What a Ph.D. Chemist Should Consider before Accepting an Industrial Position

Before you accept, have you thought about…

• Compensation
• Benefits
• Permanent vs. Postdoctoral Status
• Career Growth
• Company's Future
• A Typical Day
• The Location
• References

Compensation

The overall median starting salary for new PhD chemists was $65,000 in 2004. Salaries vary by the type and characteristics of the employer.

• Salaries are higher in private industry and lower in colleges or universities.
• Larger employers generally pay more than smaller ones. The starting salary for PhD industrial chemists employed in larger firms (more than 500 employees) was about $5,000 more than the median salary for those employed in small firms (fewer than 500 employees).
• Smaller companies typically assign more responsibility to new Ph.D. chemists than in larger companies.
• Median starting salaries were generally higher for industrial chemists working in the Pacific region and lowest for those in New England.
• Generally speaking, PhD Chemists with prior experience receive higher salaries.
• Some positions in companies may have commissions, bonuses, and have other salary adjustments which may impact your income and is outside of the survey results.
• Use the ACS Salary Comparator to find current information applicable to specific employment situations (members only).

Find out more information on the latest figures.

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Benefits

The package of benefits provided with any job should be carefully considered.

• Are there adequate health, pension, vacation, and disability programs available? What portion of the costs will you be required to contribute?
• Will the company help to pay for any relocation expenses?
• Does the company have a savings and/or stock ownership plan? Are there savings plans such as 401(k) available and are you eligible to participate? What are the limits on your contributions and those that the company will match?
• Are there educational programs available such as tuition reimbursement, leadership training, technical training, etc.?

In some companies, the benefits packages are negotiable. Benefit packages vary. Human Resource Officers in each company can help you explore the options available.

Find out more information on benefits.

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Permanent vs. Postdoctoral Status

Postdoctoral positions may lead to permanent positions. However, postdoctoral positions are usually considered temporary with benefits packages inferior to those for permanent positions.

• If this is a postdoctoral position, is there an opportunity to be retained permanently?
• How would a postdoctoral position add to your skill base? Do you see a long-term benefit to accepting this position?
• What is your next step? Postdoctoral positions have much to offer, but it is important to look toward the future after the appointment ends.

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Career Growth

Career growth potential is more important than salary and the benefits package for long-term economic well being. It is also more difficult to evaluate. Answers to the following may help:

• Is there a dual career ladder, i.e. a system allowing promotion to senior technical levels as well as management levels?
• Can you excel under your supervisor?
• Will your supervisor be a mentor, giving you the one-on-one time you will need to further your career? Personalities are a factor, but what your supervisor can and will do for you are far more important.
• Will the company have the resources to let you do your job well?
• What training and professional development does the company offer?
• Does the company really need a PhD to do this job?
• Are there international opportunities for development?
• Are there career developing lateral moves available?
• Does the company offer future career development opportunities?

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The Company's Future

This is hard to evaluate but will affect career growth.

• Is this a financially stable firm?
• What is the growth potential of the specific company and the industry as a whole?

Sources like The Wall Street Journal can help you make a secure choice. See the company’s annual and quarterly report for detailed information, and also consult the local Chamber of Commerce.

Determine company’s financial situation in Dun and Bradstreet.

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A Typical Day

When considering a job offer, determine how you will be spending your time?

• Will your job be varied or repetitive? Will it offer continual challenges?
• Will you be in the lab or an office? Will you travel?
• Will you spend time with other scientists, vendors, customers, administrators, or government officials?

Many companies are global. Will you be communicating with colleagues, customers, or vendors from or in other countries? Are you fluent in another language?

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The Location

When considering a job offer, determine how you will be spending your time?

• Will you remain in the facility at which you have a job offer? What is the cost-of-living and what is the quality of life for that location?
• How often does the company tend to relocate its employees? Will this create problems with your spouse? Does the company offer help in locating a job for your spouse?
• Will relocation take you outside of the country? International experiences can offer both faster and more varied career development opportunities.

Research information about the location of the company. See Places Rated Almanac available at most public libraries for detailed information. The American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association’s Cost of Living Index, published quarterly, presents the cost of living indices for selected metropolitan areas.

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References

• ACS Careers has information on resume writing, interviewing, job searching, etc.
• ACS Insurance

Other Resources

• Academic Salaries (AAUP)
• Company’s quarterly or annual report in Wall Street Journal
• Company’s financial situation in Dun and Bradstreet
• Cost of Living Index

See your local library or bookstore for some excellent books on establishing a consultancy

ACS Salary Comparator

Using results from ACS employment surveys, the Salary Comparator helps members find answers to salary-related questions by providing current information applicable to specific employment situations:

CEN-CHEMJOBS.org

CEN-CHEMJOBS.org is your online career and employment connection from the American Chemical Society. CEN-CHEMJOBS.org is dedicated to serving the entire chemical science community by connecting job seekers and employers in a way that makes everyone a winner.

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