Leather Chemist

Job overview
Leather chemists are scientists mainly concerned with the technology of leather production.

What do people do in this job?
Leather chemists are experts in the processing of all types of leather.

They are involved in the preservation and tanning of hides and skins and the final finishing of the leather.

They can be employed as laboratory analysts, progressing to works chemists at large tanneries, carrying out chemical analyses of raw materials and production samples for process control, waste water management and quality assurance.

They can become involved in technical development, occupying senior supervisory positions such as technical and production managers.

Alternatively, qualified leather chemists may work in the research and development sections of major supply companies, providing tanning and other materials to the leather industry.

A further opportunity for employment could be in a national bureau of standards.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Leather chemists should have mathematical and scientific aptitude, with emphasis on chemistry and biochemistry.

What qualifications are needed?
A BSc degree with majors in chemistry and biochemistry, possibly with further studies at postgraduate level.