Crystallographer

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Attendees at the International Union of Crystallographers meeting in 1951 GA-Uppsala-1951-600.jpg
Attendees at the International Union of Crystallographers meeting in 1951

A crystallographer is a type of scientist who practices crystallography, in other words, who studies crystals. [1]

Contents

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. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Crystallography". American Chemical Society. Retrieved 2025-03-25.
  2. 1 2 Possibility, Planet. "Crystallographer Job Description". Planet Possibility. Retrieved 2025-03-25.
  3. ↑ "CRYSTALLOGRAPHER (clock & watch)". Dictionary of Occupational Titles. Archived from the original on 2025-05-24. Retrieved 2025-08-02.
  4. 1 2 3 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 .
  5. 1 2 Smith, Gretchen (2008). "Mapping social networks among crystallographers in South Africa". Electronic Journal of Knowledge Management. ISSN   1479-4411.
  6. 1 2 Crystallography: Understanding the Nature of Chemical Bonds and Molecular Structure (PDF) (Report). American Chemical Society. 2014.
  7. ↑ "A-Z Index". Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved 2025-03-25.


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