What does an Electrochemist do?

An electrochemist has the job of studying electrons, voltage, chemicals, matter, and energy as well as how they effect each other. A person in this field typically studies and performs experiments to discover the effects of electron flow and electricity on energy, chemical compounds, and a wide variety of devices. Through this study and experimentation, an electrochemist is able to find new ways to use energy and make the use of energy more efficient. A person in this field may also work to facilitate technological advancement in many different ways.

The exact job duties an electrochemist has may depend on where he works and the projects to which he is assigned. In many cases, however, a person with this title studies and performs experiments to better understand how electrons work in chemical compounds as well as the reasons they behave as they do. An individual in this field may study mixtures that are made up of matter in its various forms as well as chemistry in electronics. An electrochemist may also work to develop not only processes, but also equipment for use in the study of electrochemistry.

An electrochemist may also write reports and articles as part of his job. He may prepare reports for his employer or write articles for publishing in scientific journals. In some cases, a person with this title takes on teaching tasks, often working in a college setting. In many cases, electrochemists are also found working as part of research and development teams.

Generally, a person who wants to become an electrochemist has to graduate from high school or earn an equivalent diploma before earning a four-year science degree in chemistry or a related major. Some people may decide to boost their chances of landing the job they want by earning master’s degrees as well. In some cases, a person may need a doctoral degree in order to pursue certain teaching and research positions in this field.

An electrochemist may find work teaching in colleges and universities as well as in high schools. Often, a person who wants to pursue this career finds that his skills and knowledge are needed for positions offered by government agencies. Likewise, manufacturing and utility companies; hospitals; pharmaceutical companies; and petrochemical businesses may also need electrochemists. A person in this field may even find work with telecommunications and paper companies. Sometimes electrochemists also land jobs at consulting companies.