How to Become a Methods Development Chemist: Career Path Guide
If you want to become a methods development chemist, you first need to determine if this career path is a good fit for you. If the following description sounds like you, then you’re probably well suited for a career as a methods development chemist:
Those who become methods development chemists are typically individuals who are detail-oriented, enjoy working independently, have a high degree of mental focus, and they have a natural aptitude in science and statistics.
Methods development chemists are also manually dexterous; a skill that is needed in order to utilize specialized equipment and conduct experiments. Those who become methods development chemists must also be comfortable working in a laboratory setting, and communicating their findings and opinions to others.
Many methods development chemists are drawn to this career because they recognize that their work efforts can have a direct and immediate impact on the success of their employer. For example, if during the course of their work they discover yield improvements, they can put these in place and save their employer or money.
Below we've outlined what you'll need to begin a career as a methods development chemist. We've also included helpful information for this career, such as job description, job duties, salary expectations, a list of possible employers and much more!
Education Needed to Become a Methods Development Chemist
In order to become a methods development chemist you typically need a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, although some employers may require that you have a master’s degree in chemistry.
Methods Development Chemist Job Description
Methods development chemists are responsible for developing, validating and documenting new methods for analyzing the properties of new and existing products.
Methods Development Chemist Job Duties
• Research, plan and perform method development and method validation for new and existing products
• Implement qualification and validation strategies in support of analytical methods
• Create and maintain method validation protocols and reports
• Prepare reports related to work activities
• Provide assistance in the procurement of new equipment to be used in laboratories
• Maintain a clean laboratory environment and ensure safety regulations are followed
Who Hires Methods Development Chemists?
Methods development chemists are hired by organizations involved in developing, validating and documenting new methods for analyzing the properties of new and existing products. They may also be hired by organizations involved in regulating the work of methods development chemists, as well as academic institutions.
Organizations that hire Methods Development Chemists include:
• Research, development and quality control laboratories
• Chemical, petrochemical and pharmaceutical companies
• Mineral, metal, and pulp and paper companies
• Manufacturing and utility companies
• Health and environmental organizations
• Colleges and universities
• Government agencies
Qualifications Needed to Become a Methods Development Chemist
In order to become effective in a career as a methods development chemist, you need to posses a certain set of skills and personality traits. In addition to the fact that many employers will require you to posses these traits and skills, they will also help you perform your job with competence.
• Ability to use specific industry software
• Working experience in quality control experience
• Ability to write and review technical documents
• Able to strictly follow all applicable safety standards and guidelines
• Able to train others on developed analytical methods
• Able to troubleshoot basic instrument problems under supervision
• Able to perform non-routine testing such as method validation
• Patience to see a project through from its earliest stages to commercial release
• Willing and able to work with others towards a common goal
Methods Development Chemist Salary
The salary level of methods development chemists can vary depending on factors such as their level of experience, their level of education, where they work, the specific responsibilities of their job, and many others.
Methods Development Chemist Salary Alberta: According to the 2011 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans working in the Chemists occupational group earn an average of between $28.03 and $45.00 per hour.
Methods Development Chemist Salary Canada: According to Service Canada, the average salary level of workers in the Chemists occupational group is $63,190 per year.
Methods Development Chemist Salary United States: According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary level of workers in the Chemists and Materials Scientists occupational group is $68,320 per year. The lowest 10% of salaries in this group are less than $39,250, and the top 10% are more than $116,130 per year.
Careers Similar to Methods Development Chemist
Listed below are careers in our database that are similar in nature to Methods Development Chemist, as they may involve many of the same skills, competencies and responsibilities.
References: How to Become a Methods Development Chemist
Please use the references below to find more information on the various aspects of a career as a methods development chemist.
Occupations in Alberta: “Chemist.” (March 5, 2018). ALIS website - Alberta Learning Information Service. Retrieved January 3, 2020.
Life, Physical, and Social Science: “Chemists and Materials Scientists.” (September 4, 2019). Occupational Outlook Handbook - United States Bureau of Labor Statistics website. Retrieved January 3, 2020.
Career Advice: “Process/Development Chemist.” (n.d.). GradIreland website. Retrieved January 3, 2020.
Science & Maths: “My job explained: Process development chemist.” (n.d.). Brightside website. Retrieved January 3, 2020.
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Scholarships for Becoming a Methods Development Chemist
Scholarships listed for majors that apply to becoming a Methods Development Chemist can be found on our Chemistry Scholarships page.
Success Tip: Be sure to apply for any scholarships that you even barely qualify for, as there are millions of dollars of scholarships that go unused every year due to a lack of applicants!
Becoming a Methods Development Chemist: Applicable Majors
Studying one of the university majors listed below is an excellent starting point to becoming a methods development chemist. Click on the links to find out what else you can do with these majors!
