Occupation Profile for Chemists

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Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or chemical experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.

Signficant Points

  • A bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related discipline is the minimum educational requirement; however, many research jobs require a master’s degree or, more often, a Ph.D.
  • Job growth will occur in professional, scientific, and technical services firms as manufacturing companies continue to outsource their research and development and testing operations to these smaller, specialized firms.
  • New chemists at all levels may experience competition for jobs, particularly in declining chemical manufacturing industries; graduates with a master’s degree, and particularly those with a Ph.D., will enjoy better opportunities at larger pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms.
 

Tasks

  • Core — Develop, improve, and customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, and analytical methods.
  • Core — Confer with scientists and engineers to conduct analyses of research projects, interpret test results, or develop nonstandard tests.
  • Core — Compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency and to diagnose malfunctions.
  • Core — Analyze organic and inorganic compounds to determine chemical and physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, and reactions, utilizing chromatography, spectroscopy, and spectrophotometry techniques.
  • Core — Write technical papers and reports and prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.

Activities

  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.