Crystallographer
A crystallographer is a type of scientist who practices crystallography, in other words, who studies crystals.<ref name=":0">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Career pathsEdit
The work of crystallographers spans several academic disciplines, including the life sciences, chemistry, physics, and materials science.<ref name=":0" /> They may work in research and manufacturing, which could include growing crystals for use in computer chips, solar cells, or medications.<ref name=":0" /> Within the life sciences, they may crystallize biological materials (such as proteins or viruses) or drugs.<ref name=":0" /> They may also come in hand in forensic science.<ref name=":0" /> They may also study materials using materials simulations.<ref name=":1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Most working crystallographers have a graduate degree.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> There are very few opportunities for those with a bachelor's degree or associate degree.<ref name=":0" />
By countryEdit
GermanyEdit
In 2013, one working group, the Young Crystallographers, was established within the German Crystallographic Society (DGK).<ref name=":2">Template:Cite journal</ref> As of 2024, the Young Crystallographers have about 250 members.<ref name=":2" /> The working group also awards the annual Lieselotte Templeton Prize, named after the German-American scientist Lieselotte Templeton.<ref name=":2" />
South AfricaEdit
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.<ref name=":3">Template:Cite journal</ref> The majority of these scientists worked in Gauteng.<ref name=":3" />
United StatesEdit
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics groups crystallographers with geoscientists for statistical purposes.<ref name=":4">Template:Cite report</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> However, as of the 2010s, the largest demand for crystallographers actually comes from the medical and life sciences.<ref name=":4" />