates must also have interpersonal as well as strong communications skills. Exceptional ability to identify problems beforehand and provide solutions will help. They are also expected to possess knowledge of statistics and mathematics. They must also know about safety guidelines.
Getting a job as a pharmaceutical chemist is a very promising prospect in various industries like pharmaceutical, beverages, cosmetics etc. Employers are usually on the lookout for qualified professionals and experienced chemists. The industry of chemical products and elements is huge, and therefore the job opportunities for pharmaceutical chemists are also vast.
The average salary that a pharmaceutical chemist usually gets is around $50,000 annually. Employment opportunities for chemists are expected to increase through 2014. Industries that will offer more opportunities include drug manufacturing, research, development, and testing.
