This occupation is part of the Life, Physical, and Social Science cluster
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About the Job
Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
It is also Called
- Agricultural Chemist
- Air Quality Chemist
- Analytical Chemist
- Analytical Specialist
- Astrochemist
- Bench Chemist
- Cement Chemist
- Ceramic Chemist
- Cereal Chemist
- Chemical Analyst
What They Do
- 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.
- Conduct quality control tests.
- Direct, coordinate, or advise personnel in test procedures for analyzing components or physical properties of materials.
- 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.
- Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.
- Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.
Interests
People who work in this occupation generally have the interest code: IRC.
This means people who work in this occupation generally have Investigative interests, but also prefer Realistic and Conventional environments.
Work Values
People who work in this occupation generally prize Achievement, but also value Independence and Working Conditions in their jobs.
Things They Need to Know
- Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
- Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Things They Need to Be Able to Do
- Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
Education Required
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Wages
In 2012, the average annual wage in United States was $76,870.00 with most people making between $41,080.00 and $120,600.00
Outlook
During 2010, this occupation employed approximately 82,000 people in United States. It is projected that there will be 85,000 employed in 2020.
This occupation will have about 0 openings due to growth and about 29,000 replacement openings for approximately 29,000 total annual openings.
Common College Majors
- Find Institutions Chemistry, General
- Find Institutions Analytical Chemistry
- Find Institutions Inorganic Chemistry
- Find Institutions Organic Chemistry
- Find Institutions Physical Chemistry
- Find Institutions Polymer Chemistry
- Find Institutions Chemical Physics
- Find Institutions Environmental Chemistry
- Find Institutions Forensic Chemistry
- Find Institutions Theoretical Chemistry
- Find Institutions Chemistry, Other
- Find Institutions Materials Chemistry
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