To start a career in molecular chemistry, research accredited programs, earn a bachelor’s degree, and continue with a master’s or doctoral degree. Choose a subfield and gain hands-on experience through internships or entry-level positions.
Starting a career in molecular chemistry means gathering information and applying to accredited chemistry programs to earn a bachelor’s degree. From there, a person continues on to a master’s or doctoral degree, sometimes dabbling in entry-level molecular chemistry work along the way. Once an individual specifies their desired subfield of molecular chemistry at the graduate level and completes their higher levels, they are free to seek out more advanced positions.
Initially, a person interested in entering the field of molecular chemistry should consult the website or contact the primary chemistry organization in the state or country in which they live. The main agency in the United States, for example, is the American Chemical Society, which has accredited hundreds of facilities. These groups accredit academic universities, colleges, and research institutes that provide degrees and certificates in chemistry. Accreditation ensures that educational programs meet minimum standards for the field.
Upon locating good accredited molecular chemistry programs, the next step toward a career in molecular chemistry is to contact the program offices and request applications and informational materials. These tools and data are sometimes available on the program’s website. Gather all necessary program materials and submit requests to programs of interest.
Once accepted into a chemistry program, an aspiring molecular chemist must earn a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a very close field. Examples of classes found in chemistry bachelor’s programs include analysis, inorganic and organic chemistry, physical chemistry, statistics, environmental studies, mathematics, biological sciences and statistics, as well as computer science. It is not necessary to focus on a subfield at the undergraduate level.
A general chemistry degree makes it easy to gain some experience immediately after graduation. The caveat is that the lack of a higher grade means that a molecular chemist cannot find roles with much independence or responsibility. He often assists a senior chemist. Thus, most chemists who want a molecular focus go on to earn their Master’s or Ph.D., which is required for most research positions. It is during this period that the individual chooses a subfield of molecular chemistry, if desired, such as polymer or medicinal molecular chemistry.
Employers want molecular chemists to have hands-on experience in the field. This experience shows that a chemist is capable of working in a team and independently, and that the chemist has a sufficient level of education to carry out the work safely in accordance with current regulations. In addition to entry-level entry-level positions, molecular chemists may pursue options for academic laboratory experience, work-study programs, fellowships, or internships.
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