Organic Chemistry
Is All Around Us
Organic chemistry is that branch of chemistry that deals with
the structure, properties, and reactions of compounds that
contain carbon. It is a highly creative science. Chemists in
general and organic chemists in particular can create new
molecules never before proposed which, if carefully designed,
may have important properties for the betterment of the human
experience. In terms of Ph.D. population, organic chemistry is
the largest chemistry discipline, in both total numbers, annual
Ph.D. graduates, and in annual production.
Beyond our bodies' DNA, peptides, proteins, and enzymes, organic
compounds are all around us. They are central to the economic
growth of the U.S., in industries such as the rubber, plastics,
fuel, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, detergent, coatings, dyestuffs,
and agrichemicals industries. The very foundations of
biochemistry, biotechnology, and medicine are built on organic
compounds and their role in life processes. Most all of the
modern, high tech materials are composed, at least in part, of
organic compounds. Clearly, organic chemistry is critically
important to our high standard of living.
Organic chemists at all degree levels are found in all those
industries that depend on R&D, working on projects from
fundamental discovery to highly applied product development. The
foundation of the pharmaceutical industry is the large pool of
highly skilled organic chemists. For example, nature may provide
a molecule such as a complex antibiotic, an antitumor agent, or
a replacement for a hormone such as insulin; organic chemists
determine the structure of this newly discovered molecule and
then modify it to enhance the desired activity and specificity
of action, while decreasing undesired side effects. Indeed,
organic chemists have produced a wonderful myriad of highly
successful products to fight human diseases.
There is tremendous excitement and challenge in synthesizing a
molecule never before made synthetically or found in nature.
Tailoring the properties of that molecule via chemical synthesis
to produce beneficial effects to meet the needs of the present
and future human existence is both challenging and rewarding.
When asked to comment about his work, John Hyatt, senior
research associate at Eastman Chemical Company said, "I think of
new ways to solve old problems." Hyatt specializes in organic
chemistry research and the development of naturally-occurring
compounds. He looks for methods to synthesize organic compounds
which will prove useful in medicine, nutrition, and materials
science. Often these compounds already are known to be of
significant commercial value; Hyatt's job is to develop new and
improved synthetic routes and to find more efficient methods for
the isolation and purification of naturally occurring substances
of commercial value. Hyatt also designs and carries out
synthesis of isotopically-tagged versions of reasonably complex
target molecules. His work is just one example of the wide
variety of exciting opportunities inherent in organic chemistry.
Is About Challenges and Success
As a senior research associate at Procter & Gamble, Kelly McDow-Dunham
has applied her background in organic chemistry to the synthesis
of drugs that act against osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease
in which enzymes attack and break down the bone cartilage. McDow-
Dunham's work has involved synthesizing enzyme inhibitors, small
organic molecules that deactivate the enzymes and prevent them
from attacking the cartilage. In this type of work, once the
synthesis is accomplished, a molecule is given to biochemists,
pharmacologists, and toxicologists to test for activity, mode of
biologic action, and safety. Often, a drug candidate is not
usable for one reason or another?for example, it could turn out
to be toxic?and chemists have to work to modify the structure,
hoping to improve the biological properties. "Characteristics of
these compounds have to be right," says McDow-Dunham. "Each
compound may have some properties that are right, and other
characteristics that are not suitable. So, organic chemists have
to make modifications in the structure of the molecule to
optimize them. It's very challenging and difficult, but that's
what makes the work interesting," says McDow-Dunham.
Organic chemists often say that in addition to making the work
interesting, the challenge of finding a process or product that
works in the midst of numerous ideas that do not pan out is
often a learning experience. Kenetha Stanton, associate research
scientist at Procter & Gamble says, "Often, we either can't make
the compound we want, or a compound that we do make doesn't have
the activity that we had envisioned. When this occurs, we've at
least discovered that a certain class of compounds won't work
for us. We can move on and know that we don't need to look at
that particular group any more. That allows us to focus our time
and energy elsewhere. In that sense, what seems like a failure
is really a kind of success in disguise."
Goes Inside and Outside the Lab
Organic chemists spend time in the lab but also work outside the
lab studying scientific literature, doing library research,
collaborating with colleagues, writing reports, preparing
publications, and peer-reviewing research manuscripts. Computers
are playing an ever-increasing role in simplifying these tasks.
Depending on education, skills, employer, specific projects, and
career track, organic chemists may be involved in a variety of
tasks including carrying out procedures at the bench, designing
and directing the research efforts of a group of scientists, and
managing research facilities.
Senior principal scientist Joel Barrish at Bristol-Myers Squibb
does some of his own laboratory work in cardiovascular and
immunology research when possible. However, most of his day is
spent carrying out those duties associated with his role as
group/project leader in drug discovery research. These
responsibilities include coordinating the synthetic chemistry
efforts of chemists in his group and collaborating with
professionals working on the project in areas outside of his
group such as computer-aided design, X-ray crystallography,
biochemistry, metabolism and pharmacokinetics, process research
chemistry, and regulatory affairs. Barrish says that his Ph.D.
in chemistry and seven years of work experience in this field
prepared him for his current position. He comments, "I would
like to continue on the managerial/scientific track in industry,
leading drug discovery programs."
Many organic chemists, such as Hyatt and Barrish, choose to
remain active in the technical end of chemistry. Others apply
their knowledge and skills outside the laboratory holding
positions that include those in sales, marketing, and law. Many
organic chemists work in academia, holding positions that
include undergraduate and graduate teaching and research. The
academic area provides the opportunity for the very best to
explore new areas of organic research.
McDow-Dunham attended law school while working as a scientist at
P&G and is now pursuing her interests in patent law with the
company. "I like the idea of being an advocate for scientists."
Her goal as a patent attorney is to work with scientists to
obtain proprietary protection for the compounds that they
design. She adds, "My background in organic chemistry will help
me work with other scientists in my new role because I know how
to talk their language." This is an important aspect of organic
chemistry; its central nature can open many alternative career
paths.
Is a Puzzle Leading To New Experiences
Whether working inside or outside the laboratory, organic
chemists compare their work in the field to solving puzzles.
Stanton suggests, "You keep getting little bits of information
here and there from the different tests and experiments that you
run. You find out what works and what doesn't work along the way
and you learn how to fit all the pieces together to get the
target you're looking for."
David Eickhoff, associate scientist at Procter & Gamble, makes
this analogy of his work: It is wanting to get from New York to
Los Angeles. "There are an infinite number of routes. Some are
better than others because of things out of your control, such
as an inaccessible bridge along the way. So you back up and find
another route in order to complete the journey."
Eickhoff continues, "Everyday is a new experience working in
organic chemistry. There are well-defined rules, and there's
just enough information that you're not just spinning your
wheels. But it's not completely mapped out. There's always
something new. Organic chemistry is a wonderful blend of what's
known, what's not yet known, and how to apply this information
to discover new knowledge. There's enough not yet known to keep
it interesting and full of opportunity."
Working Description
Organic chemistry is the science of designing, synthesizing,
characterizing, and developing applications for molecules that
contain carbon. Organic chemists create and study organic
compounds, the reactions that produce them, and their chemical
and physical properties. They create and explore new uses for
new or existing organic materials. They carry out synthesis
reactions and isolations in a laboratory environment using
sophisticated instruments such as nuclear magnetic resonance;
gas and liquid chromatography; and infrared, ultraviolet, and
visible spectroscopy. Most of the instruments are computer
driven and controlled, so computer literacy is required. Complex
molecules may require 3D computer modeling capability to aid in
visualizing the domains of complex molecules that require
synthetic modification.
Working Conditions
Most organic chemists will find themselves working in modern,
clean, well-lighted, and safe research/development facilities
equipped with up-to-date equipment and instrumentation designed
to facilitate efficient project goal achievement. Individuals
work on a team, and interactions with its members provide a
valuable learning opportunity. Although the Ph.D. chemist will
usually have over-all responsibility for the project, everyone's
ideas and input will be valued and utilized.
Bachelor's degree chemists will spend most of their time working
at the bench. However, time will also be spent with data
recording, report writing, interactions with people and
disciplines outside your team. Computers greatly aid the
collection, recording, managing, and analyzing of data, and even
report writing. More and more, computers bring the outside
world's technical literature right into the laboratory, and they
also are invaluable in providing computer aided design
techniques for constructing new molecules and modifying existing
ones. There will be no shortage of the latest in instrumentation
to facilitate the work, both in industry and in academia.
Places of Employment
Organic chemists at all levels are employed by pharmaceutical,
biotech, chemical, consumer product, petroleum, and other
industries from small to very large. Research and development is
the primary opportunity in industry. Research universities that
grant Ph.D.s have excellent teaching and research opportunities
for Ph.D. chemists, many of whom will have post-doctoral
training. Liberal arts colleges and universities also employ
mostly Ph.D. chemists where excellent teaching and research are
encouraged and rewarded. Government labs also employ organic
chemists.
Personal Characteristics
Like any other discipline, organic chemistry requires that the
practitioner possess and cultivate a set of desired personal
characteristics often called "What Counts" factors. These
include creativity and innovation, technical mastery, problem
solving ability, initiative and follow-through, leadership,
ability to work with others (teamwork), and good oral and
written communication skills. Developing and constantly
strengthening these abilities will help you get a job, keep a
job, and lead to a successful and satisfying career anywhere you
are employed.
Education and Training
In R&D, most bachelor-level organic chemists work "at the bench"
in a laboratory setting, often working as part of a team with
masters and doctoral scientists or engineers. The higher the
degree, the greater the responsibility, so the Ph.D scientist
will usually have over-all responsibility for the project's
content and direction. But many bachelor's chemists work
independently and all can advance in responsibility and pay
commensurate with acquired experience.
A benefit provided by most companies is paid tuition for the
bachelor's or master's chemist who wishes to obtain a higher
degree while working full-time. What is learned while pursuing
that higher degree, coupled with the practical job experience,
can be the key to more rapid advancement in responsibility and
pay.
Job Outlook
Most companies develop products that solve consumer or customer
problems and many of the solutions are based on organic
molecules. This is especially true in pharmaceutical and
consumer products, but also in all the other industrial areas
mentioned earlier. Since new sets of problems and opportunities
constantly arise, organic chemists are in demand to synthesize
and produce the molecules that solve those problems.
Consequently, the job market for organic chemists is usually
strong, again reflecting that organic compounds and chemists are
a critical factor in so many varied industries.
Teaching opportunities for Ph.D. chemists each year are
available, but the competition is quite stiff. Most research
universities and liberal arts colleges require the Ph.D. degree.
However, some four- and two-year colleges hire master's level
chemists for teaching and limited research opportunities.
There are more than 1300 biotechnology firms and they, along
with large companies, are hiring all degree levels of organic
chemists. Government laboratories also present opportunity for
all levels of organic chemists.
Salary Information
To find out what a person in this type of position earns in your
area of the country, please refer to the ACS Salary Comparator.
Use of the ACS Salary Comparator is a member-only benefit.
General information about salaries in chemical professions can
be obtained through published survey results.
For More Information
ACS Division of Organic Chemistry
American Chemical Society
1155 Sixteenth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
What You Can Do Now
It is important that you compile a solid record of achievement
in undergraduate school, focused on activities that build and
demonstrate that you possess the "What Counts" factors covered
under Personal Characteristics. Participate in an undergraduate
research project to begin the process of developing meaningful
laboratory skills. And, very importantly, secure a co-op or
summer intern position. In a short summer you can decide whether
you like industrial R&D or not, and the company can decide
whether they see a future for you as a permanent employee. More
and more, internships are becoming the preferred route into the
company of your choice. The internship puts you ahead of those
without one because you have started the "on-boarding" process
that is the first step in a career with a company.
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