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What does a Chemist do?

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Talent.com talent.com
Answered September 20 2021
Career Expert at Talent.com
Chemists study substances from makeup to household cleaners to medications at the atomic and molecular levels and interpret how different substances interact. Chemists may work in various settings, from cosmetics to pharmaceuticals, but their most common workplaces are laboratories and research organizations.

 Chemists often work with lab equipment, as well as computer software. There may be some workplace safety considerations to adhere to, such as wearing masks and gloves when handling certain substances. Since lab equipment can be pretty expensive, Chemists need to take extra care to ensure they use it correctly and safely. 

Chemists can work in several different industries, with chemical manufacturing employing about one-third of the Chemists in the US. Depending on the exact industry, these positions sometimes require travel to additional facilities or onsite to collect samples. 

Chemists usually work Monday-Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. They may be required to work outside of business hours to meet project deadlines or perform time-sensitive lab experiments.

Roles & responsibilities of a Chemist
  • Examine and assess the chemical factors of components and elements.
  • Create and develop new compositions, as well as practical applications of chemical substances to upgrade old procedures.
  • Investigate the properties of elements, as well as how they interact and react with each other.
  • Use specialized tools and equipment to conduct several experiments.
  • Provide accurate results that comply with specifications of industry regulators, in-house, and government requirements. 
  • Verify that all mathematical calculations and results are accurate.
  • Research and analyze chemical components for medical purposes, such as diagnoses and treatment of diseases and symptoms.
  • Contribute and associate with other professionals for research purposes to develop projects to advance scientific knowledge further. 
  • Act as technical consultants in a particular field of expertise.
  • Oversee, monitor, and direct fellow professionals and co-workers on the appropriate handling and application of procedures and techniques.
  • Submit requisitions and supply orders for materials and chemicals when necessary.
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