Chemist (Scheikundige)
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A chemist is a scientist who studies and practices chemistry. Chemistry is a natural science that focuses on the composition and construction of substances, including the chemical changes that take place under certain conditions. What exactly a chemist investigates can differ per chemist, but some examples are research into new or existing medicines, research into foodstuffs, research into new materials or conducting research into geological change processes as a geochemist. Another example is conducting research into the development of cancer. Think of investigating why a normal cell turns into a cancer cell, how exactly these cells spread and how they can best be combated. As a chemist, you generally work at the molecular level to conduct scientific research. In short, we can describe the work of a chemist as the scientific investigation of substances. Chemistry is closely related to physics and biology. The work of a chemist can be regarded as highly specialized work, which can only be carried out by the right scientists. As a chemist, you are responsible for theoretical and practice-oriented research. Within practice-oriented research, for example, you are responsible for connecting atoms by means of a chemical bond, so that the atoms form a connection into a larger group. In that case, a chemist has turned a single substance into a compound substance. A compound is a substance formed by the chemical bond between the atoms of two or more chemical elements.
A chemist is therefore a scientist who is responsible for investigating substances in a scientific way. All substances we know consist of atoms and can form a chemical bond with each other. A chemical bond is nothing more than an attracting force between two or more atoms, ions or molecules, which are held together by the chemical bond. Chemistry has great similarities with physics, but substances within physics cannot change into a new substance other than merging. Chemistry also has common ground with biology, but biology is about everything that lives and the associated phenomena. Chemistry, physics and biology can best be described as three different sciences, which do not border each other but which do overlap. Chemists are important researchers because every day they are looking for new opportunities that can improve life. Consider, for example, Alzheimer's research. Alzheimer's is fairly common and is a serious condition. It is only possible to find a solution for this by conducting scientific research, as a chemist does. Developing new drugs is not easy and takes a lot of research, time and money before a new drug can be brought to the market. This is not only because of the research itself but also because new drugs must be extensively tested before they can be put on the market. A chemist who conducts research into new drugs is called a pharmacologist.
WHAT DOES A CHEMIST DO
All chemists are responsible for researching substances in order to develop new substances. Consider, for example, a chemist, who is responsible for examining cancer cells so that new drugs can be made. These medications are important for medical oncologists to be able to treat patients. Another example is a chemist who works as a microbiologist. A microbiological researcher is responsible for detecting pathogens (bacteria and viruses). This type of research is important for physician-microbiologists. Obviously, a chemist can also work within the chemical industry. In that case, a chemist is responsible, for example, for developing new paint, developing new plastics or developing new metals that can be used by industry. In addition, a chemist can work within the petrochemical industry. In that case, the chemist is responsible for the processing of petroleum and the products resulting from it.
WHAT DOES A CHEMIST DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME A CHEMIST
Anyone who aspires to a career as a chemist will have to opt for the university study chemistry, which can be followed at various universities. To be admitted to the study chemistry, one must have at least a VWO diploma and the subjects physics and mathematics B are important. Even with a suitable hbo diploma such as the Hbo-study Chemistry you can be admitted to the study chemistry. In general, one only speaks of a chemist if he or she has completed the university study chemistry. In addition, there are also plenty of external training institutes where you can follow a course. Accounting is also important as an entrepreneur.
COMPANIES WHERE A CHEMIST MAY BE EMPLOYED
A chemist can work for various companies and research institutions. Think, for example, of manufacturers who have their own laboratory, the petrochemical industry and the food industry. In addition, a chemist can work for pharmaceutical companies as a pharmacologist. A chemist can also work in education. In that case, for example, you work as a chemistry teacher or at a university as a professor. In general, a chemist works in chemistry, biochemistry or medicine.
COMPETENCES CHEMIST
The most important competence of a chemist is that you have research skills as a scientist. As a chemist, it is important that you can work independently in a scientific and especially critical way. Because scientific research is not only about physical research, it is also important that you can substantiate the findings orally and in writing. In other words, a chemist must have good communication skills. Innovation must also be regarded as an important competence. Without innovation, it is not possible to develop new substances. Generally important words are laws and regulations, cooperation, passion, perseverance, analytical, insight, motivation, accurate, anticipation, planning and organizing. Obviously, a chemist also has to deal with fixed professional competences.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A CHEMIST
The labour market perspective of a chemist is generally very good, because as a chemist you can work for different companies, organizations and governments depending on the chosen specialization. The career opportunities as a chemist must be seen in building a good name or, for example, obtaining a PhD. A managerial position can also be reserved for a chemist.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND SALARY CHEMIST
There are no examples of the employment conditions, because you can work for different types of companies, organizations and governments with different collective agreements. A chemist will generally earn a salary between 4000 and 8000 euros gross per month, depending on education, age and further responsibilities. A higher salary is conceivable within this profession, if you have a lot of experience and great responsibilities.
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