Geochemist

Geochemists study the chemicals that make up the Earth, including in rocks, soil, sediment and water. They produce maps to show the location and concentration of chemicals and advise on the exploration and development of resources like oil and gas. Most of their work is based in a laboratory, although they also collect information during fieldwork.

Work activities

Geochemists study the type and distribution of chemicals that make up the Earth, for example, in rocks, soil, sediment and water. They also study the chemical processes that take place on and beneath the Earth’s surface. In fieldwork, geochemists take samples, bringing them back to the laboratory. Here, they use analytical chemistry to find out which chemicals are in the samples. Geochemists can use a variety of techniques and equipment in this. They can load a number of samples into automated testing equipment. This allows them to save time by analysing hundreds of samples at once, and, sometimes, by running tests overnight. There are also more intricate and complex types of analysis, for example, using gas chromatography to separate compounds in a sample. Geochemists use computers to display and analyse the results. They can use computers to model and simulate the generation and movement of chemicals such as hydrocarbon. Geochemists’ studies can develop our knowledge about the origin, age and nature of rocks and other structures. They also use their findings to map the location, concentration and movement of chemicals over large areas of land. This information helps them to find the probable location of resources such as oil or uranium and leads to mining or drilling. In oil and gas companies, geochemists trace the formation and movement of oil and natural gas. They work out how much gas or oil is present and where it can be extracted.

Geochemists also have a role in monitoring and protecting the environment. They identify the presence of chemical pollution, for example, in soil or in water below the Earth’s surface (the water table). They investigate landfill and disused industrial sites, for example, to find out if pollution has seeped into rocks, soil or water. Geochemists are important to agriculture. For example, they assess the lime content of soil. Lime is a very cheap and abundant source of alkalinity and can be used by farmers to reduce soil acidity. Geochemists identify chemicals in the soil that can harm crops. Pollutants react with minerals in the soil and can stop plants taking up certain nutrients. Geochemists could be working with general geologists, mineral or mining geologists, petroleum engineers and site managers. Their work involves laboratory and desk-based research, and data analysis. They keep up to date with advances in geochemistry by reading scientific journals and information on websites and going to conferences.

Personal qualities and skills

To be a geochemist, you’ll need:

Strong analytical skills.
A thorough, logical and methodical approach to research.
To enjoy laboratory and desk-based research, as well as fieldwork.
The ability to work independently, as well as in a team.
Computer skills, and maths skills for analysis work.
The ability to explain things clearly and concisely, including in written reports.
Practical skills and the ability to use a wide range of technology to analyse samples.

The ability to read and produce geochemical maps (more often using a computer than traditional drawing methods). Good colour vision is very important, because of the need to describe and recognise the subtle colour characteristics of rocks and minerals, and to read geological and geochemical maps, which can depend on colour to indicate different chemicals and rock types.

Pay and opportunities

Salaries for geochemists vary. The pay rates given are approximate. Geochemists earn in the range of £28,000 - £42,000 a year. Much higher salaries are available depending on employer, role and responsibilities.

Geochemists usually work around 39-41 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, they might have early starts, late finishes and some weekend work.

Geochemists work for companies in the oil and gas industries, and for geological consultancies, research companies and government-supported scientific institutions. Opportunities for geochemists occur in towns, cities and rural areas throughout the UK. Most geochemists are office-based but have opportunities to travel for fieldwork, meetings and conferences.

Geochemists can become self-employed consultants, for example, providing environmental risk management advice to oil and gas companies.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on the Geological Society website, in science magazines such as New Scientist (which also posts jobs on its website), on specialist job boards for the oil and gas industries such as Rigzone/OilCareers, Oil and Gas People, Earthworks, and in national newspapers.

Entry routes and training

To become a geochemist, you’ll usually need to complete a relevant first (undergraduate) degree. Many entrants also have a postgraduate qualification such as an MSc (a PhD is normally essential for a research appointment in industry or for a university or museum post). A few colleges and universities offer courses and degrees in Geochemistry / Environmental Geochemistry including at postgraduate level. Always check a specialist source for up-to-date information about courses and entry requirements.

You can find a list of accredited courses on The Geological Society’s website. Following your first degree, you could take a specialist postgraduate qualification in geochemistry. These are available at a small number of universities in the UK. The Geological Society also accredits postgraduate courses, including in geochemistry. Before entry to this career, you can develop skills through experience, for example, spending university vacation time with an oil or gas company.

You might have on-the-job training, combined with short courses and going to conferences and seminars. Some employers enable geochemists to complete a postgraduate qualification while working.

You could be promoted to a senior position or a management role. Usually with a degree in geochemistry or another geological subject, you can become a Fellow of the Geological Society. Then, with at least five years’ relevant experience, you can apply for chartered geologist (CGeol) status. You can also achieve chartered scientist (CSci) status through the Society. Experienced geochemists can become self-employed consultants. For example, they carry out environmental risk assessments and give advice to engineering, oil and gas companies.

Qualifications

For entry to a relevant degree, the usual minimum requirement is:

Two to three A-levels, including chemistry.
GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English and maths.

Alternatives are:

Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 Nationals.
International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.

However, course requirements vary, so please check prospectuses carefully.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have developed relevant skills through working as geological technicians. Others have gained skills on industrial work placements or through relevant fieldwork.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter a degree course, you might be able to start one after completing an Access course, for example, Access to Science. You don’t usually need any qualifications to enter an Access course, although you should check this with the course provider. A foundation year before the start of a science degree or HND is available at some universities and higher education colleges for students who don’t have the science A levels usually needed for entry to the course. A few universities offer degree and postgraduate courses in geology and Earth sciences on a flexible basis: part-time (evenings) or by distance learning.

Funding for postgraduate study and research is available, through universities, from UKRI (UK Research and Innovation).

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