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Chemists

Also called: Analytical Chemist, Chemist, Forensic Scientist, Research Chemist

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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.
  • Conduct quality control tests.
  • Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.

Knowledge

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

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
  • measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it
  • 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
  • use rules to solve problems
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
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Integrity
  • Dependability
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Cooperation

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Data base user interface and query software
  • Microsoft Access Hot Technology
  • Structured query language SQL Hot Technology
Presentation software
  • Apple iWork Keynote
  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology In Demand
Analytical or scientific software
  • Minitab
  • Waters Empower Chromatography Data Software

Education

Education: (rated 4 of 5)
bachelor's degree
usually needed

Get started on your career:

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Job Outlook

Average Outlook
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
Salary
$79,430
$48,100
$134,780
Check out my state Local Salary Info Find Jobs

Explore More

See more details at O*NET OnLine about chemists.