Chemists work in a wide range of industries, including food and drink, cosmetics and health and beauty. They also play a major role in developing new products and materials.
You may have seen these chemists on social media raking in views for their For You pages and creating engaging science experiments in videos. But how do you find the right one for your project?
Know Your Needs
Chemists have a unique perspective on a wide range of topics. They can help solve complex scientific queries and may work on projects that relate to a number of different fields, including technology, biology, health care and environmental sciences.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, chemists can find employment at many places, including research facilities, pharmaceutical companies and product development businesses. Some chemists also work as consultants and freelancers, which can give them more freedom to explore new products, ingredients and techniques.
When choosing a chemist, you will need to consider your needs and what you can afford. For example, you will need to make sure that the chemist you select has experience in your specific area of product creation. If you are seeking a chemist to create a hair product, for example, it would be best to choose a Diamond Creek chemist who has experience working on similar products.
Other important factors to consider include whether the chemist is a member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists and how much they charge for their services. You should also ask the chemist about how they will approach the formulation process and if you will own all rights to the finished product. The best way to get the answers you need is to provide the chemist with an outline of the products you want them to create before hiring them.
Know Your Budget
If you’re a startup or small business, chances are you don’t have an unlimited budget for hiring the chemist of your dreams. You may be paying your employees, rent or mortgage, utilities and other recurring expenses on a regular basis. Then there are the variable costs of things like haircuts, groceries and other non-recurring expenses that can fluctuate month to month.
Unless you’re a large company that can afford to bring on a full-time chemist, your best bet is to find a freelancer with whom you can work long term. With the rise of the gig economy, many chemistry experts are choosing to go independent and make their expertise available to businesses on demand.
The majority of chemists have at least a bachelor’s degree in a science or engineering subject. Some may need to complete a master’s or doctorate degree for their chosen field of specialty. Many chemists also have professional experience that they have gained through internships, laboratory assistantships and other entry-level roles.
Influencer chemists have found ways to combine their scientific skills with their love for creating engaging content. Whether they’re conducting a science experiment or comparing products, their videos have something for everyone. For example, Pagan is known for tracking down sunscreens that won’t leave a white cast on skin of color while Ford and Tsui are more interested in debunking scaremongering ingredient news or evaluating buzzy cosmetic ingredients.
Know Your Expectations
During the interview process, it’s important to know what you can expect from your freelance chemist. This includes how long you expect the project to last, what kind of salary range is acceptable and whether any specific perks or benefits are offered. Then, you can choose the right chemistry specialist for your needs.
For example, you may want to hire a formulating chemist who will create the cosmetic product for your brand. These specialists typically charge a higher hourly rate than general chemists, but they’ll have the skills necessary to meet your project requirements.
Another important factor to consider is the chemistry specialist’s education, experience and skill sets. Most chemists hold at least a bachelor’s degree and often gain professional experience through internships, research positions or laboratory assistantships. Some chemists even go as far as earning a Ph.D in their field to advance their careers.
In addition to their academic and professional credentials, chemists should have excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills. They should also be comfortable working on a team and communicating with various people in a variety of situations. They need to be able to analyze and interpret data, as well as communicate the results of their experiments in written and oral form. Finally, they should be familiar with government and internal health and safety regulations.
Know Your Options
There are a number of different types of chemistry, each with its own specializations. It’s important to know what you’re looking for before you start searching for the right chemist. Otherwise, you could end up with a person who isn’t a good fit for your project or doesn’t have the necessary skills to do the job well.
For example, some chemists specialize in agrochemistry, which involves studying crops and livestock to develop ways to improve farming processes. Other chemists may focus on biochemistry, which involves creating projects that help eradicate diseases and optimize human health.
It’s also a good idea to look for chemists who have pilot production skills. This means that they’re able to create, test and administer a product before it goes into full production. This will allow them to make educated guesses concerning safety and effectiveness before making a final decision about a project’s feasibility.
Finally, be sure to choose a chemist who is knowledgeable about a variety of medications, naturopathic remedies, vitamins and supplements. This will ensure that they’re able to recommend the best products for your unique needs and avoid any unwanted side effects. This is especially important if you’re trying to address an ongoing medical condition or managing allergies. Choosing a chemist with experience and knowledge will help you achieve your health goals long-term.