Paint+Formulation+Chemist

__**Job Description**__ Paint fromulation chemists are involved in the development of different kinds of paints and coatings. A formulation chemist would spend many hours in the lab. Formulaion chemistry is the mixing of compounds which do not react in order to get a mixture with the desired characteristics. There are not many programs that teach formulation chemistry, as a result many formulation chemists are self taught. The chemistry used is almost all organic.
 * __Personality Characteristics__**

Several personality traits stand out when talking about paint formulation chemists. In order to hold this position, a person must be extremely organized. This keeps work flowing smoothly and mistakes to a minimum. A paint formulation chemist, much like most other scientists, must have the drive to discover new things. It is the rush of discovery that fuels the work of many scientists. The paint formulation chemist must also have precise attention to detail. Chemists take extensive notes on their work and must be able to show how they completed each step of the process.


 * __Working Conditions__**

The majority of a paint formulation chemist's time is spent in the lab. This would be a rather bland looking space that is built around efficiency. The paint formulation chemist spends a great deal of time working with raw chemicals. If a person were to have an issue with this, then this job is not for them.

__**Places of Employment**__

There are many government and private organizations that the paint formulation chemist can be employed by. The government is always in need of new technologies and innovations in every field. Oftentimes the government will give contracts to companies such as PPG Industries and Dupont to develop a new paint of coating. Jobs in this field can be found in our area, one example is PPG Industries in Allison Park and Pittsburgh.


 * __Job Outlook__**

Unfortunatly, due to the recent economic downturn, many companies are making major cutbacks to their reaserch and development departments. This is where most paint formulation chemists find their emploment. Now may not be the best time to be in this field, but hopefully this career will see now opportunities opening up when the courtry pulls out for the recession.


 * __Salary__**

The starting salary for a paint formulation chemist is usually somewhere around $33,000 a year with only a bachelors degree. This would increase depending on the time spent with a particular company or what degree (master's or Ph.D) they have.


 * __Recommended Education and Training__**

In order to work in this field you have to have at least a bachelor's degree in chemistry, preferably organic. That is the bare mininum though, having a master's of Ph.D will provide many more opportunities for advancement.


 * __Citations__**

[|**http://academic.hws.edu/chem/careers.asp**] [|**http://www.chemistryexplained.com/Fe-Ge/Formulation-Chemistry.html**] [|**http://www.ccl.net/cca/documents/dyoung/topics-orig/formul.html**] [|**http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3400900200.html**] special thanks to David Walters for his expertise in this field