A crystallographer is a type of scientist who practices crystallography, in other words, who studies crystals.
Career paths
The work of crystallographers spans several academic disciplines, including the
life sciences,
chemistry,
physics, and materials science.
They may work in research and manufacturing, which could include growing crystals for use in
computer chips,
solar cells, or
medications.
Within the life sciences, they may crystallize biological materials (such as
proteins or
viruses) or drugs.
They may also come in hand in
forensic science.
They may also study materials using materials simulations.
Most working crystallographers have a graduate degree.
By country
Germany
In 2013, one working group, the Young Crystallographers, was established within the German Crystallographic Society (DGK).
As of 2024, the Young Crystallographers have about 250 members.
The working group also awards the annual Lieselotte Templeton Prize, named after the German-American scientist Lieselotte Templeton.
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.
The majority of these scientists worked in
Gauteng.
United States
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics groups crystallographers with
geoscientists for statistical purposes.
However, as of the 2010s, the largest demand for crystallographers actually comes from the medical and life sciences.
