Chemist

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

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Air Quality Chemist; Analytical Chemist; Chemical Lab Scientist (Chemical Laboratory Scientist); Chemist; Forensic Chemist; Product Development Chemist; QC Chemist (Quality Control Chemist); R and D Chemist (Research and Development Chemist); Research Chemist; Scientist

Tasks

• Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.
• Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.
• Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.
• Conduct quality control tests.
• Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.
• Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.
• Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests.
• Compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions.
• Confer with scientists or engineers to conduct analyses of research projects, interpret test results, or develop nonstandard tests.
• Evaluate laboratory safety procedures to ensure compliance with standards or to make improvements as needed.
• Direct, coordinate, or advise personnel in test procedures for analyzing components or physical properties of materials.
• Purchase laboratory supplies, such as chemicals, when supplies are low or near their expiration date.

Knowledge

• Chemistry
• English Language
• Mathematics
• Production and Processing
• Administration and Management
• Computers and Electronics
• Administrative
• Physics

Skills

• Science
• Reading Comprehension
• Critical Thinking
• Speaking
• Active Listening
• Writing
• Mathematics
• Active Learning
• Monitoring
• Learning Strategies

Abilities

• Oral Comprehension
• Written Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Written Expression
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Problem Sensitivity
• Information Ordering
• Category Flexibility
• Near Vision
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Number Facility
• Flexibility of Closure
• Speech Recognition
• Fluency of Ideas
• Perceptual Speed
• Visual Color Discrimination
• Speech Clarity
• Originality
• Visualization
• Selective Attention
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Finger Dexterity