Chemists :: Job Description

ExistingUsers

User Name:

Password:

Forgot your password?
Click here

NewUsers

FeaturedResources

Chemists

Careers / Chemists

Summary Description


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

Sample Job Titles

1.	Agricultural Chemist

2.	Air Quality Chemist

3.	Analytical Chemist

4.	Astrochemist

5.	Bench Chemist

6.	Ceramic Chemist

7.	Cereal Chemist

8.	Chemical Analyst

9.	Chemical Economist

10.	Chemical Laboratory Chief

11.	Chemical Laboratory Scientist

12.	Chemist

13.	Coagulating Drying Supervisor

14.	Coal Chemist

15.	Control Chemist

16.	Cosmetic Chemist

17.	Criminalist

18.	Dairy Chemist

19.	Electrochemist

20.	Food Chemist

21.	Food Processing Chemist

22.	Forensic Chemist

23.	Forensic Scientist

24.	Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Analyst (GC-MS Analyst)

25.	Industrial Chemist

26.	Inorganic Chemist

27.	Laboratory Chemist

28.	Laboratory Supervisor

29.	Medical Chemist

30.	Metals Analyst

31.	Mix Chemist

32.	Nutritional Chemist

33.	Oil Expert

34.	Patent Chemist

35.	Pesticide Chemist

36.	Pharmaceutical Analyst

37.	Pharmaceutical Scientist

38.	Physical Chemist

39.	Physiological Chemist

40.	Powder Expert

41.	Process Chemist

42.	Product Development Chemist

43.	Quality Control Chemist (QC Chemist)

44.	Research and Development Chemist

45.	Research Chemist

46.	Rubber Chemist

47.	Sanitary Chemist

48.	Scientist

49.	Senior Chemist

50.	Soil Chemist

51.	Textile Chemist

52.	Water Chemist

53.	Wet Chemistry Analyst

Job Tasks

	Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques. Analyze chemical compounds or substances.

	Conduct quality control tests. Test quality of materials or finished products.

	Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed. Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.

	Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests. Prepare compounds or solutions for products or testing.

	Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis. Analyze chemical compounds or substances.

	Evaluate laboratory safety procedures to ensure compliance with standards or to make improvements as needed. Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.

	Compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions.

	Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests. Establish standards for products, processes, or procedures. Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.

	Confer with scientists or engineers to conduct analyses of research projects, interpret test results, or develop nonstandard tests. Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.

	Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods. Develop new or advanced products or production methods.

	Direct, coordinate, or advise personnel in test procedures for analyzing components or physical properties of materials. Supervise scientific or technical personnel.

	Purchase laboratory supplies, such as chemicals, when supplies are low or near their expiration date. Manage scientific or technical project resources.

	Study effects of various methods of processing, preserving, or packaging on composition or properties of foods. Research methods to improve food products.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

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.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Chemists and Materials Scientists
	Chemists and materials scientists study substances at the atomic and molecular levels and the ways in which the substances interact with one another. They use their knowledge to develop new and improved products and to test the quality of manufactured goods.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Chemists and Materials Scientists
	Chemists and materials scientists work in laboratories and offices. They typically work full time and keep regular hours.

	Read More >>

<< Previous Page

Next Page >>

Interesting Fact

The following words were all invented by advertising agencies: glamorize, sanitize, motorize, vitalize, finalize, personalize, tenderize, and customize.

Did you know...

The MyPlan.com Interest Inventory Test scores and ranks 900 different careers based on how well they match your interests!