A Chemist, or Chemical Scientist, works in a lab conducting experiments on various chemical substances to create a new product or improve an old one. Their duties include examining the chemical make-up of different materials, performing quality control tests on current experiments and creating technical reports and papers on the specifications and outcomes of tests, products and processes.
A Chemist should be able to fulfill various duties and responsibilities. The following are some duties and responsibilities a Chemist should be able to execute:
- Prepare compounds, test solutions and reagents to conduct tests and experiments, then advising and coordinating on test procedures
- Determine the relationships of chemical and physical properties, composition, structures and reactions of organic and inorganic compounds using chromatography, spectrophotometry and spectroscopy techniques
- Develop, improve and customize equipment, products, formulas, analytical methods and processes
- Consult with engineers and scientists on analysis, interpretation and development of tests
- Induce reactions to chemical substances with light, energy, heat and chemical catalysts
- Document findings in technical papers and reports, preparing specifications and testing standards
- Clean and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, making sure that all the technology is working correctly, if it isn’t, troubleshoot the issue or problem. Conduct quality control tests to ensure no compounds or equipment are contaminated
A competitive Chemist will have certain skills and qualifications, including:
- Good communication: Good communication skills are key since a Chemist usually works with a team, thus, communicating with others effectively is crucial. Written communication skills are necessary for publishing findings.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving: A Chemist identifies problems and comes up with possible solutions. Before choosing a solution, they need to evaluate each option and chose the most effective solution.
- Time management: In Chemistry, there are many deadlines, so being able to manage time well to meet those deadlines is a key skill.
- Analytical: A Chemist analyzes a lot of data, thus, having an analytical mind is essential to their success.
- Organizational skills: Keeping track of data and documenting all processes and finds calls for strong organizational skills.
- Patience and determination: Finding a solution can take a lot of effort, time, repeated experimentation and determination, all of these are key skills for a Chemist to posses.
- Scientific and numerical skills: A Chemist must be good at mathematics to correctly apply formulas in experiments and document them correctly.
