Geoscience Australia

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Geochemist

What is a Geochemist?

Geochemists study the chemical composition of rocks and minerals. At Geoscience Australia geochemists carry out chemical and physical tests on rocks, oil and water samples in laboratories to find out about the geology of Australia.

Describe an average day in the job.

An average day for a geochemist at Geoscience Australia involves solving many different puzzles. Geochemists perform tests on samples collected from around Australia, to work out what they are made of, where they have come from and how old they are. They then write reports about the data they have collected. This information helps other scientists and researchers to understand the geological history of Australia.

What sort of study and training do you need to undertake?

Most geochemists at Geoscience Australia have completed a technical college diploma or a university degree. During their training geochemists learn how to work safely in a lab, and explore the various methods of testing samples.

Is there likely to be any travel involved in the job?

There will be some travel as a geochemist at Geoscience Australia, heading out into the field to collect samples from different regions of Australia.

Is there a career path available?

Working at Geoscience Australia as a geochemist means that there are many different career pathways available, depending on your interests and the amount of training you complete.