• Question: Can you think of any unusual careers for scientists that people wouldn't have heard of?

    Asked by Rukia to Angela, Claire, Ian, Robert, Sarah on 8 Nov 2014.
    • Photo: Angela Stokes

      Angela Stokes answered on 8 Nov 2014:

      Hey 228chea38

      What a great question!

      I have come across a few unusual jobs…..

      I saw an advert in Sri Lanka for a tea blender which wanted someone with a degree in chemistry and another for a fermentation scientist in Scotland for the whisky industry.

      In the toxicology arena I saw a vacancy in Australia for a snake venom expert, and about 10 years ago I saw a job for a snake venom milker – snake venom can be used to make snake bite antidotes and also anti blood clotting agents.

      There are also therapist jobs – I saw a laughter therapist in US on a television programme – laughing is thought to increase self esteem, reduce stress and boost the immune system and how about a psychologist for the Space industry?

      I am sure there are many more……!

    • Photo: Robert Bowles

      Robert Bowles answered on 11 Nov 2014:

      Chemists make the materials that contact lenses are made of and the holograms that go on drivers licences. Chemists also test paint on works of art to see if they are forgeries or not. There are lots more examples of careers for chemists at http://www.rsc.org/careers/future

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