Symposium on Employment Opportunities for Chemists' INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHEMISTS J. W. REYNARD E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., Inc., Wilmington, Delaware
THEgrowth of the .chemical industry during the past century has been extremely rapid. According to the first edition of "Chemical Facts and Figures," published by the Manufacturing Chemists Association, the value of the chemical products produced in 1849 was approximately 5 million dollars. The second and most recent edition of this publication, published in 1946, places the value of the 1945 output of the chemical industry a t 2505 million dollars. In the June, 1948, issue of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, M. F. Crass, Jr., Assistant Secretary of the Manufacturing Chemists Association, presents some interesting facts concerning the growth of the chemical industry during the past twenty-five years. He states that 14.4 billion .pounds of organic chemicals were produced in 1946, ras compared with 445 million pounds in 1923-a thirtsfold-increase. For example, the 1946 production of noncoal-tar synthetics amounted to 9.2 billion pounds with the 1923 pwduction of 90.6 million pounds-an increase of over ten thousand per cent. Of course, hundreds of new organic chemicals of c o m e r i.,al importance have been introduced and marketed
chemical industry has every reason to lo& to the future with optimism. I would like to discuss employment opportunities for inexperienced chemists from the standpoint of the four principal functions of industrial manufacturing companies-research, development, prodnction, and sales. Although my comments will apply primarily to chemists, the importance of engineering training for certain positions will also be considered. The A. C. S. membership represents a large number of manufacturing fields, and prominent among them is chemical manufacturing. My remarks will obviously be most representative of the employment opportunities in the chemical industries and naturally will be highly flavored by the existing situation in the company I represent. RESEHRCH -~ ~.-.
Industrial chemical research can be classified in many WILY% but for discussion puqoses here I refer to divide lt Into two categories: (1) fundamental research, and (2) applied research. Fundamental research has the objective of establishing or discovering new scientific -:..--,009 facts without regard to immediate commercial use. SlllG.5 La*,,. M ~crass . further pointsoutthat a rapid expaaeion has These facts supply the foundation of knowledge upon taken place in the inorganic field, F~~~1923 to 1947, which new industrial developments may ultimately be l of anhydrous ammonia increased based. The progressive chemical companies of today the a n n ~production by over one million tons, ~~~i~~ the same period, the are showing an increased interest in conducting fundadoubled, mental research. Many industrial chemical laboraproduction of soda ash doubled, nitric acid from approx~mate~y 113,000 to 796,000 tories now provide good laboratory facilities and welltons, and phosphoric acid production skyrocketed. quipped libraries and the research chemist conducting hi^ production expamion has been accompanied by fundamental investigations is encouraged to use an a similar trend in chemical research. In answering Original approach to his problems. The stories Of such as synthetic ~ b the National Association of Manufacturer's questionnaire, 74 chemical and allied product manufacturers hers, vinyl plastics, and nylon demonstrate clearly the stated that their 1947 anticipated research expenditures extensive industrial opportunities available for chemshowed an incrase of 382 per cent over the amount 1 s t ~in basic research. Ordinarily men with advanced in 1939; and an increase of 11 degrees will have greater flexibility in fundamental spent for this nfty-eight of the companies stated fesearch. The research experience usually encountered per cent over 1946. that expansion in research facilities was planned, many ln fulfilling the requirements for the M.8. and Ph.D. degrees is valuable preparation for attacking industrial a substantial increase in buildings research problems. In addition to a thorough backlaboratoriesand staff if technicalpersonnelareavailable. ~h~~~ trends have of course resulted in increased gyuud in chemistry and a workable knowledge of such employment opportunities and it appears that the aIhed fields as physics, mathematics, etc., a good Prwented before the Division of Chemical Education a t the research chemist must be well-endowed with imgina114th meeting of the American Chemical Society in Wsshington, tion, haye the Power of keen observation, and be extremely patient. He must have an active mind, be D.C., August 30 to September 3, 1948. 62
FEBRUARY, 1949
meticulous in his work, and since industrial research is largely a group activity he must have an agreeable manner. Applied research, as distinguished from fundamental research, uses previously established scientific facts in the solution of practical problems. For example, more direct methods of synthesis are continually being investigated. Existing processes must be closely examined and indicated modifications made. Competitive products must be characterized, the properties of new products must be evaluated, and product quality must be improved with a decrease in the manufacturing cost. These and similar problems provide employment opportunities for chemists a t all levels of training although advanced study is beneficial. Opportunities in industrial chemical research exist today for men trained in all branches of chemistry, including food chemistry, biochemistry, agricultural chemistry, etc. Without minimizing the need for good organic research men and the importance of their contributions, the current need for research personnel trained in physical, inorganic, and analytical chemistry should be emphasized. At the present time there is a noticeable shortage of men seeking advanced degrees in these areas. The mechanism and kinetics of organic reactions, problems of surface chemistry as applied to catalysts, fibers and pigments, structural studies of polymers, resins, etc., and thermodynamic and thermochemical considerations a11 require basic training in theoretical chemistry. Inorganic chemistry, given a partial rebirth during the recent war, is receiving increased attention by industrial laboratories. Applications of tracer techniques, investigation of the fundamental chemistry of such elements as silicon, titanium, nitrogen, and molybdenum, exploration of the inorganic polymer field, and many other topics require a sound inorganic approach. Analytical chemistry, which is fundamental to all other branches of chemistry, offers ample opportunity for advanced study. Analytical methods for new organic compounds must be developed, adaptations of infrared, ultraviolet, X-ray, and other types of spectroscopy must be investigated, and the application of instrumental techniques such as polarography to analytical problems provides a stimulating type of research. Regardless of whether one begins in fundamental or applied research, he can properly expect advancement as he acquires experience and demonstrates aptitude for the work. The employee may advance into positions of leadership in his own or other research groups. Quite often his interests and ability will be such that he may later transfer to a position outside the research field to deal with other aspects of industry. '
DEVELOPMENT
The conception of an idea in the research laboratory is merely the starting point in industry. Development makes useful the ideas of research. The practicality of laboratory findings must be demonstrated through
63
careful study, including a small-scale operation of the new process. Essential design data must be obtained, as well as information about materials of construction and manufacturing costs. This field, frequently termed "process development" offers employment opportunities to chemists, a s well as to mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineers. It is, of course, frequently of interest to the chemist to follow the laboratory process through the semiworks and pilot plant stages. Any development program of this type embodies a t least four separate considerations: (1) Study of the chemistry of the operation, (2) study of the equipment problems, (3) safety practices, and (4) analytical development. These programs are all conducted with the basic idea of efficiency, although a t this stage the economic factors are not all-absorbing. When the testtube process is scaled up, new questions arise because certain chemical questions must be considered in view of the increased volume involved: whether a distillation must be accomplished a t atmospheric or reduced pressure; whether anything will be sacrificedby removing and processing the first fraction rather than completing the distillation; whether a higher strength acid can be used advantageously in certain reactions without any detrimental effects such as having it attack the reaction products; and whether any difference in reaction will he noted between pouring the contents of container "A" into "B" or the reverse. Accompanying these chemical studies are equipment problems of various types. Items such as determining the optimum number of plates in the distilling columns, and the proper amount and type of agitation necessary for the reactions must he considered. Suitable temperatures for the different stages of the reactions must be determined, and proper controls set up. A rapid yet complete job of filtration may need to be accomplished. Engineering training is certainly a valuable asset for coping with these pilot plant equipment problems. All of these chemical and equipment problems must be considered in terms of safe working conditions. How many men will be required to safely carry out certain phases of the process? What precautions must be taken to protect the workers from chemical fumes of an insidious nature? What hazards are involved in operating the necessary machinery? What types of general precautions must be taken and what plant safety requirements are indicated? Finally, an analytical program must be developed as the new process reaches full plant proportions. I t must be determined how fast the analytical results are needed. Different methods can be used and more accuracy can be expected if the results are needed only every two days rather than every thirty minutes. It must be learned at what stages in the process the various determinations are necessary. With the exception of the equipment studies, all of these problems provide employment for chemists a t the various levels of training. Men with Ph.D. training more often move from the research laboratories into development activities rather than starting directly in
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
development work. Chemists will find that some knowledge of engineering contributes to success in development work, and engineers employed in this field will find that training in basic chemistry is of value. Smce several distinct fields of training are involved in process development studies, ability to work smoothly in a group is an important qualification. An attitude of friendly cooperation and a free exchange of ideas are essential. This type of work requires that the chemist relate his findings to the broad aspects of the problem. He must interpret his results in terms of practical applications. Development work does not end where the full-scale plant goes into operation. On the contrary, it must be continued in new plants to "smooth out" operation and in old plants to modernize equipment and improve operating efficiency and production quality. PRODUCTION
Each year a large number of college graduates take advantage of the opportunities which production work provides. Technical men are employed not only for production supervisory work, but in many other phases of plant operation such as plant process improvement, maintenance, project engineering, power, etc. Production men are primarily concerned with the day-to-day operation of the plant, and the problem of turning out a t a minimum cost the maximum quantity of material that can he produced in keeping with quality specifications, safety precautions, and employees' welfare. A chemical plant requires the services of both chemists and engineers. Engineers are required to see to it that electric and steam power are available when and where needed. Machinery, equipment, and control instruments must be overhauled, repaired, and maintained. New equipment must he installed and studies of machine speeds, efficiency, standard performance, and plant layout must be conducted. These and other services provide employment for men trained in chemical, mechanical, electrical and other fields of engineering. Modern chemical industry has become so involved that all phases of science and engineering are necessary for successful production, and the foregoing is not meant to minimize the importance of the chemists in production activities. Chemists are frequently the technical experts or the supervisors of a given process. It is their responsibility to maintain production capacity, to assure maximum yields, and to assist in meeting quality standards. When difficulties arise the chemist must define the problem and assign it to the proper group for study. Some problems can be solved on the spot while others may require careful investigation by the research staff. Typical of such a pro'blem is de6ning the reason for a low yield from a particular process. Is the product being lost as a by-product; is it going down the drain, or out into the air? If a preliminary study indicates that the latter is likely, then one must decide whether the exhaust tower is overloaded or its operation faulty.
In production, chemists may also be assigned to the plant assistance or plant technical groups. Here, specific problems of a technical or economic nature are studied. Production quality may receive attention, process equipment is investigated, methods for increasing capacity are considered, and the economic position of the product is determined. The plant assistance group obviously works closely with the production staff, and its members may eventually enter into production activity. Also, chemists are occasionally assigned to plant laboratory control work preliminary to their operations experience. Raw materials, intermediates, and the finished products must be analyzed on a continuous basis. Although some of this work is, of course, routine in nature much of it requires the research approach. New methods must be devised and tried, instruments such as the polarograph and spectrograph must be used and adapted for particular jobs, and ordinary analytical methods must he altered to fit new needs. Sometimes results must be obtained faster than the customary procedure permits and refinements are often necessary to assure the needed accuracy and precision. Many totally new methods involving complicated electrical instruments must be reduced to a single procedure capable of being accomplished rapidly, accurately, safely, and routinely by individuals with very little scientific training. In the du Pont Company, young chemists and engineers who are thought to have aptitude in production work frequently start as Supervisory Trainees with a definite job assignment in one of the more fundamental plant operations. Here the new employee learns to do thevarious jobs over which he will eventually have supervision. This may mean the assembling and checking of raw materials, the charging of presses and mixers, the operation of filtering equipment and stills, the checking and regulation of control instruments for temperature pressure or volume, or work on any of the machines and apparatus that are found in a modern chemical plant. Emphasis is not placed on his becoming proficient in each operation, but rather on his learning the attitude of the worker, and understanding his problems, and on learning just what type of supervision he himself appreciates. This trial operation period, which may last several months, is part of the Supervisory Trainee's training program which includes an orientation period, job knowledge training, leadership and policy training, methods analysis, and finally practice as an instructor and acting foreman. It is felt that the time spent in taking the "mystery" out of a plant and in helping each man to develop a sound attitude toward himself, the Company, his fellow employees and his job, is likely to to repaid. Following this training period, Supervisory Trainees are normally capable of discharging the duties of a foreman, and the broad training received in the above program supplies the background necessary for positions of still greater responsibility. Production work requires a fundamental interest in people perhaps even to larger degree than research and
a
FEBRUARY, 1949
development. To be successful, one must not only use sold with no previous advertising to see if the product his technical training adroitly but also be able to direct bas customer appeal. The results from these studies those who may be older and more experienced yet have will provide information for a thoroughly accurate foreless formal schooling than he has. He must be diplo- cast as to the desirability of producing the fiber. matic with both subordinates and superiors, be able to Technical sales or technical service serves broadly as issue directions with tact yet firmness, have a genuine the liaison on technical matters between the company interest in handling various types of human relations and its customers. Customer service must be rendered problems, recognize that the other fellow's ideas may be in process improvement and in seeing to it that the more important than his, and work cooperatively for the product is utilized to the best advantage. A new good of the group and the company. synthetic fiber may require a number of mechanical changes in the weaving machinery on which advice and SALFS assistance are required. Tests must be conducted a t Young chemists and engineers with inclinations the mills to aid in the improvement of the process and the toward sales may find industrial employment in the product. The dyeing of fibers creates many problems. various sales fields. Some previous plant or laboratory It is evident then that the technical salesman's work is experience is almost a prerequisite for sales work, since largely a development program. In addition, customer a thorough knowledge of the manufacturing of the complaints must be handled. A plastic may not mold products being handled and the company's background in the expected manner or a new paint may not properly and nolicies are essential. It is difficult to make a resist weather conditions. Many times these and simiclear-cut distinction between the various functions of lar problems can be solved on the spot by the technical the sales field, but the principal points can be covered service man. He may be able to recommend a necesunder sales development, technical sales, and direct sary change of conditions or a more proper method of sales. Sales development may be considered as the handling, but in other cases it may be necessary to refer development of new outlets for existing products or the problem to one of the company's research or develdevelopment of markets for new products. The latter opment laboratories. When this happens the technical is sometimes referred to as "product development." salesman ordinarily acts as the intermediate between Market fluctuations make it important to examine the customer and the company until complete satisnew outlets for existing products and for intermediates faction is obtained. being produced. Let us assume that a certain hydroxy A third function is direct selling. The salesman must acid is being made as an intermediate compound and obtain a thorough knowledge of the properties of the that additional capacity is feasible. The acid is then product by having plant or laboratory experience. thoroughly characterized in the laboratory and its Following this the new employee serves an apprenderivatives are characterized. Outlets are then envi- ticeship in a sales officewhere he becomes familiar with sioned by comparing the properties of the acid with the handling of correspondence and customer requirerelated acids. If the acid looks promising for the food ments and gains a knowledge of sales practices and and textile industries, for example, a thorough labor* policies. After a period of time, varying in duration tory testing and evaluation program must be conducted with the type of product, the young man is introduced in cooperation with these industries. The economic to the trade by an experienced salesman. When he has aspects must be considered, specifications must be set demonstrated that he is capable of representing the up, shipping problems studied, and container problems company he is assigned to a sales territory and, as worked out. This application research provides a basie aptitude is shown, he may advance to posts in district for establishing a suitable price level and for assuring a offices and management. continuing market. Salesmed are constantly dealing with people and Likewise, if the product has not been previously should have an interest in their reactions and problems. produced in large volume, it must be carefully studied Each individual contact requires a different approach; from both economic and technical aspects. A research every problem requires a unique solution. The ability man may report a promising extrudable fiber, for to think quickly and talk convincingly are also imporexample: An economic analysis must then be con- tant qualifications in the sales field. ducted to see if the present method of preparation, or an alternate one is economically feasible for large-scale production. Also, will there be a market for the prodAlthough I have been discussing employment opporuct a t the estimated price level? If these aspects are tunities for chemists, it is certainly not outside the satisfactory the fiber must then be characterized for its scope of this paper to consider broadly some of the laundry and dry cleaning ability, weaving ability, acid desirable attributes in professionally trained people. resistance, temperature resistance, abrasion resistance, In appraising the qualifications of employment candidyeing characteristics, etc. Following this, considera- dates from the colleges and universities we, in du Pont, tion must be given to possible markets. The textile attempt to explore both technical competence and mills must be approached to arrange for making the personal qualities. To be technically competent one is necessary tests, and the test data must be analyzed. not required to be in the top quarter of his class, but Later, actual salable items are likely to be produced and there is no substitute for a sound workable knowledge of
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
a chosen field, plus sufficient training in allied fields to give adequate background for attacking the problems which will be encountered. However, a recent industrial survey indicated that less than 20 per cent of the technically trained men released from industry left due to the lack of technical competence, whereas 80 per cent left because of a deficiency or improper use of strictly personal qualifications. It may be fair to assume, therefore, that personal characteristics play the controlling part in personal advancement. Common to most men who succeed in industry are the traits of resourcefulness and patience. The plant manager faced by a power failure, the salesman calling on an unresponsive purchasing agent, or i research chemist whose experiment has repeatedly failed, all need a large measure of these qualities to give them the drive to try a new approach. It should hardly be necessary to mention the need for intellectual honesty a t all times. Consistency in statements gives the impression of reliability. If the facts are meager or the data are not conclusive do not draw unwarranted conclusions. At the risk of being trite, I cannot resist mentioning the advantage gained by being able to write and speak clearly, concisely, and convincingly. No matter how brilliant an idea it may never be recognized if it cannot he communicated to someone else. I would like to reemphasize that industry is a team of many diversified dements. Team spirit must be the key. Industry is a cooperative effort.. The atmosphere of mutual give and take exists and it should be readily admitted if the idea of a subordinate is better than yours. Diplomacy and courtesy are basic to harmonious relationships. These characteristics, plus other personal qualities
such as motivation or drive, keen observation and imagination, and interest and enthusiasm for your job, add up to a combination of traits which will certainly be valuable in any assignment undertaken. ADVANCEMENT
Finally, I would like to discuss the advancement possibilities for chemists although there is no brief answer to this question. So much is dependent upon the individual's ability, and since all men are not equally endowed, even generalizations are dangerous. While a large percentage of those with doctoral degrees remain in the chemical research field, as either laboratory scientists or research administrators, many advance into other activities such as production, technical sales, market research, patent service, etc. The technical man who continues to do research with his own hands can get ahead both professionally and financially. Technical men with a Bachelor's and Master's degree more commonly advance into other phases of the business, such as production, sales development, and direct sales. A company with a sound personnel policy will evaluate each employee's talents and attempt to provide the advancement opportunity which will he the most beneficial to the individual and the company. CONCLUSION
It should be clear from the foregoing remarks that chemists at various levels of training will find opportunities in the chemical industry all along the way, from the conception of an idea in the research laboratory to the final distribution of the product. Continued employment opportunities for well-trained chemists appear to be assured during the present expansion of the chemical industry,
