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What does a Chemist do?

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Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A chemist is a scientist who studies the composition, structure, and properties of matter. They use this knowledge to develop new products and processes.

Chemist job duties include:

  • Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses of inorganic and organic compounds
  • Design and execute experiments to test theories about chemical compositions and reactions
  • Develop new methods for analyzing substances
  • Analyze the results of experiments and develop models or theories to explain them
  • Write reports detailing the findings of experiments and research projects
  • Present research findings at conferences or other forums
  • Teach chemistry courses at the college level
  • Supervise the work of technicians and other chemists
  • Work with engineers and other scientists to develop new products or processes
  • Consult with clients to solve problems related to chemical composition or reactions

Chemist Job Requirements

A Chemist typically needs a Bachelor's degree in chemistry, although some research positions may require a graduate degree. Many Chemists need to be certified by the American Institute of Chemists. Some states also have certification programs for Chemists. Employers usually require several years of experience for most positions.

Chemist Skills

  • Analytical skills
  • Organic chemistry
  • Inorganic chemistry
  • Physical chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Aqueous solutions
  • Thermodynamics
  • Nuclear magnetic resonance
  • X-ray crystallography
  • Chromatography
  • Mass spectrometry

Related: Top Chemist Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Chemist

A chemist is someone who studies and practices chemistry. Chemistry is the science of matter and the interactions between different types of matter. Chemists use their knowledge to develop new products, solve problems, and improve existing products. There are many different types of chemists, and each type has its own set of skills and knowledge.

If you want to become a chemist, you will need to have a strong interest in chemistry and be able to work hard. You will also need to be good at math and science. Chemists typically have a bachelor's degree in chemistry, but some jobs may require a master's degree or higher.

Related: Chemist Resume Example

Related: Chemist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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