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Chemists
Also called : Air Quality Chemist, Analytical Chemist, Chemical Laboratory Scientist, Chemist, Forensic Chemist, Forensic Scientist, Quality Control Chemist (QC Chemist), Research Chemist, Scientist
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, one 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.
- Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests.
- Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.
KNOWLEDGE
- 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.
- Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
- Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
SKILLS
- Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
- Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to 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.
- Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
ABILITIES
- Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
- Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
- Mathematical Reasoning
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
PERSONALITY
People interested in this work, will do well at jobs that need;
- Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
- Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
- Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
- Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
- Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
- Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
- Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
TECHNOLOGY
- Analytical or scientific software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Development environment software
- Document management software
- Enterprise application integration software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Internet browser software
- Inventory management software
- Object or component oriented development software
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
- Preparation
Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
Four-year bachelor degree
- Experience
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupation
- Jobtraining
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.