Julie Dzielawa, Ph.D.

Julie Dzielawa studied the synthesis of organophosphorus compounds in graduate school before accepting a postdoctoral appointment with a collaborator of her graduate advisor after earning her Ph.D. She says no one is more surprised than she at what came next.

Dzielawa is an editorial scientist with Chemical Abstracts Service. For 11 years she has done abstracting and structure analysis of chemical literature in the field of organometallics. She found her job at a jobs clearinghouse at an ACS national meeting.

“I would not have expected a career like this when I was in graduate school, but I'm glad it has worked out this way,” Dzielawa says. “I like the idea of assisting chemical researchers with the work I do.”

Typical day on the job:

I spend most of my day reading chemical literature and entering relevant information into our databases. I serve on a committee that makes policy decisions and I perform work demonstrations for employees in other departments and visitor

Work environment:

I work in an office. My equipment consists of a laptop and two large monitors.

Work schedule:

I work approximately 40-45 hours a week. Overtime depends on our deadlines. The environment tends to be relaxed.

Tools you can’t live without:

Most of our important software was developed in-house.

Best productivity trick:

I would have to say simple time management.

Best career advice you’ve received:

The best advice I've received is to learn as many things as possible.

Skills or talents that make you a good fit for your job:

Focus and attention to detail.

Essential habit you wish you’d started earlier:

Using my calendar!

Favorite ACS resource:

Chemical & Engineering News.