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Career Profile

Chemist
What They Do
Just the Facts
Conducts qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in
laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or
knowledge.
This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics cluster Related Careers
Science and Mathematics pathway.
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A person in this career:
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l Analyzes organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical
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properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using
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chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.
l Conducts quality control tests.
l Maintains laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and
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troubleshoots malfunctions when needed.
l Prepares test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to
Watch a one-minute video showing what
conduct tests.
it's like to work in this career or related
l Induces changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light,
careers
energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.
l Evaluates laboratory safety procedures to ensure compliance with standards
or to make improvements as needed.
Chemists
l Compiles and analyzes test information to determine process or equipment
operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions.
watch video
l Writes technical papers or reports or prepares standards and specifications
for processes, facilities, products, or tests.
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l Confers with scientists or engineers to conduct analyses of research projects,
interpret test results, or develop nonstandard tests.
l Develops, improves, or customizes products, equipment, formulas,
processes, or analytical methods.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:
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You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you
might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
Work in this occupation involves use of protective items such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, a hard

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hat, or personal flotation devices

Exposure to pollutants, gases, dust, fumes, odors, poor ventilation, etc.
Work in this occupation involves using your hands to hold, control, and feel objects more than one-third of the time
Exposed to conditions such as high voltage electricity, combustibles, explosives, and chemicals more than once a month
Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
Sound and noise levels are loud and distracting
Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time
Work in this occupation involves standing more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

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Identifying color and seeing differences in color, including shades and brightness
Seeing clearly at a distance
Seeing clearly up close
Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

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Regular working hours and limited travel

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:
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Agricultural Chemist -- Works with food producers to increase yields, improve quality, and reduce costs. They also study
the causes and effects of bio-chemical reactions related to plant and animal growth, seek ways to control these reactions,
and develop chemical products that
Astrochemist -- Studies the chemicals and molecules that exist in outer space, including those that make up the gaseous
matter of stars, suns, and solar systems.
Cosmetic Chemist -- Develops lotions, makeup, shampoos and other consumer products.
Forensic Chemist -- Analyzes evidence that is brought in from crime scenes and reaches a conclusion based on tests run
on that piece of evidence.
Medical Chemist -- Analyzes chemical components and substances to discover how they can be used in the medicinal
treatment of human diseases.
Nuclear Chemist -- Monitors nuclear radiation and evaluates human absorption of nuclear materials in order to understand
how to medically treat those who may have been exposed to nuclear materials or to cure certain types of cancers not yet
curable through common forms of r
Nutritional Chemist -- Explores the biochemistry of the body's internal systems, such as metabolism, immunity, and
hormone regulation, in conjunction with food.
Air Quality Chemist -Pharmaceutical Chemist -Soil Chemist --

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