Atmospheric Chemist Career Profile

What the role involves

Atmospheric Chemists may study gases, particles, pollutants, aerosols, greenhouse gases and atmospheric reactions using laboratory, field, modelling or monitoring methods.

They may contribute to air quality research, climate science, emissions analysis, pollution control, environmental monitoring or government policy.

Typical employers

Atmospheric Chemist roles in Australia may be found with:

• universities and research institutes
• government science and environment agencies
• air quality and climate research programs
• environmental consultancies
• CSIRO and specialist research organisations
• meteorology, atmospheric science or climate teams
• industrial emissions or pollution monitoring programs
• laboratories and analytical science organisations

Key tasks

• studying atmospheric gases, particles, pollutants and chemical reactions
• analysing air quality, emissions or atmospheric monitoring data
• running experiments, sampling programs or modelling studies
• preparing scientific reports, papers or technical advice
• working with climate scientists, air quality specialists and environmental engineers
• supporting pollution, emissions or greenhouse gas research
• communicating findings to policy, industry or research audiences

Skills and qualities

Atmospheric Chemist work suits people with practical, technical and communication skills. Useful skills and qualities include:

• strong chemistry, mathematics and analytical thinking
• interest in air quality, climate and environmental science
• laboratory, field sampling or modelling skills
• data analysis, statistics and scientific writing
• attention to quality assurance and research methods
• ability to interpret complex atmospheric processes
• collaboration with multidisciplinary scientific teams

Qualifications and pathways

Atmospheric Chemist roles usually require bachelor-level study in chemistry, atmospheric science, environmental science or a related science field. Research and specialist roles often require honours, masters or PhD study.

• Bachelor degree in chemistry, atmospheric science, environmental science or a related science field
• Postgraduate study is often useful for research, specialist or academic roles
• Training in analytical chemistry, air quality monitoring, atmospheric modelling, climate science or statistics
• Laboratory, field sampling, instrument, data analysis or coding experience can be valuable

Atmospheric Chemists may progress into Research Scientist, Air Quality Scientist, Climate Scientist, Environmental Chemist, Atmospheric Modeller, Policy Advisor or Senior Scientific Officer roles.

Salary and job outlook

Atmospheric Chemist salaries can vary depending on qualifications, research experience, employer, seniority and whether the role is in universities, government science, consulting, laboratory analysis or climate and air quality research. Research and specialist roles often require postgraduate study and may follow university, government or scientific award structures.

Where jobs are usually found in Australia

Jobs are often found in universities, government agencies, laboratories, research institutes, environmental consultancies and air quality or climate monitoring programs.

Tips for getting started

• build a strong foundation in chemistry, maths and environmental science
• gain laboratory, monitoring, modelling or data analysis experience
• consider honours or postgraduate study for research roles
• learn about air pollutants, greenhouse gases, aerosols and climate processes
• develop scientific writing and coding or statistical analysis skills

Related environmental careers

• Air Quality Engineer
• Environmental Chemist
• Climate Change Scientist
• Climatologist
• Environmental Scientist
• Environmental Engineer
• Toxicologist
• Environmental Consultant