Crystallographer
A crystallographer is a type of scientist who practices crystallography, in other words, who studies crystals.[1]
Career paths
[edit]The work of crystallographers spans several academic disciplines, including the life sciences, chemistry, physics, and materials science.[1] They may work in research and manufacturing, which could include growing crystals for use in computer chips, solar cells, or medications.[1]
Within the life sciences, they may crystallize biological materials (such as proteins or viruses) or drugs.[1] They may also come in hand in forensic science.[1] They may also study materials using materials simulations.[2]
In the horological industry, crystallographers conduct studies of nonmetallic minerals and research for the development and repair of grinding wheels, diamond tools and dies, and fabrication of jeweled bearings.[3]
Most working crystallographers have a graduate degree.[1][2] There are very few opportunities for those with a bachelor's degree or associate degree.[1]
By country
[edit]Germany
[edit]In 2013, one working group, the Young Crystallographers, was established within the German Crystallographic Society (DGK).[4] As of 2024, the Young Crystallographers have about 250 members.[4] The working group also awards the annual Lieselotte Templeton Prize, named after the German-American scientist Lieselotte Templeton.[4]
South Africa
[edit]Out of 78 South African crystallographers profiled in 2001/2, each scientist has 2.6 contacts on average within South Africa and 2.0 contacts on average internationally.[5] The majority of these scientists worked in Gauteng.[5]
United States
[edit]The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics groups crystallographers with geoscientists for statistical purposes.[6][7] However, as of the 2010s, the largest demand for crystallographers actually comes from the medical and life sciences.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g "Crystallography". American Chemical Society. Retrieved 2025-03-25.
- ^ a b Possibility, Planet. "Crystallographer Job Description". Planet Possibility. Retrieved 2025-03-25.
- ^ "CRYSTALLOGRAPHER (clock & watch)". Dictionary of Occupational Titles. Archived from the original on 2025-05-24. Retrieved 2025-08-02.
- ^ a b c Meurer, F.; Möbs, J.; Nentwich, M.; Weigel, T.; Wöhrle, J.-P. (2024-03-01). "'Young crystallographers' rejuvenate crystallography in Germany". Acta Crystallographica Section E: Crystallographic Communications. 80 (3): 252–255. doi:10.1107/S2056989024001695. ISSN 2056-9890. PMC 10915656.
- ^ a b Smith, Gretchen (2008). "Mapping social networks among crystallographers in South Africa". Electronic Journal of Knowledge Management. ISSN 1479-4411.
- ^ a b Crystallography: Understanding the Nature of Chemical Bonds and Molecular Structure (PDF) (Report). American Chemical Society. 2014.
- ^ "A-Z Index". Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved 2025-03-25.
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