A chemist studies the composition and behavior of matter and its properties. They typically use equipment and computers to analyze and organize data in laboratories.
If you enjoy studying and analyzing chemical properties, consider becoming a chemist. The diverse specialties and career paths provide opportunities that match your skills and preferences.
Career Highlight for Chemists
Chemist Responsibilities
The following are typical chemist responsibilities:
- Analyzing substances to determine their compositions
- Measuring the effects of chemical compounds
- Conducting tests and reporting findings
- Recording and organizing data
- Providing instructions to technicians and other chemists
- Planning research projects
- Preparing solutions and reagents for laboratory processes
- Summarizing and presenting research
- Developing and improving products and processes
Chemist Skills
These are the top skills for chemists:
- Math: A solid foundation of mathematical principles is needed to solve equations and understand the data collected.
- Time management: Simultaneously working on multiple projects requires meeting deadlines.
- Organization: Working in a laboratory requires strong record-keeping skills.
- Attention to detail: Analyzing information and recording detailed observations are essential.
- Analysis: Analyzing research results determines their meaning for the field of chemistry.
- Collaboration: Team members must work together to improve process efficiencies.
- Problem-solving: Creating and implementing solutions is essential.
Chemist Career Paths
Consider choosing among these chemist career paths:
- Analytical chemist: Conduct laboratory research, develop processes and products, and design instruments for scientific use. Examine substances to determine their nature, structure, and composition.
- Chemical technician: Increase laboratory efficiencies to help research chemists complete their duties. Monitor equipment, complete research tasks, and clean the laboratory.
- Research chemist: Research chemical compounds to develop and improve products and processes.
- Chemical engineer: Use math, chemistry, and other scientific knowledge to produce and use fuel, drugs, and other chemicals. Develop safety procedures for working with dangerous chemicals. Ensure the equipment complies with safety and environmental regulations.
- Pharmacologist: Research and test medications and chemical compounds. Improve the safety and effectiveness of medicines.
- Forensic scientist: Examine crime scenes to collect evidence and help solve crimes. Conduct field tests and create reports for use in criminal trials.
Steps to Become a Chemist
These steps can help you become a chemist:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree: Common fields of study include chemistry, physical science, life science, and engineering.
- Gain work experience: Consider internships, fellowships, research programs, or cooperative industry programs while earning your bachelor’s degree. Your professors and department chairs can suggest relevant opportunities, or you might assist a professor with their research.
- Earn a master’s degree: Working as a chemist in an advanced area typically requires a master’s degree in your specialty. Completing a thesis is needed to become a researcher, work in education, or pursue more technical fields. In contrast, a thesis is not required to work in a practical field.
- Consider earning a doctorate: A doctorate in a specialized field offers additional career opportunities.
- Secure licensure and certifications: State licensure might be required to work as a professional chemist. Certification from the American Chemical Society can strengthen professional advancement.
Build Your Chemist Career
Explore chemist roles with Element Staffing and take the next step toward an exciting career in science.
