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Chemists

  • Bright Outlook
  • Rapid Growth

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

What you’d do

  • 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.

Skills that matter

  • Science
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Mathematics

How to get there

Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

Also called

  • Analytical Chemist
  • Chemist
  • Research Chemist
  • Scientist
  • Air Quality Chemist
  • Chemical Lab Scientist (Chemical Laboratory Scientist)

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