Welcome to the February 2023 edition

Written by Keelie Munroe

Published February 2023

WA Members of RACI, welcome to our February Newsletter.  

I’m a chemist. Since I no longer use my qualifications in the traditional way, I often find myself saying “I was a chemist”. However, I have the BSc and MSc qualifications to allow me to forever and always claim this title. Upon arriving in Australia, I happened upon an opportunity for scientists to recruit scientists and join the recruitment industry.

During my nearly 8 years in scientific recruitment, I have seen a growing need/want of chemists in the WA market. This has ranged from the traditional opportunities to completely left of field, like myself in recruitment. I thought for this month’s Presidents Corner I would highlight some of the wonderful ways that chemical scientists can use their qualifications.

First things first, the obvious one, chemists can work in laboratories. Progression through lab assistant, lab technician, chemist, lab supervisor to lab/technical manager would be a natural chain of occurrence. However, there are so many varied industries that a chemist could work through these roles. This could be pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, medical, food and beverage testing, oil & gas, environmental, chemical production, manufacturing, mining, agriculture, etc. There aren’t many, if any, other science disciplines that would work across such a broad range of industry.

The other obvious one is academia. Pursuing a doctorate can afford you the opportunity, if you choose, to travel and work around the globe refining your skills and becoming a true subject matter expert in your research topic. My husband, an academic, led us to live in Scandinavia, Hawaii, Japan and finally to Australia. We’ve loved living in so many fantastic places where we also grew culturally and socially. Academics are focused on research activities, leading to publications. Writing academic papers and grant writing is the ongoing major goals. In academia you may be research focused, teaching focused, or a combination of both. The downfall of pursuing the academia route is the difficulty in securing a permanent position. Often this is contract based or relying on winning further grant funding to continue working in the same university.

Government is another sector that chemists end up working. This is a sector where the PhD qualification is very highly regarded. Often, not always, chemists end up in more desk- based roles rather than on the bench. Contract based positions seem to be higher in this sector as well. 

Technical sales are another area which is dominated by chemists. Chemists make great pharmaceutical reps, analytical instrument sales managers, laboratory consumables and chemical sales reps. This also includes account managers for oil and gas, mining and water industries. Technical sales means that you have the opportunity to meet so many people and learn about a variety of science taking place in the market. Generally speaking, these roles allow for a higher than traditional salary and opportunity to supplement this with bonus or commission. It’s not for everyone, as it requires a high level of business acumen and strong communication skills.

Environmental consultancy is another area where the chemistry degree is highly valued. Who better to advise on contaminated sites, acid sulphate soils and the likes, than us. The report writing and analysis is also an area that chemists usually excel.

For the same reasons as above, technical writers can often have chemistry backgrounds. This is also the case for consultants who can use their expertise to advise across a wide variety of industries.

There is a need for chemists in patent law as well. When representing companies/IP with chemical applications, these qualifications make a great addition to patent law firms. A one year full-time study is all that’s required in addition to a BSc qualification to start and many firms will hire ahead of achievement of the qualifications and allow part time study whilst getting paid working in the firm. A fantastic way to see all the emerging technologies coming into the market.

Many chemists progress to being school teachers as well. While this could require going back to uni for a roughly 2 year master degree, schools look very favourably on individuals who have BSc Chemistry when hiring for their Chemistry and Science disciplines. I’d thought at one stage that I was going to become a teacher - I’d been accepted into the MEd degree but made the choice to go to Norway instead - I think I definitely made the right choice!

I’ve highlighted just some of the many ways that a chemist could journey. I’d love to hear about your chemistry journey and would be happy to chat with any of our members - I can be reached on 0400 240 737.

Best Regards,
Keelie Munroe

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