Crystallographer

A crystallographer is a type of scientist who practices crystallography, in other words, who studies crystals.^[1]

Attendees at the International Union of Crystallographers meeting in 1951

Career paths

The work of crystallographers spans several academic disciplines, including the life sciences, chemistry, physics, and materials science.^[1] They may work in research and manufacturing, which could include growing crystals for use in computer chips, solar cells, or medications.^[1]

Within the life sciences, they may crystallize biological materials (such as proteins or viruses) or drugs.^[1] They may also come in hand in forensic science.^[1] They may also study materials using materials simulations.^[2]

In the horological industry, crystallographers conduct studies of nonmetallic minerals and research for the development and repair of grinding wheels, diamond tools and dies, and fabrication of jeweled bearings.^[3]

Most working crystallographers have a graduate degree.^[1][2] There are very few opportunities for those with a bachelor's degree or associate degree.^[1]

By country

Germany

In 2013, one working group, the Young Crystallographers, was established within the German Crystallographic Society (DGK).^[4] As of 2024, the Young Crystallographers have about 250 members.^[4] The working group also awards the annual Lieselotte Templeton Prize, named after the German-American scientist Lieselotte Templeton.^[4]

South Africa

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.^[5] The majority of these scientists worked in Gauteng.^[5]

United States

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics groups crystallographers with geoscientists for statistical purposes.^[6][7] However, as of the 2010s, the largest demand for crystallographers actually comes from the medical and life sciences.^[6]