Chemists
On the Job
Chemists conduct analyses or experiments in laboratories. They focus on chemicals. Their job involves learning how to best control quality or processes, or developing new products.
Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:
- Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
- Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.
- Analyze chemical compounds or substances.
- Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.
- Research methods to improve food products.
- Test quality of materials or finished products.
- Prepare compounds or solutions for products or testing.
- Develop new or advanced products or production methods.
- Establish standards for products, processes, or procedures.
- Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.
Typical Working Conditions
- Working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions.
- Using e-mail.
- Wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, or life jackets.
- The importance of being accurate or exact.
- Exposure to hazardous conditions.
- Exposure to contaminants (like gases or odors).
- Working with a group or team.
- Freedom to make decisions without supervision.
- Meeting strict deadlines.
This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Source: You can learn about our data sources in the About Us section.
