Some chemists work at refineries
In the high-stakes world of oil and petroleum chemistry, small decisions can be the difference between huge financial gain and ruin. According to the American Chemical Society (ACS), petroleum industry chemists experience "a dynamic combination of excitement and responsibility." Oil and petroleum industry products heat and cool offices and houses, keep vehicles moving and produce widely used synthetic materials. Today's research will result in tomorrow's environmentally friendly products and processes from the petroleum industry.
Responsibilities
Oil and petroleum chemists work with crude oil and its products, including fuel and polymers. Jobs include process control at the refinery, tracking oil leaked in a spill, developing catalysts for use in refining, and creating new polymers for fibers and resins.
Education
Varied positions are available within the petroleum industry for those with bachelor's and master's degrees in chemistry and chemical engineering. Applicants need a strong foundation in organic and physical chemistry as well as strong skills in analytical chemistry. Chemical engineers may have an advantage during the hiring process because of their experience in the business arena. Employers seek candidates who complete course work in industrial chemistry, statistical design and business in addition to organic chemistry.
Research positions in the oil and petroleum industry go to those with a doctorate. Although postdoctoral work is not a requirement to obtain a research position, it may give applicants the edge.
Experience
During the hiring process, some candidates learn they not suited to the corporate environment of the oil and petroleum chemist. While still a student, those with an interest in the field should learn about employer expectations and working conditions through summer internships and/or participation in a university-industry technology transfer.
Software Skills
Chemists working for oil and petroleum companies are under pressure to reduce the time and cost of research. They do this via computational chemistry. In addition, they use computer modeling to target the most promising areas for exploration, to aid decision making and to control transportation and field operations.
Abilities
Petroleum industry chemists are practical problem solvers. Of necessity, they focus on scientific product development rather than pure science research. Petroleum companies can be ideal places for people who like lab work and delight in turning ideas into new products. Crucial skills needed include leadership, teamwork and the ability to communicate with chemical engineers, product managers, media and customers. In addition to their technical skills, employers seek oil and petroleum chemists with an interest in business, a flair for sales and time management skills.
Working Conditions
Most petroleum chemists work for large oil companies. Some, however, work for companies that supply chemicals or provide technical support for large environmental systems. Others work with independent companies developing processes, such as fluid-cracking catalysis, or making chemicals used to facilitate drilling and refining.
The oil and petroleum industry is a high-pressure field. Petroleum chemists experience success only when their ideas launch as products.
At refineries, chemometrics specialists use their computer and statistical expertise to bring laboratory instruments online. Working with delicate equipment can be a challenge anywhere. In a refinery setting, however, instruments must perform despite hostile conditions such as locations that make monitoring difficult, vibrations from surrounding equipment, temperature extremes and continuous operation.
Although some petroleum chemists have jobs requiring work in a refinery, this is usually only to complete a short-term task. They perform most of their work in the lab as members of a team. Temporary assignments include collecting samples in the field.
Although petroleum chemistry is a male-dominated field, many companies are attempting to build more diverse employee teams in the early part of the 21st century, according to the ACS.
Salary and Job Outlook
In May 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage for petroleum chemists was $81,440.
Because of the reduction in profits in the industry since the 1990s, oil and petroleum businesses are downsizing and hiring fewer chemists in the early 2000s, the ACS noted. There also have been layoffs, making the job market competitive. Basic research has declined. Research projects previously approved with time frames from 10 to 15 years now have much shorter durations and focus on providing solutions for immediate problems.
New career options have arisen, however, to address issues of environmental impact. Some of these new jobs involve research to replace refinery processes and products with cleaner, safer and more energy-efficient processes and products. Other jobs are in public outreach, corporate government relations and risk communication. In addition, government agencies need petroleum chemists so they can ensure industry compliance with environmental regulations.
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