Chemist Job Description

What is the job description of a Chemist? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Chemist? What does a Chemist do?

Job description of a Chemist

Chemists study matter and its properties. They examine a substance’s atoms and molecules to gain a better understanding of how it is put together. They also investigate how different materials interact with one another.

A Chemist conducts qualitative and quantitative experiments on chemical substances to ensure quality control or develop new products or knowledge. The Chemist will perform a variety of tests and use different techniques to conduct experiments on organic and inorganic compounds.

Some chemists perform basic research. Their goal is to obtain new knowledge that contributes to overall scientific understanding. Other chemists are applied researchers who want to develop new products or solve specific problems. An example would be chemists hired by a skincare firm to develop a line that combats acne.

This Chemist job description example includes the list of most important Chemist duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Chemist profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Chemist Duties and Responsibilities

Chemist job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Preparing test solutions, compounds, and reagents for conducting tests and advising and coordinating test procedures.
  • Determining chemical and physical properties, compositions, structures, relationships, and reactions of organic and inorganic compounds.
  • Using chromatography, spectroscopy, and spectrophotometry techniques.
  • Developing, improving, and customizing products, equipment, formulas, processes, and analytical methods.
  • Conferring with scientists and engineers to analyze, interpret, and develop tests.
  • Introducing heat, light, energy, and chemical catalysts to chemical substances to induce reactions.
  • Writing technical papers and reports, and preparing standards and specifications for processes, tests, and products.
  • Maintaining laboratory instruments, troubleshooting malfunctions, and purchasing new laboratory supplies.
  • Evaluating and ensuring compliance with laboratory safety procedures and standards.

Chemist Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Chemist job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • A Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field, with further education being advantageous.
  • Experience in scientific research and laboratory work may be advantageous.
  • Proficiency with computers and scientific equipment.
  • Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
  • Good knowledge of laboratory health and safety standards
  • Excellent analytical and research skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Good presentation, documentation, and reporting skills.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong technical skills.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Chemist starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Chemist job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Chemist may also reference it in preparation for the interview.