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Chemists

Also called: Chemist, Research Chemist, Air Quality Chemist, Analytical Chemist

What they do:
Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
On the job, you would:
  • Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.
  • Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.
  • Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.

Knowledge

Math and Science
  • chemistry
  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Arts and Humanities
  • English language
Engineering and Technology
  • computers and electronics
  • product and service development
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
  • manufacture and distribution of products

Skills

Basic Skills
  • using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems
  • reading work related information
Problem Solving
  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
  • figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it

Abilities

Verbal
  • listen and understand what people say
  • read and understand what is written
Math
  • choose the right type of math to solve a problem
  • add, subtract, multiply, or divide
Ideas and Logic
  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
  • notice when problems happen
Hand and Finger Use
  • put together small parts with your fingers

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include
ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Attention to Detail
  • Integrity
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Dependability
  • Initiative
  • Cooperation

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Analytical or scientific software
  • Agilent ChemStation
  • Waters Empower Chromatography Data Software
Data base user interface and query software
  • ChemSW Buffer Maker
  • JDA Arthur KnowledgeBase database
Graphics or photo imaging software
  • Digital imaging software
  • Graphics software

Education

Education: (rated 4 of 5)
bachelor's degree or
doctoral/professional degree
usually needed

Get started on your career:

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Job Outlook

Below Average Outlook
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Salary
$69,760
per year, on average
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Green
This work is part of the green economy.

Explore More

See more details at O*NET OnLine about chemists.