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Chemist Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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A 16041720chemist25.31chemistry15.78laboratory6.84analytical chemist3.57science3.391164611245678.9027.3155.55HOURLY587159952025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Chemist, or Chemical Scientist, works in a lab conducting experiments on various chemical substances to create a new product or improve an old one. Their duties include examining the chemical make-up of different materials, performing quality control tests on current experiments and creating technical reports and papers on the specifications and outcomes of tests, products and processes.

16041720chemist25.31chemistry15.78laboratory6.84analytical chemist3.57science3.391164611245678.9027.3155.55HOURLY587159952025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Chemist Duties and Responsibilities

Below are a few of the common duties and responsibilities performed by a 16041720chemist25.31chemistry15.78laboratory6.84analytical chemist3.57science3.391164611245678.9027.3155.55HOURLY587159952025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Chemist:

  • Prepare compounds, test solutions and reagents to conduct tests and experiments, then advising and coordinating on test procedures
  • Determine the relationships of chemical and physical properties, composition, structures and reactions of organic and inorganic compounds using chromatography, spectrophotometry and spectroscopy techniques
  • Develop, improve and customize equipment, products, formulas, analytical methods and processes
  • Consult with engineers and scientists on analysis, interpretation and development of tests
  • Induce reactions to chemical substances with light, energy, heat and chemical catalysts
  • Document findings in technical papers and reports, preparing specifications and testing standards
  • Clean and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, making sure that all the technology is working correctly, if it isn’t, troubleshoot the issue or problem. Conduct quality control tests to ensure no compounds or equipment are contaminated
  • Order laboratory supplies and chemicals, keeping an eye on expiration dates

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Chemist Job Description Examples

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What Does a 16041720chemist25.31chemistry15.78laboratory6.84analytical chemist3.57science3.391164611245678.9027.3155.55HOURLY587159952025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Chemist Do?

Chemists typically work on research teams for certain manufacturing companies or educational institutions. They often conduct complex research and experiments to develop new products. They’ll also test various methods to help improve the safety or functionality of these products. Chemists typically create products like medications, cosmetics or synthetic fibers, but it often varies depending on their industry and the area they specialize in.

Once they develop a solution to create or improve a product, they’ll test it to ensure it’s chemically safe for consumer use. They then build a comprehensive technical report and present these findings to other colleagues, like Engineers or Scientists.

16041720chemist25.31chemistry15.78laboratory6.84analytical chemist3.57science3.391164611245678.9027.3155.55HOURLY587159952025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Chemist Skills and Qualifications

A great 16041720chemist25.31chemistry15.78laboratory6.84analytical chemist3.57science3.391164611245678.9027.3155.55HOURLY587159952025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Chemist has the following skills and qualifications:

  • Good communication: Good communication skills are key since a 16041720chemist25.31chemistry15.78laboratory6.84analytical chemist3.57science3.391164611245678.9027.3155.55HOURLY587159952025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Chemist usually works with a team, thus, communicating with others effectively is crucial. Written communication skills are necessary for publishing findings.
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving: A Chemist identifies problems and comes up with possible solutions. Before choosing a solution, they need to evaluate each option and chose the most effective solution.
  • Time management: In Chemistry, there are many deadlines, so being able to manage time well to meet those deadlines is a key skill.
  • Analytical: A Chemist analyzes a lot of data, thus, having an analytical mind is essential to their success.
  • Organizational skills: Keeping track of data and documenting all processes and finds calls for strong organizational skills.
  • Patience and determination: Finding a solution can take a lot of effort, time, repeated experimentation and determination, all of these are key skills for a Chemist to posses.
  • Scientific and numerical skills: A Chemist must be good at mathematics to correctly apply formulas in experiments and document them correctly.

Chemist Salary Expectations

The average salary in the U.S. for a Chemist with 1 to 3 years of experience is $62,662 per year. This salary information has been collected from 1,269 employees, users and job posts on Indeed over the past 36 months. Depending on the location and job requirements, the salary expectation may vary.

Chemist Salary Expectations

2025-10-018.9027.3155.55HOURLY
  • Common salary: 27.31 HOURLY
  • Typical salaries range from 8.90 - 55.55 HOURLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Chemist Education and Training Requirements

A Chemist must at least have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a similar field, such as engineering or physics. Employers may also prefer a candidate to have a master’s degree or Ph.D., especially for senior-level Chemist positions. Postdoctoral research, laboratory work experience and practical research experience are all useful and often required for an academic position.

Chemist Experience Requirements

Experience requirements may vary from role to role. However, a Chemist with advanced education, such as a doctorate, can become a lead researcher or obtain another high-level position. Additional experience may include working on complex research projects.

Job Description Samples for Similar Positions

This is a great sample job description for a Chemist, but you may be looking for something else such as the following:

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Frequently asked questions about Chemists

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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