Is agricultural chemicals a good career path, chemicals, and society are far from simple. Scientific agronomy is, however, the daughter of chemistry which has enabled the discovery of the foundations of plant nutrition and which has made it possible to fight against pests.
The contribution of fertilizers and phytosanitary products has made it possible to optimize agricultural land and develop intensive agriculture, the model of which is now called into question: contamination of water by nitrates and pesticides and effects on the climate and biodiversity…
Agronomy of the XXI the century must master the nitrogen leaks and pesticides and other products other things, better and in greater quantities. These different points are discussed to establish specifications for the innovations that chemistry can bring to this transdisciplinary “green revolution”, which will be that of shared ecological intelligence, and which is essential.
What Is Agricultural Chemist?
Table of Contents
Agricultural Chemistry, a world-renowned discipline, Is agricultural chemicals a good career path, both at the university teaching level and the research level, has already reached levels that make it necessary to make available to the student texts that serve as a guide in their respective professions.
With this work, which, revised and expanded, now reaches its third edition, the author, with an extensive teaching background at the University of Murcia, tries to cover an important area of this discipline: Soil Chemistry and essential chemical elements for the plants. For this, he has used an important documentary base.
On the one hand, many published works, both the classics of the subject and the last published ones, and on the other hand, the extraordinary database that constitutes the Internet resource, where you can find thousands of contributions that have meant an improvement in the preparation of this work.
In it, an attempt has been made to gather all those matters that should reasonably be addressed, duly coupled, and thinking of those to whom they are addressed. All topics are covered at a university level, with content and a solidity more than sufficient so that they are suitable to support for a correct formation.
And what is also very important, they leave open to tomorrow the possibilities of easily incorporating into these schemes the new conquests that science achieves daily.
The text consists of 24 topics, divided into three parts. The first part is dedicated to contemplating soil issues: origin, composition, properties, and functions, all focused on plant nutrition. They are general topics, with a marked chemical orientation, essential to acquiring a clear concept of the soil as a whole.
The first topic, as an exception, is an introduction to Agricultural Chemistry, in which it highlights its connection with other sciences and, above all, its current situation in terms of its limits, development, and possibilities.
How To Become An Agricultural Chemist?
How to become an agricultural chemist? Today’s professional landscape is manifold and multifaceted. Among the many professions that can be carried out, we also find that of the agricultural chemist. A job perhaps not very popular, in the current social context, more for lack of knowledge of the sector and possible outlets than for anything else.
A profession is followed, first through studies and later in the professional path, by people who are interested in this discipline. In this article I will proceed, trying to explain in the most useful way possible, the path to follow for those who want to take this professional path.
The path begins very early the first step that can be taken is to acquire, after the necessary 5 years of study, the specific diploma.
The previous diploma indicated in Law 54 of 1991 has now been replaced, following Presidential Decree 88 of 2010, by the diploma issued by the technical and professional institutes with the address “Agriculture, agri-food, and agro-industrial” and “Services for agriculture and rural development “.
However, a three-year university degree with a specific address is also useful qualification access. Many three-year degrees allow access to this profession, among which we find:
“Agro-industrial biotechnologies”
“Economics and administration of agricultural enterprises”;
“Animal production and” Vegetable production “are cited only by way of example, as there are also others.
Once one of the qualifying qualifications has been held, Is agricultural chemicals and a good career path, a real professional internship lasting two years must be carried out.
At the end of the internship, it will be necessary to register for the state exam to obtain the qualification and be registered in the relevant professional register. Once all these steps have been passed, the profession can be carried out.
What Does An Agricultural Chemist Do?
Agricultural Chemist do chemists study the elements at the atomic and molecular level, as well as how substances interact with each other. There are different branches of the chemical sciences, for example, analytical chemistry, which studies the composition and structure of a substance and the elements that compose it, or organic chemistry, which studies organic substances, i.e. those which are composed of molecules containing carbon.
In basic research, the objective is to deepen the understanding and knowledge of the organic and inorganic chemical world and to share the results with the scientific community. In applied research, the objective is to develop new compounds and materials, improve existing ones, to exploit chemical reactions for different applications.
At the industrial level, a chemist can perform chemical analyzes and work for example in Research and Development (R&D) projects to develop chemicals of all types, Is agricultural chemicals a good career path, from synthetic fibers to plastics and polymers, from cosmetics to drugs. , from paints to building materials, dyes for the food industry to chemical fertilizers.
The chemist is devoted to analyzes and laboratory experiments: he analyzes substances and materials to identify their chemical and physical properties, molecular and atomic structures, and to study how the different elements interact with each other, for example, to test new products or processes.
It develops a protocol to verify and validate the experiments, and it documents the analyzes carried out as well as the results obtained. For example, research can lead to the filing of a patent, for the manufacture of a new chemical product or the development of an innovative industrial process.
In addition to technological development activities, chemistry graduates are mainly concerned with performing laboratory analyzes (quantitative and qualitative) for quality control throughout the production process, from raw materials to semi-processed, up to the finished product, for example in food and wine companies, or in the pharmaceutical field, to control active ingredients for therapeutic and medical use.
They use technical instruments adapted to the various chemical analyzes required and apply safety standards provided for by specific procedures. They document the results of the analysis by ensuring the proper management of analytical data and samples analyzed.
Career Path Of Chemist
The career of a chemist can take many different paths: if you work in a chemical analysis laboratory, you can start as a laboratory assistant and then grow professionally to become a laboratory manager, the figure with the management and coordination of all laboratory personnel activities (technicians, experts, chemists, physicists, biologists, engineers).
You can specialize in a field of chemistry, for example, electrochemistry, biochemistry, or agrochemistry, or deepen the aspects related to the quality control of chemical products, becoming Quality Assurance Auditor and then responsible for quality control.
But the possibilities for a chemist don’t end there:
Also, the sectors of the sale and technical assistance of products of the chemical industry require professionals with a scientific background, to provide customers with reliable information on the chemical products sold and on their correct use. As a chemist, a career in the commercial branch is therefore also possible.
Other opportunities are in the fields of research, basic or applied, and education, as a professor of chemistry in schools and universities.
10 Careers In Chemistry
Below is a list of the best-marketed careers in chemistry:
1. nanotechnologist
2. Chemical engineer
3. Water chemist
4. Toxicology
5. Hazardous Material Management Chemist
6. Geochemist
7. Analytical chemist
8. Academic research chemists
9. Doctor
10. Forensic scientist
# 1. Nanotechnologist
Nanotechnology is one of the best-rated careers in chemistry. It is the design, production, and application of structures, units, and systems by manipulating size and shape on the nanometer scale.
Nanotechnologists design and conduct experiments to study and analyze nano-scale systems. They typically work a 37-hour week, though you may need to work overtime to meet deadlines. Their jobs are mostly lab-based, but they may have to work in other settings depending on the nature of their current project.
Salary: According to Recruiter.com, nanotechnologists earn an annual salary range of $ 52,000 to $ 150,000 with an average of $ 95,000.
Job prospects: BLS reported that the employment of nanotechnologists is expected to grow by 23 percent between 2014 and 2024, much faster than the industry-wide average.
2. Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineering is a marketable career in chemistry that involved the design and development of new products from raw materials.
Professionals in this field apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics to solve problems involving the use of fuel, substances, food, and many other products. They can spend time at industrial plants, refineries, and other places where they monitor or manage operations or solve problems on-site.
Pay: The chemical salary of a chemical engineer varies depending on location, years of experience, and qualifications. They earn a median salary of $ 108,770 per. Year $ 52.30 per. Hour.
Job Outlook: The BLS postulates that the employment of chemical engineers is expected to grow by 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
3. Water Chemist
Water chemistry is a strongly interdisciplinary field that is linked to areas such as microbiology and geology.
The primary responsibility of water chemists is to analyze and take care of the maintenance of water quality and condition that is essential to human life on earth. You can find similar roles under different names, for example, hydrologist or hydrogeologist.
Salary: Salaries for water chemists range from $ 14,017 to $ 372,983 with a median salary of $ 67,315
Job Outlook: 7% project
4. Toxicologist
Toxicologists study the effects of drugs on biological systems, but also look at the effects of other substances, both natural and man-made. They work with and develop methods, diagnose and treat exposure to toxins and toxic substances. Toxicologists work mostly in the laboratory monitoring experiments and interpreting results.
Salary: According to ziprecruiter.com, toxicologist salaries currently range from $ 67,500 (25th percentile) to $ 95,500 (75th percentile), with top earners (90th percentile) earning $ 111,000 annually across the United States.
Job Outlook: Expected to continue to grow 17% by 2026.
5. Chemist For Handling Hazardous Materials
Hazardous Material Handling Chemists (Hazmat), are responsible for detecting and identifying hazardous substances. They use their expertise to identify chemical pollutants in the air, water, or soil, assess the hazards they pose, and coordinate their removal and containment.
Their ultimate goal is to eliminate hazards that result in illnesses and injuries related to the work and work environment, as well as their prevention and control.
Salary: Hazardous Materials Management Chemists can earn up to $ 134,000 annually
Job offer: Hazmat has a good employment perspective
6. Geochemist
Geochemistry is a marketable career in the field of chemistry that deals with the study of the composition, structure, processes, and other physical aspects of the earth. Geochemists use physical and inorganic chemistry to study the amount and distribution of chemical elements in rocks and minerals. They typically work with research institutions, consulting firms, or oil companies.
Salary : $ 89,850
Job offer: 7%
7. Analytical Chemist
Analytical chemistry is an important career in chemistry that pays well in today’s job market. Experts in this field spend most of their time in workrooms and office settings. They use their skills and expertise to perform various experiments while handling potentially hazardous chemicals in the laboratory.
Analytical chemists analyze substances such as substances and food, identify which components are present and in what quantities, as well as how these components can behave and react with each other.
Pay: Analytical chemists earn an average of $ 71,770 annually. Salary depends, among other things, on experience, location in the country, and employer.
Job Outlook: The employment of analytical chemists is expected to grow by 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all professions.
8. Academic Research Chemists
Academic research chemists perform high-level original research that generates new knowledge and promotes current understanding. People apply their expertise and skills received through study and analysis.
Educational researchers are mainly based in universities, many are employed as higher education faculty who also lead research.
Salary: $ 20,519 to $ 27,358
Job prospects: Great employment prospects
9. Pharmacologist
Pharmacology is individual of the most successful careers in chemistry. Pharmacologists study the effects of substances and other chemicals on animals, humans, and plants. They study how substances interact with biological systems.
Pharmacologists jobs are laboratory-based and they typically work non-standard hours to monitor ongoing experiments. Most work full time.
Salary: $ 96,070 per year
Job offer: 6 percent
10. Forensic Science
If you have an analytical mind and a desire to help others and a drive to succeed, a career in forensics is a great opportunity to put your strengths into working for you.
Forensic medicine involves planning and processes to reduce health risks in urgent situations, such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks, disease outbreaks, and other situations.
Forensic scientists are professionals in their discipline, and their role is to critically analyze evidence such as body fluids to determine if the DNA in those fluids matches blood found at a crime scene. They can help identify, gather and evaluate physical evidence at a crime scene.
Unlike other careers in chemistry, forensic scientists work with law enforcement, and therefore you may need to undergo a degree in criminal law or criminology at your undergraduate level. However, postgraduate thoughts should focus on a related field in forensic medicine.
Salary: $ 35,620 to $ 98,224 annually
Job prospects: 14 percent from 2019 to 2029.
Conclusion
Most of the above chemistry assignments require some qualification in chemistry, whether it is a bachelor’s, Is agricultural chemicals a good career path, master’s, or doctoral degree. Some roles you can fill with a qualification in a related field, such as biology, environmental science, or pharmacology.
Many chemistry jobs are performed in the laboratory, but not all. A variety of roles can include fieldwork, office work or even teaching in a school, university, or another academic environment. Other management functions may include human resource management, company relations, and department and budget management.
What Are The Different Types Of Careers In Chemical Engineering?
Chemical engineering careers combine chemistry and engineering principles to create unique careers that are a combination of the science and manufacturing industries. Chemical engineers solve puzzles compared to the use and application of chemicals.
Typical duties of a chemical engineer include equipment design, development of chemical manufacturing processes, testing of manufacturing products, handling of byproducts, and supervision of manufacturing. Chemical engineering careers can be found in a variety of industries, including microelectronics, photographic equipment, clothing, bills, healthcare, biotechnology, and industry.
Chemical engineering careers involve applying concepts from chemistry, physics, mathematics, and production and electrical engineering. Chemical engineering consists of several chemical processes on which individual chemical engineering jobs can have a specific focus.
Two of these processes include oxidation and polymerization. Chemical engineering careers may also focus on a specific field such as materials science, automotive plastics, chlorine bleach, or fertilizer and pesticide development.
Chemistry Career: Is It My Professional Future?
Do you think that the Chemistry Career could be your vocation? In this note, we are going to help you find out. We are going to tell you what it consists of, what profile a student should have, what a Chemist does, where he works, why he studies Chemistry, and where to do it. Keep reading!
What Is The Chemistry Degree?
The Chemistry Career consists of training professionals who are capable of working with substances of any kind and actively participate in scientific research. This profession provides the student with solid theoretical and practical training on chemical knowledge and its complementation with mathematics and physics.
In addition, it prepares them to be able to study the composition and structure, as well as the qualities and changes that matter feels during chemical effects.
The job opportunity is very wide thanks to the wide field it covers. Graduates are trained to perform operational tasks, as consultants, researchers, and teachers.
How Long And What Subjects Does The Chemistry Career Have?
The duration of the Chemistry Degree will also depend on the type of academic offer you choose to study. For example, undergraduate careers can last between 4 and 6 years, and the degrees awarded are University Teaching Staff in Chemistry and Bachelor of Chemistry.
On the other hand, tertiary careers have a duration of 3 years and offer the title of University Technician in Chemistry and University Chemical Analyst. These technical courses are characterized by offering a study plan more oriented towards practical training and adjusting to the needs of the different industries in the sector.
During the course, you will find some subjects such as:
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