Geochemists use their expertise in geology and chemistry to help search for natural resources or clean up the environment. If you're considering this career path, there's a lot you'll want to know before moving forward.
What will You do?
As a geochemist, you'll use physical and inorganic chemistry to investigate the amount and distribution of chemical elements in rocks and minerals. You'll also study the movement of those elements into soil and water systems and will use organic chemistry to study the composition of fossil fuel deposits. This is done with distillation simulation software. Your research guides oil exploration, can help improve water quality and is also used to develop plans to clean up toxic waste sites. Wow, how exciting!
You'll need to analyze the age, nature and components of rock, minerals, soil and other environmental samples. You'll also conduct sample tests and checks, including gas chromatography with simulated distillation analysis software, carbon and isotope data, viscosity and solvent extraction. You will work with a range of specialist equipment as part of your research, including mass spectrometers, microscopes and electron microprobes. You will generate computer models using specialist software, plus map specific geochemical areas for research and analysis, interpret a variety of data and analyse results found through the distillation simulation software, and write technical reports and papers for journals. The world needs to know your research! Of course, your learning never ends. Part of your job will be to keep up with modern developments and new research.
What Should You Expect?
Although you may spend much of your time in the lab, there are also opportunities to work in the field collecting samples. At senior levels, the work can involve more administration and operations management. Field work can be physically demanding, so you may or may not choose to go down that career path.
How do You Know You are Qualified?
Relevant degree areas include earth sciences, geosciences, physical, mathematical and applied sciences, and engineering. Typical subjects include:
Geochemistry
Geology
Chemical engineering
Earth sciences
Environmental sciences
Geophysics
Geotechnology
Marine sciences
Oceanography
Mineral or mining engineering
Experience in areas such as toxicology, hydrology, hydrogeology and sedimentology can be useful for jobs in environmental geochemistry. A relevant postgraduate qualification is preferred, and sometimes required, by the world's top employers. This is particularly true for major employers recruiting internationally. The best companies only hire the best! If you're thinking of taking a postgraduate course, consider its relevance to the specialist area you're interested in. To work for a public research body or university, you'll usually need a relevant PhD.
Where can you work?
For a geochemist, typical employers include:
Oil and gas companies
Consultancies
Mining and quarrying companies
Universities
Research institutes
Specialist environmental bodies, including but not limited to the British Geological Survey (BGS)
Your choice of employer will be influenced by both your degree subject and the area you chose to specialize in.
Clearly, being a geochemist is a very exciting prospect. It will take years of hard work to get to where you need to be in order to be hired by a world-renown company or research facility, but it will all be worth it!
