The profession of chemist has made many children dream thanks to the famous sets of experiments of all kinds. But it’s not easy to make this dream come true. Although the profession of chemist is found in multiple sectors of activity, the number of positions is not always in line with demand. Why not try out self-employment?
What are the duties of a chemist?
The chemist is a scientist who is involved in the creation and analysis of a chemical product, whether at the level of research for new molecules or marketing Chemistry WordPress Blog. He can work in laboratories, industrial groups (pharmacy, food industry, cosmetics, nuclear power, etc.), in fundamental research, in design offices or even in construction. Depending on their field of activity and their position (scientific chemist, chemical engineer or chemical technician) their tasks and functions will be different. He will thus be able to:
carry out analyzes of raw materials,
develop manufacturing processes,
study the security systems to be put in place and establish the maintenance program for the equipment used,
improve an already existing product,
develop production tools and define their manufacturing process,
participate in the marketing of a product…
Training to become a chemist
Several levels of training allow you to become a chemist, ranging from bac + 2 to bac + 8. Here are some examples:
DUT Chemistry, analytical and synthetic chemistry option;
DUT Biological engineering, biological and biochemical analysis option;
BTS Chemistry professions;
BTSBiotechnology;
PURPOSE Chemical engineering – Process engineering;
Professional degree in Chemistry, Analysis and Quality;
Professional degree in industrial chemistry;
Professional license Chemistry, analysis and control of raw materials and formulated products;
Chemistry license;
Master Chemistry course Chemistry, Health;
Master Chemistry, Green Chemistry course;
Master Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry course andmodelization;
Engineering school: Centrale Marseille, Chimie ParisTech, CPE Lyon, ECPM Strasbourg, ENSCM Montpellier, INP-ENSIACET Toulouse…
The salary of a chemist
The salary of a chemist varies greatly, not only depending on the level of study (technician or engineer) but also the sector of activity (public sector or high-tech industry). For a chemical engineer, the salary of a beginner is around 3,000 euros gross per month for a beginner and 5,500 euros for those with more experience. Bac + 8 or with an advanced and rare specialization can claim a salary of 8,000 euros gross monthly depending on the employer and the sector of activity. A chemical technician will have a salary of between 1600 and 1900 euros gross monthly when starting out. With experience and depending on the sector of activity, the chemical technician can claim a salary of between 2000 and 2500 euros gross per month.
Opportunities for a qualified chemist
Several professional career possibilities are available to chemists: analytical laboratories (public or private), design offices, local authorities, chemical industry, civil engineering agency, nuclear industry, pharmaceutical industry, environmental sector, food industry, university and research center…
Becoming a self-employed chemist: the steps
Registration
Becoming self-employed requires some administrative procedures. You must first register as such via the Urssaf website . A micro-entrepreneur carries out a self-employed activity under the status of a sole proprietorship. Depending on your project, you will choose a liberal, commercial or craft activity. Registration is compulsory and free for craftsmen (trade directory) and for traders (trade and company register). Once the activity has been chosen and registration has been made, you will receive a letter from INSEE indicating your Siret number, which is mandatory before starting your activity, as well as your APE code. You will be able toreceptionstart your activity.
Turnover
Annual turnover is capped when operating under the status of micro-entrepreneur. It can reach 176,200 euros for activities selling goods, catering or accommodation, and 72,600 euros annually for the provision of services and liberal professions. The turnover must be declared (monthly or quarterly) even if it is equal to zero.
Taxation
Concerning taxation, self-employed people are subject to income tax. The profit is calculated after applicational reduction on turnover, depending on the type of activity. Micro-entrepreneurs can also opt for payment of income tax.
Another contribution to pay, the CFE, property tax for businesses, payable from 5,000 euros of annual turnover.