Chemists

What the job really is

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

At a glance

• Sector: Life, Physical & Social Science
• O*NET-SOC code: 19-2031
• O*NET job zone: 4 — considerable preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.

Tools and technology

C, C++, Extensible markup language XML, Hypertext markup language HTML, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Visio, Microsoft Visual Basic, Microsoft Word, Oracle Java

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Chemical Engineers
• Biochemists and Biophysicists
• Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
• Microbiologists
• Materials Scientists
• Materials Engineers
• Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
• Food Scientists and Technologists

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 4 (considerable preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Chemists — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.