Overview

Formulation chemist design and develop new crop protection products, and supporting existing products that meet the needs of farmers.

What responsibilities will I have?

• Plan, organize and conduct experiments to optimize the biological, marketing, regulatory, and production performance of products
• Plan and control / carry out laboratory work to develop, understand and test new and improved manufacturing processes in order to meet agreed targets
• Deliver critical information to leadership and fellow researchers
• Plan and conduct laboratory support work to assist in the solution of manufacturing process problems and opportunities so that results can be implemented
• Take an active part in scale-up and plant introduction of newly developed products
• Develop and design new testing methods to ensure customer satisfaction with products under all kinds of conditions in the marketplace
• Oversee product stewardship responsibilities for selected existing products
• Benchmark competitors as a motivator to strive for innovative solutions for competitive advantage
• Submit patents if needed for developed formulations
• Organize, schedule and execute projects in accordance with company priorities
• Help newly developed products move through the regulatory process

What education and training is required?

A master’s degree at minimum or preferably a PhD in chemistry is required to be a formulation chemist.

To pursue a career as a formulation chemist:

The following high school courses are recommended:  agricultural education, a focus on higher level mathematics and science: statistics, algebra, genetics, biology, chemistry, and physics.

Where can I work?

Formulation scientists mainly work in academia, in the animal pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology firms, alternative energy and for crop protection companies.

Future Job Market / Outlook

The job outlook for a formulation chemist will be good over the next five years.

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations

• American Chemical Society
• Association of Formulation Chemists