Medicinal Chemistry Has a History Medicinal chemistry is the application of chemical research techniques to the synthesis of pharmaceuticals.

During the early stages of medicinal chemistry development, scientists were primarily concerned with the isolation of medicinal agents found in plants. Today, scientists in this field are also equally concerned with the creation of new synthetic drug compounds. Medicinal chemistry is almost always geared toward drug discovery and development. Is Carrying Out Basic Research Medicinal chemistry research is an important area of research that is performed in many university labs. As an assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Alex Mackerell, Jr. has done research on cocaine and cocaine analogs to develop drugs for the treatment of cocaine addiction. His research, however, was not solely focused on just getting a product, but also on understanding basic chemical reactions and their properties. "We were interested in the physical properties and in the underlying mechanisms of cocaine," he says. The purpose of the research was to develop a cocaine antagonist that would cause ill effects when cocaine is ingested. This type of research characterizes the research being conducted in academic environments. Can Lead To Treatment of Diseases Grace Lee is using her bachelor's degree in pharmaceutical chemistry for

a different kind of drug development. She is a part of a team of analytical chemists at the National Institute of Health (NIH) who formulate drugs that could be used to treat patients with very rare diseases. These formulations are called orphan drugs because they are used to treat diseases found in only small portions of the population. "We try to develop a treatment either from scratch or from research that has already been done in other countries," she says. "My job is challenging because it requires working with several different compounds at one time." Every day she relies on her knowledge from her undergraduate courses in analytical and organic chemistry. She uses this basic chemistry training when testing and retesting compounds for safety and efficacy, which is the measure of how well a drug product works in the human body. Work Description Medicinal chemists apply their chemistry training to the process of synthesizing new pharmaceuticals. They also work on improving the process by which other pharmaceuticals are made. Most chemists work with a team of scientists from different disciplines, including biologists, toxicologists, pharmacologists, theoretical chemists, microbiologists, and biopharmacists. Together this team uses sophisticated analytical techniques to synthesize and test new drug products and to develop the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly means of production. Work Conditions Medicinal chemistry offers a variety of lab opportunities. Most

chemists use their research skills to formulate, produce, and analyze new compounds. However, each lab environment is uniquedaily activities and career opportunities differ with each one. In academia, chemists explore a compound's different mechanisms in basic research as well as teach at least one full course. In government, laboratory work is not always required, especially at the FDA where they review drug applications. Industry, on other hand, offers chemists a choice of moving into management or staying in the lab. Places of Employment Though a wide array of positions exist for chemists in medicinal chemistry, the availability of these jobs is dependent upon the economy, shifting government regulations, and research grants. Employment prospects include the academic environment, pharmaceutical companies, and government. Biotechnology organizations also employ chemists in this area. Industry provides the opportunity to choose between a traditional laboratory career or a non-laboratory chemistry career in management. Government also offers a choice between a laboratory position and a non - laboratory chemistry position, such as drug application review. Personal Characteristics Medicinal chemists must enjoy varied activities and must be receptive to exploring the unknown. A good imagination and persistence are also two important qualities to have when considering a career in medicinal chemistry. Being a team player with good writing and verbal communication skills are invaluable assets when

interacting with scientists from other disciplines. Education and Training Generally, pharmaceutical companies hire only people with research experience, advanced degrees especially in organic chemistry, and at least two years of post-doctoral experience. Most chemists in traditional research careers are Ph.D. chemists while chemists with B.S. degrees generally serve as research technicians. You can place yourself in a competitive position by getting as much experience as possible with a strong background in organic chemistry and biochemistry. A number of universities have formed medicinal chemistry programs in the past 20 years. Food and Flavor Chemists Take Chemistry from the Farm to the Plate Food chemistry focuses on the chemistry of foods, their deterioration, and the principles underlying the improvement of foods for consumers. It applies chemistry to developing, processing, packaging, preserving, storing, and distributing foods and beverages to obtain safe, economical, and aesthetically pleasing food supplies. Few people recognize the science behind the food they consume. While food science involves chemistry, biology, physics, biochemistry, microbiology, nutrition, and engineering, the major portion of a food science curriculum is chemistry. Food chemists develop and improve foods and beverages; analyze methods of heat processing, canning, freezing,

and packaging; and study the effects of processing on the appearance, taste, aroma, freshness, and vitamin and mineral content of food. These chemists also test samples to make sure foods and beverages meet food laws and labeling requirements and experiment with new foods, additives, and preservatives. Food chemistry encompasses everything from agricultural raw materials to consumer end-use products. Understand the Science of Food Consider a pudding that would be sold in the refrigerated section of the supermarket. To make it, you begin with milk, which provides liquid and protein. Then you add starch to thicken the formulation. As starch expands, it traps liquids to help create the pudding texture. But after two or three days, the expanded starch molecules start coming back together and the starch leaks water, which, for a consumer product, is undesirable. Thus, food chemists use chemically modified starches to prevent this from happening. Strong food science students are those with a solid background in chemistry and related disciplines. Many people get an undergraduate degree in chemistry or chemical engineering and a master's in food science. A Ph.D. is necessary mainly if you are interested in teaching or detailed research. Training as a food scientist prepares you to work in almost any area of the food business. The cumulative knowledge gained working with a range of food chemistries can even lead to breakthroughs and entirely new products.

Work Description Food scientists are mainly concerned with the chemistry of food products. In basic research, they examine properties of proteins, fats, starches, and carbohydrates, as well as microcomponents such as additives and flavorants, to determine how each works in a food system. In applications research, they often come up with new ways to use ingredients or new ingredients altogether, such as fat or sugar replacements. Flavor chemists use natural or artificial ingredients, sometimes in combination, to develop flavors. Work Conditions Most food scientists conduct their work in the lab, but they may travel to work with customers. Labs are often set up like kitchens, with blenders, ovens, and other heatprocessing equipment. This means food scientists do many things the same way we do when preparing food at home, but their goal is understanding the chemistry involved. Food scientists often say their work is not a nine-tofive job and requires the same dedication as any other creative research field. Places of Employment Food scientists are employed mainly by industry, both in foodprocessing and ingredient supply companies. Food chemists also work for the governmentat the Food and Drug Administration or U.S. Department of Agricultureand in academia. Academia conducts most of the basic research, while industry carries out more applications work. Food chemists who work for the government do basic research as well

as study foods nutritional value and food safety. Personal Characteristics Food and flavor chemists describe themselves as curious, outgoing people who were attracted by the creative aspect of the field. Motivation and tenacity are important qualities, along with better-thanaverage senses of smell and taste. A good odor memory is also helpful. For flavorists, creativity is essential. They say that much of it is instinctive and cannot be learned. Education and Training The Society of Flavor Chemists has designed a rigorous training process for flavorists, as described in this brief. However, the education needed to be a food scientist is more accessible. The Institute of Food Technologists has approved 50 schools with food science programs. Many food scientists start with an undergraduate degree in chemistry or biology and enter a food science program at the master's level. A Ph.D. may be required for those who wish to teach or conduct fundamental research. Well-known food science programs include those at the Universities of Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, and Minnesota, as well as at Cornell University (NY), Rutgers (NJ), and the University of CaliforniaDavis. Polymer Chemistry Is About Optimizing Technology A polymer is a chain of small molecules joined together in a repeating fashion to form a single layer molecule. Chemists develop polymers so they can be used to make ingredients for products with unique

physical and chemical properties. They manipulate large, complex molecules and capitalize on the connections between their molecular structure and the properties that make them useful. Polymer products can be lightweight, hard, strong, and flexible and have special thermal, electrical, and optical characteristics; they include products from the fiber, communication, packaging, and transportation industries. The big boom in polymer chemistry occurred largely in the first part of the twentieth century with the advent of polymer materials such as nylon and Kevlar. Today, most work with polymers focuses on improving and fine-tuning existing technologies. Still, there are opportunities ahead for polymer chemists. They work in many industries, creating a variety of synthetic polymers such as Teflon and special application plastics and developing new polymers that are less expensive or that outperform traditional materials and replace those that are scarce. "The world is changing," says James Shepherd, a research associate in polymer chemistry at Hoechst Celanese. "New demands for polymer materials will be coming down the line. What we have learned over the past ten years will enable us to fulfill new needs. We may not discover a new polyethylene," he says, "but we may find smaller-volume and potentially more cost-effective materials." Is About Research and Business There has been a shift in the economic emphasis and focus of polymer chemistry. Shepherd says when he began working in the field, many projects were purely exploratory. "Only later would we worry about the

product." Now, projects are evaluated at the outset on the basis of what they will do for the company and what enduse improvements they will deliver. Therefore, industrial polymer chemists are increasingly in contact with the sales and marketing divisions of their companies and its customers. This shift has placed a premium on good communication and interpersonal skills. It means chemists must adopt a business outlook in their work. Other skills and disciplines also come into play. "It helps if you are engineering-minded," says Kate Faron, a senior research chemist at DuPont. John Droske, professor of chemistry at the University of WisconsinStevens Point, agrees. "This is a field for people who are comfortable looking at the end use as well as the preparation." Polymer chemistry is productoriented. However, this does not eliminate the availability of positions outside of industry. Some polymer chemists pursue their research interests in addition to their teaching and administrative responsibilities through employment at colleges and universities. Work Description Polymer chemists are concerned with the study and synthesis of large, complex molecules. They manipulate the molecular structure of a material to develop functional characteristics in an end product by chemical processing or through other processing conditions. Places of Employment Polymer chemists are employed in industry, government, and academia. However, most jobs are in industry where products are made.

Opportunities for polymer chemists in industry exist in areas where adhesives, coatings, synthetic rubber, synthetic fibers, agricultural chemicals, packaging, automotive, aircraft, aerospace, and biomedical industries are made. Personal Characteristics A polymer chemist's work is interdisciplinary in nature. Individuals should be able to communicate with others in a number of fields. Those who are interested in materials and the end use of polymers as well as their synthesis will be particularly well suited to the field. This is also true for individuals who like hands-on work as opposed to purely theoretical thinking. Education and Training Most people employed in polymer chemistry have a Ph.D. and were trained as organic chemists. They stress the importance of a solid education in the fundamentals of chemistry. However, they acknowledge the value of the interdisciplinary degree available through programs in polymer science. Consumer Product Chemistry Offers a Host Opportunities of Career

Look around your home and you'll see many examples of consumer product chemistry. These include products for washing clothes, dishes, windows, floors, tile, and bathroom fixtures. There are waxes and polishes for floors, furniture, shoes, and cars. Personal care products comprise hand and body soaps, hair shampoos and conditioners, toothpastes, cosmetics, and deodorants. Chemists and

chemical engineers have a hand in developing all of these products. They also design manufacturing processes for both the ingredient chemicals and the final products you see on store shelves. Many types of companies participate in developing consumer products-from multi-billion dollar firms doing business on a global scale to very small firms. Basic chemicals are usually manufactured by large chemical companies. Specialty chemicals are produced by large, medium, and small-sized chemical companies. Consumer products themselves are produced by formulating basic and specialty chemicals. The consumer products industry gives rise to a host of career opportunities for chemists and chemical engineers at all degree levels. The focus on formulations results in more laboratory product development opportunities for bachelor's degree chemists than is the case in many other fields. There are also opportunities for bachelor's and master's degree chemists in chemical manufacturing plants and plants producing consumer products as well as in sales where they may eventually move into marketing and business management positions. Ph.D. chemists and chemical engineers work largely in research positions developing new chemicals and working towards an understanding of the chemical and physical processes occurring when the consumer products are manufactured and used. Many also work in formulation development. Some hold research or business management positions.

Work Description Researchers develop tests that model the end use of the product they are trying to develop and use the tests to relate chemical structure and formulation composition to product performance. They also use these tests in technical service work to determine how well a product will work in a customer's formulation. Statistical design of experiments can reduce the number of tests run and allow better understanding of the effects of chemical structure and formulation composition on performance. Another means of obtaining this understanding is to relate basic chemical and physical properties of chemicals with their performance in the desired application. Working Conditions Researchers work in laboratories that often contain highly specialized testing equipment. Since researchers often work on several (research and technical service) projects at once, prepare applications literature, and travel with sales representatives to visit customers, their work environment is not an academic one. Team work is a vital part of the product development effort as chemists and engineers often share projects and work with technicians, sales representatives, manufacturing plant personnel, and other specialists. Some chemists and engineers work in manufacturing facilities. Others in sales, marketing, or business management positions work in offices. Places of Employment Chemists and chemical engineers are employed in research labs, manufacturing facilities, and business offices of small, medium, and

large consumer product, specialty chemical, and basic chemical manufacturing and development companies. Personal Characteristics Consumer product chemists and engineers have a broad range of concerns: the effect of a chemical structure on product performance and behavior, the basic chemistry and physics of processes that occur in the end use application, chemical synthesis, and the effect of consumer products on the environment and human health. Their varied activities and responsibilities require good time management and interpersonal skills. Education and Training For those wanting to work in chemical sales or in a chemical or manufacturing plant, a bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry or chemical engineering is needed. A minor in a business field is a real career asset, especially in landing your first job. The chemist will benefit from taking chemical engineering courses. Chemical engineers, particularly those working in plants formulating and packaging consumer products, will benefit from courses in other fieldsparticularly mechanical and industrial engineering. Compared to other industries, a chemist with a bachelor's or master's degree has an easier time advancing in a research career because while not the most sophisticated area of chemical technology, formulation chemistry is often very important in consumer product development. A Ph.D. helps advance a research career. Oral and written communication skills and teamwork skills also enhance chemists' opportunities for advancement Courses

in chemical engineering, environmental chemistry, and statistics will prove helpful to researchers. Whatever your degree level and career goals, business courses and courses in business writing or journalism will be very useful in achieving professional success. Oil and Petroleum Chemists Work In a Environment High-Pressure

The oil and petroleum business is a high-pressure, high-stakes field that offers a broad range of career opportunities for chemists. Because even small decisions can mean financial gains or losses for ones employer, the business offers a dynamic combination of excitement and responsibility. Its also a setting quite unlike the academic world, and one that for many young chemists requires a major shift in thinking. In school, a graduate student can focus on a paper as the end product; but in the oil and petroleum industry, chemists succeed only when their ideas are put into practice. And, although many universities are moving in this direction, the oil and petroleum industry places increasing emphasis on work accomplished by teams rather than by individuals. With a focus on profitability, companies can be ideal places for people who like to see their ideas become reality. Working Description Chemists in the oil and petroleum industry work with crude oil and the products derived from it, including petroleum for automotive or aviation fuel as well as petrochemical feedstocks, which are used in a range

of polymer products. Chemists in the field have a similarly broad spectrum of jobs: from fingerprinting oil leaked in a spill to process control at the refinery, and from developing catalysts used in the refining process to creating new polymers for fibers and resins. Working Conditions Oil and petroleum chemists work mostly in the lab. Some have jobs that take them into the refinery, but usually on a short-term basis. Others may work temporarily in the field, collecting samples. Chemists work in groups and often with chemical engineers. Communication skills are vitalnot just with other scientists, but also with marketing managers and with the media. The field has been traditionally male-dominated, but many companies are making efforts to attract a more diverse group of workers in terms of gender, ethnicity, and other factors. Places of Employment Most chemists in this field work for large oil companies. Others work with independent companies that develop processes for the oil industry, such as fluid-cracking catalysis, or that make chemicals used to aid drilling and refining. Many chemists work at companies that supply chemicals for petroleum companies and provide technical support for handling environmental systems. Personal Characteristics Chemists in the oil industry describe themselves as practical people who are interested in solving problems. Some say they are more interested in the development of scientific products than in pure science. Most underscore the importance of

liking lab work, being able to work on a team, and communicating with chemical engineers, product managers, and customers. Because the industry is product-focused, an interest in business and a flair for sales can also be helpful. Education and Training A Ph.D. is generally necessary if you want a research position in the oil and petroleum industry. Postdoctoral work is not considered necessary, though it may give you an edge in getting a job. There is a range of chemist and chemical engineering positions for people with bachelors and masters degrees. Scientists whose backgrounds include chemical engineering may be better prepared for work in this industry, with its emphasis on essential business considerations such as cost/benefit analysis. A solid foundation in organic and physical chemistry is vital, and analytical chemistry skills are extremely important. Technical skills, communication skills, teamwork, and leadership are also crucial. Textile Chemistry Is an applied form of chemistry Textile chemistry is primarily an applied form of chemistry. It is a highly specialized field that applies the principles of the basic fields of chemistry to the understanding of textile materials and to their functional and esthetic modification into useful and desirable items. Textile materials are used in clothing, carpet, tire yarn, sewing thread, upholstery, and air bags, to name a few examples. Some textile chemists are less oriented toward manufacturing

processes and more focused toward fiber technologies. The study of textile chemistry begins with the knowledge of fibers themselves-both natural and synthetic. Because synthetic fibers are such an important part of today's textile business, the field includes many who are trained as polymer chemists. The interaction between textile chemistry and materials science is also increasing. Textile chemistry includes the application of the principles of surface chemistry to cleaning processes and modifications such as dyeing and finishing. It encompasses organic chemistry in the synthesis and formulation of the products used in these processes. WORK DESCRIPTION Textile chemistry can generally be divided into three major areas: dyeing and finishing chemistry, fiber and polymer chemistry, and a newer area that intersects with materials science and involves the blending of textile materials. In the textile business, chemists work in R&D, process development, process modification, technical services, environmental testing, and dyeing and finishing operations. WORKING CONDITIONS The application of textile chemistry is always business and product oriented. Chemists may work in the lab, in the plant, in multidisciplinary teams, or with customers, finding out about their needs and developing new products. As the business becomes more global, scientists in this field must be willing to travel and to adjust quickly to different cultures and different markets.

PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT Chemists are employed globally by chemical companies that manufacture the basic polymer from which synthetic fibers are made. They are employed by small dyeing houses that dye yarns, fiber, fabric, and carpets. Chemistry is important in all functions, but the technical content tends to be more challenging in the polymer chemistry side than in the dyeing and finishing end. PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS Textile chemists are generally persons interested in the intersection between chemistry and the kind of engineering that goes into textile marketing. They enjoy the modification and improvement of basic polymers and like using their knowledge of materials to solve problems. EDUCATION AND TRAINING Many chemists in the field are trained as polymer chemists. Although a number of schools specialize in textile chemistry, a textile degree is not a prerequisite for employment in the field. Important courses of study include organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and colloid chemistry. Understanding the manufacturing process and familiarity with chemical engineering are important prerequisites to employment. Chemistry plays an absolutely vital role in the development, sustainability, and advancement of national and international economics, as it underpins every aspect of the material consumer world. It is concerned with understanding matter in all its forms, the composition and function of all living organisms and the

laws of nature and the universe. Chemistry is a core or central science which underpins and complements many other sciences and major areas of technology, indeed most industries make use of chemicals and the products of the chemical industry. The international chemical industry is vast and highly innovative and provides the materials upon which our society is based. For example, the technique of combinatorial chemistry allows chemists to make large numbers of chemical compounds simultaneously. This technique allows thousands of compounds to be produced each year and is an integral part of drug and materials discovery. It has been used in the process of sequencing human genes. Chemistry is also fundamental to the development of new materials and products that shape our society and lifestyle, e.g. cell phones, high density data storage devices, high definition screens and displays, fiber reinforced composites, superconductors, protective clothing, electronic devices etc. What Does a Industry? Chemist Do in

that it has the characteristics identified as important. Research level bench chemistry positions are more likely to be concerned with the development of new products or with the modification of existing products to perform new tasks. Compared with quality control work, research is more open ended but equally focused on the need for results. Relatively few chemists remain at these entry level bench jobs for their entire careers, and many make the transition to other activities within a few years. The next level of position might be in sales, customer service, instrument support, or some related field. Many companies support and encourage employees who wish to go on for further education as they work. Depending on the company, this support might include partial or full payment of graduate tuition, released time (with or without pay), or even a chance to do research on company time that will both serve the purposes of the company as well as be applicable to the research work need for an M.S. degree. If this possibility is important to you, be sure to discuss company policy during your job interview. It is also helpful to check the area around where you would be working to discover what institutions are nearby that would offer graduate work in chemistry. It is difficult to hold down a full-time job while going to graduate school, and so before you decide that this is a viable career path for you, think carefully about your own motivation and ability.

Most chemists who have a bachelor's degree begin their industrial careers at jobs that are described as "bench chemistry." These positions may involve either quality control or research activity. In either case, you would normally be working under the close supervision of someone with more experience. Quality control, as the name implies, involves the various task that are necessary to assure that a high quality product is being produced. This may require analysis of the starting materials, the final product, or some intermediate step. in the production process. It might also involve testing of the product to insure