Physics:Crystallographer
A crystallographer is a type of scientist who practices crystallography, in other words, who studies crystals.[1]
Career paths
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
Germany
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
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
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
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 "Crystallography" (in en). https://www.acs.org/careers/chemical-sciences/fields/crystallography.html.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Possibility, Planet. "Crystallographer Job Description" (in en-GB). https://www.planetpossibility.co.uk/advice/jobs-in-physics/crystallographer-job-description.
- ↑ "CRYSTALLOGRAPHER (clock & watch)". Dictionary of Occupational Titles. https://occupationalinfo.org/02/024061010.html. Retrieved 2025-08-02.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Meurer, F.; Möbs, J.; Nentwich, M.; Weigel, T.; Wöhrle, J.-P. (2024-03-01). "‘Young crystallographers’ rejuvenate crystallography in Germany" (in en). Acta Crystallographica Section E: Crystallographic Communications 80 (3): 252–255. doi:10.1107/S2056989024001695. ISSN 2056-9890. PMC 10915656. https://journals.iucr.org/e/issues/2024/03/00/dj2076/index.html.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Smith, Gretchen (2008). "Mapping social networks among crystallographers in South Africa". Electronic Journal of Knowledge Management. ISSN 1479-4411. https://open.uct.ac.za/items/d8d2dcd2-6eaa-4934-b1e7-041d60ea799f.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Crystallography: Understanding the Nature of Chemical Bonds and Molecular Structure (Report). American Chemical Society. 2014. https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/membership/acs/benefits/discovery-reports/crystallography.pdf.
- ↑ "A-Z Index" (in en-us). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/a-z-index.htm.
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