Why is it so difficult to find a job with a Ph.D. in chemistry?

Answer 1

People think with a Ph.D. in chemistry you can get a job anywhere. Wrong. When I got my Ph.D. last year most of my offers were for post-docs. 40k a year to do slave labor, no thank you.

It is a lot of hard work to get a good job. I found one, but I sent out hundreds of cv's. I usually didn't get any response. If you are looking I would suggest spending an hour a day looking for places. I had the most success with the ACS chemjob site and the AVS website. AVS will only be helpful if you are physical chemist or materials science.

High paying jobs are not easy to land, but they are out there. Plus like with many careers people aren't retiring like they used to. Someone with 30 years experience will get a job over a young person most of the time.

Answer 2

Because nowadays, it's not the education that gets you the job, it's the experience. I had no job experience when I graduated with a BS in Psychology, but no one would hire me because I didn't have any or enough experience, even if it was entry level. The job market is tough, good luck.

Answer 3

What? Are you nuts?

You have a Ph. D! It's enough to get almost any scientifically related job. Even if it's not science, you could be providing science for someone.

And of all things, chemistry. I can't think of how appreciated you would be for a university or a pharmeceutical company. Go cure cancer or make some wierd adhesive.

Answer 4

Because education does not translate into viable intelligence. Would probably have been better to have a specific career in mind and then got an education that would open doors into that career, not just taking courses you were good, or interested in.

Answer 5

Because the field is crowded... however, if you are willing to relocate (perhaps to even another country) you will dramatically improve your chances.

Answer 6

Have you tried 3M