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• Crystallographers

• Research chemists

Crystallography is a branch of science that examines crystal forms of materials that form crystalline compounds. It generates knowledge that is used to make exciting advances in fields such as medicine, electronics and manufacturing, and can also be used to support patent applications.

Crystallographers examine the molecular and atomic structure of crystal forms of materials, including metals, gases and biological materials such as proteins, nucleic acids and viruses. They use X-ray techniques among other methods (such as powder diffraction) to study the connection between the material’s atomic structure and its chemical and physical properties. This can lead to modifying the properties of the material to make it behave differently for the benefit of society.

A crystallographer can work in areas such as biology, chemistry, materials science, physics, archaeology and geology. For example, crystallography has previously contributed to science’s understanding of graphene and helped with the discovery of structures of biological molecules such as cholesterol, penicillin and insulin, as well as the structure of protein and DNA.

Crystallography can also be used to help:

• tackle the growing issue of bacteria’s resistance to antibiotics

• develop drugs to treat diseases

• produce new skin and healthcare products

• develop new materials for use in smart clothing

• create low-energy consumption television, computer and mobile phone screens

• find cures for plant and animal diseases such as swine flu

• discover ways to purify water and tackle global water sanitation challenges

A crystallographer’s day-to-day job might involve:

• completing lab research

• growing and studying crystal forms

• developing computer models of structures

• collecting and analysing data

• using the crystal form of a drug or new material to help support a company’s patent claim\

Qualifications and training required

It’s only possible to become a crystallographer with a degree. You’ll need a bachelors degree in a relevant scientific subject such as chemistry, materials science, physics or biology. The degree subject required will depend on the area you want to work in. Protein crystallography, for example, will require a biology degree.

Key skills for crystallographers

• Problem solving

• Attention to detail

• Patience

• Ability to judge and make decisions

• Maths skills

• Excellent communication skills

Typical employers of crystallographers

• Universities

• Research institutions

• Pharmaceutical and biochemical companies

Forensic laboratories