COURTESY OF GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

COVER STORY

LITTLE CHANGE IN HIRING FOR NEW GRADUATES Many recruiters say efforts will resemble last year’s depressed levels A A L OK MEH TA , C &E N WA S HINGTON

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hemists who are ready to enter the workforce or change jobs—and who are hoping that the industry has finally made a recovery and is hiring in earnest again—may be disappointed in the coming months. Many of the industry representatives and university chemistry department heads C&EN talked to about the 2005–06 hiring season said they predicted hiring levels for new chemists will roughly mirror those of last year or be slightly reduced. That’s not good news, as last year’s employment situation showed little sign of recovery from the prolonged downturn that has been affecting chemical hiring for years now. It’s still early in the hiring season, though, and a number of factors complicate this year’s hiring forecasts. Economic and political events, for example, have buffeted an already beleaguered chemical industry. Drastic increases in the price of petroleum products have sent feedstock, material, and transportation costs skyrocketing, and a record-breaking hurricane season has made things worse by battering manufacturing

have a tough time. Most candidates are unlikely to have multiple job offers, and searches may take months longer than expected. Yet not all recruiters C&EN talked with were pessimistic about the hiring outlook. Petrochemical companies are doing especially well, and the forecast for chemical engineers and bachelor’s- and master’s-level chemists is promising. Other firms will continue to hire at modest levels to replace their aging workforces, and some are still expanding their research capacities significantly. Strong candidates with expertise in synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry will still land coveted positions in the pharmaceutical industry. And even in difficult circumstances, most chemists fare decently. The university representatives C&EN interviewed said that, on the whole, almost all of their graduate students and postdocs searching for jobs last year ended up finding the kind of position they were looking for. At the two largest U.S. chemical companies, reports are mixed. DuPont predicts that the recruiting season will generally be tough for new graduates, though there will be exceptions. “This may again be a challenging year for chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical engineering grads, due mainly to the uncertainty in the global economic climate,” says Senyo Opong, the company’s Ph.D. and science staffing manager. “Chemical engineers are likely to be the most affected.

facilities and oil production on the U.S. Gulf Coast. Companies continue to invest heavily in foreign facilities, lured by inexpensive labor and production costs. Even the pharmaceutical industry, which “THE UNCERTAIN economy—including the has traditionally been a huge source of jobs effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita—is hurting the renewal effort of for chemists, biochemists, and most U.S. manufacturing-based chemical engineers even in difficult economic situations, seems companies, and our industry is to have slowed its growth in the no exception,” he adds. “Despite face of a number of unique conthe uncertain economy, I believe troversies and dilemmas. Fallout DuPont is positioned to have a from the Vioxx controversy may great recruiting season. Our science and technology leadership dramatically affect the regulatory is fully committed to science climate for new pharmaceuticals, workforce renewal, particularly making companies skittish about announcing large hiring increases. EMPLOYMENT at the Ph.D. level.” For that reason, “the needs of Uproar over vaccine production OUTLOOK DuPont this year are similar to and increasing prescription drug costs have deepened public distrust of phar- last year,” Opong says. The company has maceutical companies. And in an effort to been hiring more Ph.D.s in the past few alleviate the massive costs of drug research, years, and this year will be no exception. pharmaceutical companies continue to con- “We are recruiting actively on campus at all tract research to offshore firms. degree levels, including chemists, chemical All this means that chemists looking to engineers, biochemists/biologists, material enter the workforce in the coming year will scientists, and others,” he says.

“My assessment is that it is a somewhat below-average job market for new graduates. It’s very uneven in terms of which companies are hiring and not hiring.” WWW.CEN–ONLINE.ORG

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COVER STORY “The level of experience needed varies In particular, the firm is looking for meCHEMICAL ENGINEERS with the job opening,” he adds. The com- dicinal chemists and process chemists, both pany is focusing on chemists with back- at the Ph.D. and the bachelor’s/master’s Downward trend in number of grounds in organic chemistry and polymer level. Like most pharmaceutical compadegrees continues at all levels chemistry, scientists with synthesis skills, nies, Roche is looking for candidates with BACHELOR’S MASTER’S PH.D. and analytical and materials chemists and extensive training in synthetic organic 1982–83 7,185 1,368 692 biochemists. DuPont also has increased its chemistry. But hiring is slightly down from 1983–84 7,475 1,514 409 recruiting of chemical engineers, “particu- last year, he says, which “was an exceptional 1984–85 7,146 1,544 504 larly those with interdisciplinary skills and year for us.” 1985–86 5,877 1,361 531 those with process development skills.” Pfizer echoes many of those sentiments. 1986–87 4,991 1,184 584 1987–88 3,917 1,088 685 Dow is more optimistic. “Overall, the “I would classify this year as being fairly 1988–89 3,663 1,093 712 job market appears to be strong, with more similar to last year,” says Brian S. Bronk, 1989–90 3,430 1,035 658 companies hiring more graduates than in director of medicinal chemistry in neuro1990–91 3,444 903 691 the previous couple of years,” says Sarah sciences at the company and head of the 1991–92 3,754 956 725 Kok, workforce planning specialist for Ph.D.-level organic chemistry recruiting ef1992–93 4,459 990 737 Dow. “Some companies have announced forts in the U.S. for Pfizer Global Research 1993–94 5,163 1,032 725 & Development. “But I also see signs that extremely large recruiting goals. 1994–95 5,901 1,085 708 “This is a good year to be graduating with it’ll be leaner than last year—overall demand 1995–96 6,319 1,176 798 1996–97 6,564 1,131 767 chemistry and chemical engineering degrees,” is not as high as it was. 1997–98 6,319 1,128 776 she adds. “There are specific business segments 1998–99 6,033 1,130 674 that are experiencing significant growth, “WHAT’S CHANGED is demand from ma1999–00 5,807 1,078 725 and they will need engineers to support that jor pharma,” he adds. Whereas before, a 2000–01 5,611 1,083 728 growth.” Dow plans to recruit heavily to meet single company would have upward of 10 2001–02 5,462 973 705 booming business needs. “Our needs in 2006 openings, openings are now spread out 2002–03 na na 643 are higher due to business growth and also over more firms, and candidates will have NOTE: Data were collected from degree-granting expected attrition in the next several years,” to work harder to secure positions. Still, institutions. na = not available. SOURCES: National Center for Education Statistics, Kok says. The company will be hiring mostly “there are opportunities for qualified canNational Science Foundation bachelor’s-level scientists, but it will remain on didates,” he says. “It just requires more efthe lookout for a “fair number” of candidates fort and diligence.” Pfizer, he says, has a “small number of backgrounds, while extensive research and with graduate degrees, as well as some scientists with work experience. openings for chemists at all levels—bach- lab experience are essential for B.S.- and M.S.-level candidates. Traditional chemical companies, Bronk believes candidates lookhowever, are responsible for only a HELP WANTED ing for jobs in the pharmaceutical small portion of chemical hiring. Academic job postings in C&EN jump, but industry need to be flexible and Pharmaceutical and biotech comindustrial openings remain low panies remain the strongest sectors adaptable. “The pharmaceutical hiring chemists, even as the segment industry is facing a new set of chalVolume of “positions open” advertising, column-inchesa lenges,” he says. “Opportunities faces public controversy and increas1,200 Academic ing pressure to cut costs. But reports are still going to be there, but the 1,000 from pharmaceutical representatives opportunities are going to be in a this year are also mixed. much more dynamic environment 800 “My assessment is that it is a and industry than it used to be. The 600 somewhat below-average job marpace of change strikes me as differket for new graduates,” says Hans ent than before.” 400 Maag, vice president of chemistry At AstraZeneca’s Boston site, “we for Roche Palo Alto. “It’s very unwill continue our recruiting effort, 200 even in terms of which companies at all levels—Ph.D., bachelor’s, and 0 are hiring and not hiring. master’s,” says John Primeau, direc2002 2003 2004 2005 tor and head of infection chemistry “Company visits on average are a Volume of “positions open” advertising, column-inches at AstraZeneca R&D Boston. “It down,” he adds. “It’s very clear that 800 Nonacademic will likely be a similar level of recruitsome companies that have rou600 tinely visited schools have not gone ing as last year.” this year.” The company has settled into a 400 But Roche is hiring at a slightly modest growth pattern after rapidly 200 higher level than it has averaged expanding some of its core chemistry groups, such as those focusing over the past several years, Maag 0 on infection and cancer, earlier in says. “We are part of a multinational 2002 2004 2005 2003 the decade. “We’re growing more company. Roche is doing quite well a Column-inches published during consecutive periods of four weeks each. slowly now,” Primeau says, at about in the industry, so our situation has 6–7% a year. not been affected much” by highThe company is looking for synthetic profile controversies in pharmaceuticals, elor’s, master’s, Ph.D.s, and postdocs.” For he says. “We have been well-insulated from Ph.D.s, the company is looking for scientists medicinal chemists, analytical chemists, with strong synthetic organic chemistry informaticians, and computational chemists these kinds of events.” 36

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at a range of levels, including some right out able in both its discovery and process chem- year. “In previous years, we hired with the of school and others with experience. istry groups, he says. Though it’s still early, he expectation that new business would apTypically, Primeau adds, AstraZeneca adds that he is “very pleased at the number pear,” he says. “We will be much more cauconducts much of its hiring locally, in the of extremely qualified candidates he’s seen at tious this year.” The company is looking for new chemists Boston area. “There’s pretty strong compe- the Ph.D. and postdoctoral level.” tition for talent with other pharmaceutical on a case-by-case basis, at all levels. “But it’s companies in the area,” he says. “That’s very “THE INDUSTRY is very cyclical,” Decicco easier to find qualified Ph.D.s than it is to good for candidates.” But he adds that he has says. “There’s a trend where there’s not a lot find well-trained bachelor’s- and master’sof growth right now. That’s likely to change level candidates,” Chucholowski says. Most seen some downsizing locally as well. Novartis also has a pessimistic take on as the pipeline delivers and there is a rein- of the Ph.D.s Chembridge hires—upward hiring. “My impression is that this will be vestment in research.” Still, he adds, “there of 80%—have postdocs, he adds. a tight recruiting year. There aren’t as many will always be a demand for highly skilled Chucholowski is not completely pessimisjobs around as in the recent past,” says Scott synthetic organic chemists in drug develop- tic about the industry, though. “Recently I have seen more start-up and biotech comBiller, head of global discovery chemistry ment and research.” The pharmaceutical industry’s challenges panies getting financing. We hope we’ll see for the company. “I’ve even heard of other companies reducing staff. That’s the general are also affecting associated companies, such some improvement in business from this, as contract research firms. “Things are not but we’re not sure,” he says. Still, “if the tenor in the pharmaceutical industry.” situation improves, it will take At Novartis, hiring will be some time to improve.” “comparable to last year,” he One counterpoint to the modsays. “We’ve been growing our JOB HUNT WOES est hiring plans of many pharchemistry at a steady pace since Number of job openings and employers at ACS’s national maceutical companies is Gilead I came to the company in 2003, meeting employment centers has plummeted Sciences. “As a company, we are and we’ll at least continue that TOTAL POTENTIAL INTERVIEWS CANDIDATES EMPLOYERS OPENINGS SCHEDULED rapidly growing,” says Norbert in 2005–06.” W. Bischofberger, executive vice The company is looking 2000 1,052 169 1,069 3,367 president of research and develto hire scientists at all levels, San Francisco Washington, D.C. 1,057 156 1,616 3,479 opment. “We’re investing a lot of though Ph.D.s with postdocs 2001 money into research, discovery, are preferred. And “we plan to San Diego 897 209 1,429 4,299 and development.” increase our experience base by Chicago 1,112 169 1,392 4,377 In fact, he adds, “one interalso hiring some people with esting challenge we’re facing is pharmaceutical company ex- 2002 Orlando 867 131 436 3,146 perience,” Biller adds. that hiring takes time.” Because 1,231 137 521 4,688 In particular, the company is Boston the company can only interview looking for scientists with syn- 2003 a limited number of chemists, a 1,151 96 305 1,751 thetic organic and bioorganic New Orleans and integrating new hires into New York City 1,374 97 291 1,673a backgrounds who can apply the team-based setting of drug their skills to drug discovery. 2004 discovery takes a while, “there’s a They also need some computa- Anaheim a limit on just how many people 1,281 121 271 1,605 tional chemists. you can bring onboard in one Philadelphiab 1,494 107 303 1,602a Bristol-Myers Squibb is al- 2005 year.” 1,296 88 189 1,291a so not hopeful. “In pharma San Diego The company continues to 1,927 97 289 1,685a in general, research budgets Washington, D.C. look for chemists, biochemists, aren’t growing at the same rate a Figures for interviews scheduled may not be comparable with previous years’ because molecular biologists, and analytof implementation of a computerized registration and communication system. b The Naical chemists for drug discovery, that they used to,” says Carl P. tional Employment Clearing House officially became the Chemjobs Career Center beprocess chemistry, and analytiDecicco, vice president of dis- ginning with the Philadelphia meeting. SOURCES: American Chemical Society Departcovery chemistry. “There are ment of Career Services, Chemjobs Career Center cal formulation. Synthetic organic chemists are especially probably fewer jobs available in the industry this year than previous years, as rosy as they were a year ago,” says Alexan- important, Bischofberger says. “They are but I can’t say that for certain. The num- der Chucholowski, vice president for chem- the bread and butter of the pharmaceutical ber of companies recruiting seems to be a istry at ChemBridge Research Laboratories. industry.” He adds that Gilead is seeking, to little down.” “There’s a lot of uncertainty in our business a lesser extent, chemical engineers. He points to a number of factors that and the whole area we’re working in. Gilead has also had trouble attracting have contributed to the slowdown, includ“We are providers to the pharmaceutical good bachelor’s- and master’s-level cheming the rapid consolidation the industry has industry. If it is hurting, we are hurting,” he ists. “We’re very interested in finding good seen recently. “Organizations are trying to adds. “And it’s very difficult for contract re- candidates,” he says, “but we have found it make strategic decisions on how big their search organizations operating in the U.S. a little more challenging.” research groups should be,” he says. “It’ll That’s reflective of the pharma industry in But Bischofberger tempers his company’s take some time to work through, so they’ll general. The industry has problems, and it’s hiring plans with a warning. “There are a lot be a little careful and hesitant doing too trying to save money wherever possible, such of changes going on, with the potential to as sending research overseas. Offshoring is affect very greatly the future of the pharmamuch at this point.” ceutical industry,” he says. “It’s a changing Bristol-Myers Squibb will be hiring at the biggest threat to us.” For those reasons, ChemBridge is being environment and political landscape, and roughly the same rate as it did the previous two years, with a number of positions avail- especially careful in its hiring plans this that will affect how much the pharmaceuWWW.CEN–ONLINE.ORG

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COVER STORY tical industry is willing to invest in research and development.” Albany Molecular Research also predicts a bright recruiting season. “We primarily serve the pharmaceutical/biotech sector,” says Brian D. Russell, the firm’s

CHEMISTRY DEGREES

Most recent data show number of Ph.D.s jumping significantly BACHELOR’S MASTER’S

1982–83 1983–84 1984–85 1985–86 1986–87 1987–88 1988–89 1989–90 1990–91 1991–92 1992–93 1993–94 1994–95 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 1998–99a 1999–00 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03

10,796 10,704 10,482 10,116 9,670 9,052 8,625 8,132 8,321 8,641 8,914 9,425 9,722 10,415 10,644 10,582 10,120 10,043 9,493 9,136 na

1,622 1,667 1,719 1,754 1,738 1,708 1,774 1,682 1,665 1,780 1,842 1,999 2,099 2,254 2,240 2,141 2,037 1,888 1,985 1,845 na

PH.D.

1,758 1,765 1,836 1,903 1,975 2,015 1,970 2,100 2,194 2,214 2,137 2,257 2,162 2,149 2,148 2,216 2,132 1,989 1,980 1,923 2,037

NOTE: Data were collected from degree-granting institutions. a Bachelor’s and master’s degree information estimated from ACS 1999 Starting Salary Survey. na = not available. SOURCES: National Center for Education Statistics, National Science Foundation

senior director of human resources. The growth in that sector provides “a positive outlook” for Albany Molecular, he adds. The company will have “an active recruiting year in the area of organic chemistry,” Russell says. And talks with other recruiters have suggested to him that chemical engineering graduates will enjoy a relatively strong market. “OUR CURRENT and expected customer de-

mand indicates strong hiring trends in 2006 on the chemistry services side,” he adds. “While we cannot speak for the chemical industry as a whole, we believe our recruiting situation reflects the confidence in Albany Molecular from the market we serve, as well as current trends in that market.” The company is planning on hiring chemists at all degree levels in 2006, including new graduates and scientists with industry experience. In particular, he adds, Albany Molecular is looking for candidates with degrees in or experience with organic synthesis, analytical chemistry, and chemical engineering. Another bright segment for new chemists and chemical engineers is the petrochemi-

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cal industry. Despite extensive hurricane damage this year and last year, oil companies recently posted record profits. Though this irks a public battling dramatic increases in the cost of gasoline and heating oil, the windfall may translate into a number of opportunities for new chemists. “Higher demand is evident, particularly in the energy business, where there is an aging workforce,” says Susan K. Wilson, manager for recruitment marketing at BP America. “The current job market is very competitive for the best in class.” Top chemical engineers are getting multiple offers, she says, and “all students are enjoying a lot of attention.” At BP, “our needs are up about 30%, due to increased needs in exploration and production,” she says. The company is looking mostly for B.S.-level chemical engineers, plus a handful of Ph.D. chemical engineers and chemists, particularly those with a background in catalysts. In addition, its refining technology group is actively searching for chemists with experience. The company looks for candidates with solid technical skills who have demonstrated creativity and drive. “In addition to strong academic performance,” Wilson says, “experiential work, such as internships, distinguishes most higher quality candidates. Other petrochemical companies have similar outlooks. “The job market appears to be very good for chemical engineering students this year,” says Doug Chauveaux, manager of college relations and staffing for Chevron Phillips Chemical. “We attribute this to three factors: the economic market conditions in the chemical and petrochemical industry, the approaching retirement age of the baby boomer generation, and an insufficient number of students entering these disciplines each year. “Chevron Phillips Chemical’s recruiting situation generally mirrors that of the chemical industry,” he adds. The company is actively recruiting B.S.level chemical engineers in anticipation of large hiring needs. “When employees retire, our preference is to promote from within. As a result, there is a need for qualified graduates to fill these vacancies,” Chauveaux says. “In fact, Chevron Phillips Chemical expects to hire more graduates in the next two years than the total number of new hires in the company’s previous five years.” The company also recruits scientists and engineers with more experience when positions requiring such expertise open up. Currently, the company’s joint-venture project in Saudi Arabia, Jubail Chevron Phillips, has a need for experienced engineers, he says. University department heads mirror the

uncertainty of industry representatives over this year’s hiring trends: Many were discouraged by early signs, fearing the recruiting situation for their students will be similar to or worse than last year, though others were encouraged by the initial progress of job seekers. The University of Pennsylvania’s Gary A. Molander, a professor of chemistry and acting vice chair of the chemistry department, for example, is optimistic about prospects for the department’s students. More companies than last year are coming to campus, he notes, the bulk being pharmaceutical or biotech companies. “It will be as good as last year or better,” he says. “There seem to be more opportunities at companies.” But he warns that it’s early in the season and first impressions might be misleading. Still, “last year turned out well,” Molander says. “Almost everyone got a job who was looking.” OF COURSE, chemists whose prime desire is pure research and who want the freedom to pursue their own interests without too much outside interference won’t be seeking positions in industry, but rather a place among the faculty of university or college chemistry departments. This is a longer and more challenging road, as postdocs are required for many of these positions, and competition for slots is fierce. Hiring committees often seek candidates with specific specialties, but they are also always on the lookout for star scientists. Yet, the outlook for jobs is promising, as advertising for academic positions in C&EN has jumped and most universities C&EN talked with continue to hire at a modest pace. The University of Pennsylvania is busy trying to fill four open chemistry faculty positions. “We’ve been authorized by the dean to search for three senior faculty, and we have the initial go-ahead to hire one junior faculty member,” Molander says. “This is part of a new initiative to try to recruit outstanding senior faculty.” The effort represents a marked departure from the department’s typical hiring pattern. “This is the most we’ve hired in the past six to 10 years,” he says. “We’ve been hiring one or fewer faculty a year on average over the past six years.” These faculty searches are open to any qualified candidate. “Our searches recently have been for the best candidate in any area,” Molander says. “Previously, we had been searching for candidates with specific specialties.” David E. Clemmer, chair of the department of chemistry at Indiana University, agrees that students looking for jobs will WWW.CEN–ONLINE.ORG

fare well. “I think in general that it’s still and support a university-wide initiative in ment’s students seems pretty similar to last a pretty good market for our people,” he nanoscience. But, like most departments, year, Marletta says. The department’s gradusays. “I do think it may have slipped a little Berkeley will still consider other strong ap- ate students headed mostly to postdocs, he bit from last year, but I don’t know anyone plicants. “Outstanding candidates in any adds, while its postdocs, “based on the reparea of chemistry will be hired,” Marletta utation of their training, found jobs. But I having trouble finding a job.” He says that slightly fewer companies says, pointing out that recently the depart- can’t say everyone got their first choice.” have visited the campus this year, but it’s ment created an extra position for a theorenot a significant difference. Those that do tician during a search for an experimental IN ADDITION, the job market remains tight, come are mostly pharmaceutical companies scientist, based on a candidate’s extremely and those who want to go from “a Ph.D. straight to industry might have to end up in the Midwest looking mostly for analyti- strong potential. cal and organic chemists. The recruiting situation for the depart- doing a postdoc that they wouldn’t have “Everybody got good positions” had to otherwise,” he says. last year, he says. “We had people Michael P. Doyle, a professor WHERE NEW GRADS FIND JOBS who had a range of different offers. and chair of the department of Universities and pharmaceutical firms employ But for others, offers didn’t come chemistry and biochemistry at large numbers of chemists ... as quickly. And maybe searches the University of Maryland, is also are taking a little bit longer.” worried. “It’s too early in the seaOther son to tell for sure, but from what Fueled by a number of univerPharmaceutical 16% Biotech 14% sity initiatives, especially a new I sense, there has been a shrink2% ing in the marketplace for our program in materials science and Universities Elementary & students,” he says. “Responses are a new interdisciplinary science & colleges secondary teaching 13% coming slower and fewer.” building that will feature ge7% nomics and proteomics facilities, Last year, “our students did very Other Federal, state the department is hiring pretty well. I don’t know anyone who manufacturing & local government 16% rapidly. It is looking for new facwas left unemployed—individuals 8% ulty in all areas but in particular found the positions they wanted Traditional is “expanding in the area where to be in,” he says. “I don’t think a Analytical & chemical hospital labs chemistry merges with biology,” the same is going to be true this 11% 13% Clemmer says. year.” He has already noticed more Respondents with bachelor’s degrees = 704 Because of the expansion in lab people applying for postdoctoral space and losses from retirement, positions, possibly in anticipation Elementary & Other secondary teaching 11% the department is “still underof a difficult job market. 1% Universities staffed at this point,” he adds. So The department is looking to Biotech & colleges 5% it will continue to hire at an averhire two new faculty members this 30% Federal, state age rate of about three new faculty year, one specializing in organic & local government members a year, as it has in the chemistry and the other in biochem6% istry. “We’ve had open searches in past four years. “It’s a matter of the the last couple of years, but we’re right fit of people—the right age Traditional chemicala focusing more this year,” Doyle says. distribution,” Clemmer says. “It’s Pharmaceutical 14% “We’re targeting these areas because not a matter of positions.” 18% Other of certain needs we have.” James J. Valentini, chair of manufacturing 15% But like most universities, the Columbia University’s chemistry department will pull strings to department, says the university is Respondents with Ph.D. degrees = 175 hire additional candidates if they searching for two junior chemistry ... and traditional chemical companies still employ are especially strong, regardless faculty—one in organic chemisthe most chemical engineers try and the other in theoretical of their area of specialization. chemistry. “There are always opportunities Other And at the University of Calfor people who present themselves 10% Food Traditional ifornia, Berkeley, two faculty who might be suitable for a posi5% chemicala tion,” he adds. searches are also under way, says 28% Universities & colleges The chemical and pharmaceuMichael A. Marletta, chair of the 7% tical industries continue to face a department of chemistry there. Pharmaceutical number of difficult challenges, but The department is looking to & biotech hiring will continue at rates compafill positions in interdisciplinary 8% Other rable to last year. That means job fields, specifically chemical bimanufacturing Federal, state 20% ology and materials chemistry. hunts may be difficult, but they & local government 10% “The exciting stuff is happening won’t be impossible, as suggested by Professional services 12% at the interfaces,” he says. “So the ultimately successful outcomes we’re looking for people to work reported by university representaRespondents with bachelor’s degrees = 246 tives about last year’s graduates. at the interfaces of traditional NOTE: Data are for newly graduated chemists and chemical engineers working full time. a Includes agricultural chemicals, basic chemicals, coatings and inks, There are still plenty of positions disciplines.” personal care products, petroleum, plastics, rubber, soaps and detergents, available for talented scientists with The recruiting efforts are despecialty chemicals, and textiles. SOURCE: 2004 ACS Starting Salary Survey signed to fill department needs patience and perseverance. ■ WWW.CEN–ONLINE.ORG

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