Industry-Specific Information for Chemistry
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Chemistry at Augustana
Chemistry majors have a diverse range of career opportunities available to them, thanks to their strong foundation in scientific principles, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Graduates can pursue roles in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental science, and materials development, where they may work on drug discovery, renewable energy solutions, or advanced materials design. Many also find rewarding careers in education, healthcare, and forensic science. For those interested in business or policy, a chemistry degree provides a solid base for roles in regulatory affairs, intellectual property, or technical sales and marketing. Additionally, chemistry majors are well-positioned for advanced study, opening pathways to careers in academia, research, or specialized fields like medicinal chemistry and chemical engineering. With the growing emphasis on sustainability and innovation, chemistry professionals play a vital role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, resource management, and public health.
Sub-Industries within Chemistry
- Agricultural Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Geochemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Material Science
- Organic Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Polymer Chemistry
- Education
- Healthcare
Chemists
Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
Core tasks
- Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.
- Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.
- Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.
- Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.
- Conduct quality control tests.
- Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.
- Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests.
- Compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions.
- Confer with scientists or engineers to conduct analyses of research projects, interpret test results, or develop nonstandard tests.
- Evaluate laboratory safety procedures to ensure compliance with standards or to make improvements as needed.
- Direct, coordinate, or advise personnel in test procedures for analyzing components or physical properties of materials.
- Purchase laboratory supplies, such as chemicals, when supplies are low or near their expiration date.
Where Chemists Work
These companies hire Chemists. See more Labor Market Insights here.
- Actalent
- Eurofins
- Clean Harbors
- Kelly Services
- Montrose Environmental Group
- Randstad
- Thermo Fisher Scientific
- Labelbox
- PPG
- CDM Smith
- Momentum Staffing Group
- Diedre Moire
- AbbVie
- Merck KGaA Darmstadt Germany
- Amgen
- Eli Lilly
- Pfizer
- Spectraforce Technologies
- Heritage Environmental Services
- HPC Industrial
What Can I Do with this Major?
This information, along with similar information from other industries can be found at: https://whatcanidowiththismajor.com/major/mechanical-engineering
- Getting Started and Advancing in Major
- Common Career Paths
- Employers
- Strategies for those interested in this field
Common Career Paths
- Product development
- Process development
- Analysis
- Testing
- Biotechnology (using living organisms or cell processes to make useful products)
- Consulting
- Quality assurance/Quality control
- Management
- Environmental analyses
- Forensics
Job Titles for Chemists
- Chemists
- Analytical Chemists
- Quality Control Chemists
- Scientists
- Analytical Scientists
- Analytical Development Scientists
- Associate Scientists
- Environmental Chemists
- Research Chemists
- Formulation Chemists
- Assay Development Scientists
- Chemistry Scientists
- Lead Chemists
- Formulation Scientists
- Laboratory Pack Chemists
- Process Development Scientists
- Chemistry Managers
- HPLC Chemists
- Field Chemists
- Principal Scientists
Professional Associations
- American Academy of Forensic Science
- American Chemical Society
- American Institute of Chemical Engineers
- American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- American Society for Materials International
- Biotechnology Innovation Organization
- Crop Life America
- National Association of Science Writers
- Society for Technical Communication
Related Resources
- Aspiring Docs
- Explore Health Careers
- National Academies Of Sciences Engineering Medicine
- Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America
- Career Cornerstone Center: Careers in Science, Technology and Medicine
Occupational Outlook
- Biochemists and Biophysicists
- Biological Technicians
- Chemical Engineer
- Chemical Technicians
- Chemists and Materials Scientists
- Dentists
- Environmental Scientist
- Epidemiologists
- Forensic Science Technician
- High School Teacher
- Natural Sciences Managers
- Pharmacists
- Physician Assistants
- Physicians and Surgeons
- Postsecondary Teachers
- Technical Writers
Employment Opportunities
Fellowships and Residencies in STEM
Activate Fellowship: 2 year program that provides early stage science and entrepreneurs with finding, technical resources, and mentorship to bring their research and ideas to market.
Pathways to Science: Education and career training opportunities in STEM.
National Science Foundation: NSF funds a large number of research opportunities for undergraduate students through its REU Sites program. An REU Site consists of a group of ten or so undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution.
Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship Program: The MLEF Program, sponsored by the Office of Fossil Energy (FE), U.S. Department of Energy allows students to apply their academic achievements to actual research while gaining hands-on experience.
GEM Fellowship Program: The GEM Fellowship was designed to focus on promoting opportunities for individuals to enter industry at the graduate level in areas such as research and development, product development, and other high level technical careers.
Blueprint Schools Fellowship: Fellows support the academic and personal growth of their students by leading small group math tutoring and goal setting sessions. Fellows use data to track performance and improve math instruction
Tech Jobs for Good: For those looking to make an impact in the world with tech experience and knowledge, this job search site allows you to search by Job type, location and impact area.