Connie Murphy, advanced research
"I am a senior research technologist and I work with a senior Ph.D.
chemist," says Connie Murphy, a technician associate at Dow Chemical
Company. "In my current job, I specialize in applied research in
films processing. The films we work on are high performance materials
used for electronic applications. Part of my job is to characterize the
films using techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry. This
tells us what happens to the film during heat changes. I also identify
decomposition temperatures in nitrogen and air using thermogravimetric
analysis."
"In research, things are different each day," Murphy continues.
"My work offers lots of variety because I'm involved in different
projects, and I get to see these projects through from beginning to end.
I enjoy the variety." There is a lot of opportunity in this field,
according to Murphy, who explains that technicians work as part of a team
and are able to take a significant role in projects and do complex work.
"This is what makes the job rewarding and satisfying."
Sue Dudek, analytical support
"As a chemical technician who works in a toxicology laboratory, my
primary responsibility is to provide analytical support for the studies
performed in the lab," says Sue Dudek, analytical technician at Monsanto
Company. "Many of the materials I analyze are agricultural chemicals,
and the results provide data necessary for the worldwide registration
of Monsanto products," she explains. "A typical day for me consists
of sample preparation and analysis of the concentration of the test materials
in various matrices. In some studies, we expose rodents to test materials
in their chow. I monitor the concentration of these chemicals to make
sure it is correct and that the animals are getting the proper dosage.
By becoming a technician, I have the best of both worlds," concludes
Dudek. "My work includes a lot of exciting science and discovery,
and I did not have to obtain a four-year college degree."
Michael Cisneros, environmental testing
"Much of the work I have done during the past 16 years has revolved
around separations chemistry," says Michael Cisneros, a chemical
laboratory technician at Los Alamos National Laboratory. "I specialize
in the separation of the actinide elements from various media to determine
how much, if any, is present in the waste streams we generate."
Cisneros is particularly involved in the separation and safe disposal
of plutonium, an actinide element that has been the focus of research
by Los Alamos scientists. "We have a lab that treats the waste streams
we generate and prepares them for storage, but we first need to make sure
as little plutonium as possible is in that waste stream," he points
out.
"New methods to lower the amounts of plutonium in the waste are
developed by the scientists in my group. My job is to analyze the waste
stream and let them know how well we are doing. Using alpha spectroscopy,
I measured the levels of plutonium and found that they were well below
the current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits. However, it's
always possible that the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy will set new
limits on what level is allowed to be released and we need to have the
technology to meet those restrictions."
Gwyn Warner, database management
"Most chemical technicians are up and about all day. My job just
happens to find me sitting at a desk," says Gwyn Warner, a senior
lab technician at Union Carbide. Warner is in charge of a huge database
that tracks the physical properties of all Union Carbide products. The
information on the database serves as a resource for the company's customers
and provides the details for material safety data sheets (MSDS) and for
shipping purposes. "Sometimes customers call me with questions,"
notes Warner. "I either answer the questions myself, or get the answers
from the scientists around me who are extremely knowledgeable."
"I like working with computers," she explains. "I was
responsible for taking this database from the paper to the electronic
state. I liked the challenge it presented." Warner continues, "I
am generally a person who likes to keep things organized and pays attention
to detail. The day-to-day work may look routine, but it isn't. You have
to be on the lookout for any relevant piece of information, no matter
how small. My job is perfectly suited to my personality and I feel very
lucky to be doing what I do."
Martha Straughter, process technician
"I worked for three years as an analytical technician, and four years
as a process operator. I have now been a chemical process technician for
11 years and I've really found my niche," says Martha Straughter,
a senior process technician at Novartis Corporation.
Working in process chemistry means developing and improving the processes
by which products are made. Improving a process may involve reducing the
number of process steps while maintaining or improving overall yields.
"In the process lab, we use a lot of fractionation and distillation
equipment, gas chromatography, and HPLC," explains Straughter. "As
we develop the process, my job is to pull samples at intervals and test
them to ensure that we are making the product we want to be making."
Straughter also has responsibility for the stock area for her group (site).
"I make sure that everything runs correctly," she says. "I
have responsibility for the proper handling and disposal of 3,375 different
chemicals and reagents. It's unusual for a R&D technician to have
so much responsibility," she amplifies, "but I've been with
the company for a long time and I've demonstrated the ability to handle
multiple tasks." She continues, "When you are a chemical technician,
the scientists see you as a valuable resource. The more versatile you
are, the more valuable you become."
Dennis Marshall, environmental coordinator
"Everything I do revolves around keeping our site in compliance with
federal, state, and local environmental regulations," says Dennis
Marshall, technician associate and environmental coordinator at Eastman
Chemical Company. Marshall spent many years as a process and development
technician and a member of the technical staff in a manufacturing area.
When a job opened in the environmental area, he grabbed the opportunity.
"I knew the processes and the equipment. I knew where waste was being
generated and how to work towards minimizing the waste."
"One of my jobs is to monitor the total organic carbon that goes
from the production areas and into the wastewater treatment system. Every
24 hours, samples are taken and GC analysis is done to look at individual
organic constituents. Then, we look for new ways to get the organic constituents
out," he continues.
"Another area of my job is to come up with the material balances
for the permits which govern the operation of our facilities. Being in
compliance with federal, state, and local regulations is of utmost importance.
I study new environmental equipment for use in our facilities, write and
implement inspection procedures, and meet with inspection officials from
the EPA. My job essentially enables the company to work in a full compliance
situation. The job can be stressful and working on weekends is not uncommon
since our site operates 24 hours a day."
Kay Losciuto, GMP auditor
Kay Losciuto had recently graduated from an accredited chemical technology
program when she landed her first full-time job at Mallinckrodt, a manufacturer
of chemicals and pharmaceuticals. "I started as a quality assurance
batch record review technician; now I work as a compliance auditor, making
sure all of the manufacturing processes and quality systems meet federal
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations. Following GMP's is particularly
important in our processes for pharmaceuticals manufacturing. I look at
all the steps and processes that take place in the plant-from the process
areas where products are made to validations, shipping and receiving,
quality control, and process maintenance. I draw on every part of my chemical
training to understand how to keep us in compliance with the federal regulations.
I also continuously update my knowledge."
Losciuto's position at Mallinckrodt has traditionally been filled by
bachelor degree chemists. "There's never been a chemical technician
with an associate degree doing my job," Losciuto adds. "It's
one of the many examples of the ways the field is changing and opening
up. Your skills become more valuable as you gain experience and a broad
base of knowledge. This may put you in the running for positions not previously
assigned to technicians."
WORK DESCRIPTION
Chemical technicians work in every aspect of the chemical process industry-from
basic research to hazardous waste management. Research and development
technicians work in experimental laboratories and process control technicians
work in manufacturing or other industrial plants. Technicians operate
many kinds of equipment and instrumentation, set up apparatus for chemical
reactions, prepare compounds, monitor commercial production, test for
product quality, and collect and analyze samples produced through organic
synthesis. They conduct a variety of laboratory procedures from routine
process control to complex research projects. Technicians also work in
data management, quality control, and shipping to provide technical support
and expertise to these functions.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Chemical technicians are vital members of self-directed work teams. They
sometimes work independently. Most are hired on a "non-exempt"
basis-that is, they work a 40-hour week and are paid overtime for additional
work hours. The workday can be very long when involved with big projects.
Chemical technicians tend to be on the move during the day with a variety
of responsibilities. They often report to more than one person. Most technicians
work indoors, but a few work outdoors taking samples and measurements.
PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT
Chemical technicians are a vital and growing part of the industrial workforce
at chemical, engineering, and oil companies. They are employed by federal,
state, and local governments, including national research laboratories
and government science agencies. Academia employs a few technicians. Although
the chemical industry employs the largest number of chemical technicians,
some work in related industries such as polymers, electronics, biotechnology,
consumer products, pharmaceuticals, paints, soaps and fragrances. Some
companies have well-defined career ladders for technicians, but, generally,
dedication and hard work are the main criteria for advancement. Skills
are often transferable and technicians today are more able to move between
companies than they have been in the past.
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Technicians are people on the go. They often work in more than one laboratory,
monitoring experiments and procedures. They must be able to manage multiple
projects simultaneously. Chemical technicians' interest in scientific
and technical areas help them understand their jobs. They have high mechanical
aptitude, are creative, and have good observation skills. They describe
themselves as problem solvers and say they are self starters with the
ability to think for themselves. Technicians are people who are able to
work with their hands, think analytically, and pay attention to detail.
Other important qualities include a desire to learn new skills, a willingness
to accept responsibility, and a commitment to finish a project.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
A solid background in applied, basic chemistry and math, and skill using
various kinds of equipment and standard labware are vital. An associate
degree in applied science (A.A.S.) or chemical technology is the best
preparation for work in the field. Technicians with such degrees are attractive
to employers because they have scientific knowledge and laboratory skills
and require less-on-the-job training. More than 130 community and two-year
colleges offer this. Without an A.A.S. degree, most employers prefer two
years of specialized training. Take chemistry and math courses. Develop
computer and written and verbal communications skills.
JOB OUTLOOK
Technicians hold positions with responsibilities that were once only assigned
to Ph.D.s and engineers. The field is changing and expanding, and the
demand for qualified technical workers will keep job opportunities growing.
Particularly strong areas of growth are the medical, biotechnology, and
environmental management and testing industries. Government laboratories
will be tougher places to find jobs because of funding cutbacks and incentive
programs for retaining the present work force.
Some employers hire technicians on a temporary basis without benefits,
such as health insurance, even though some temporary assignments last
as long as a few years. Demand for chemical technicians will continue
to increase as automation, new products, and complex production processes
become more sophisticated in the chemical industries.
SALARY RANGE
Chemical technicians with an associate's degree command good starting
salaries. Salaries vary by the geographic location, the technician's education
and experience, and the type and size of the company. In 1995, 45% of
new technicians earned $28,000 or less. Experienced technicians earned
between $28,000 and $35,000-per-year. Technicians with 6-10 years of experience
earn between $35,000 and $42,000 a year.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
ACS Division of Chemical Technicians
American Chemical Society
1155 Sixteenth Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20036
(800) 227-5558
WHAT TO DO NOW
Take courses in chemistry and gain experience using various laboratory
equipment. Technicians in the field today emphasize considering a position
as a chemical technician as a career move. Determine what areas of chemistry
are of most interest to you first and then seek out work experience or
academic expertise in these areas while remaining open to other opportunities
that may cross your career path.
American Chemical Society, Education Division, 1155 Sixteenth Street,
N.W., Washington, DC 20036; (202) 452-2113; http://www.acs.org/education/.
Production of career material was funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
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