Occupation Details
Chemists
Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$59,930.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$82,100.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$109,870.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
3,430
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
4,300
+87 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
431
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.3%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Degree Needed - Four-year college
Experience Requirements
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Air dryers
- Airfree/waterfree solvent purification systems
- Alcohol lamps
- Analytical balances
- Annealing ovens
- Atomic absorption AA spectrometers
- Automatic peptide synthesizers
- Autotitrators
- Beakers
- Benchtop lyophilizers
- Box furnace ovens
- Bunsen burners
- Burets
- Capillary electrophoresis systems
- Carbon hydrogen nitrogen CHN elemental analyzers
- Centrifugal evaporator concentrators
- Chemical centrifuges
- Closed cycle refrigerators
- Cold trap evaporators
- Combustion furnaces
- Conductance meters
- Conductivity detectors
- Conductivity meters
- Cryogenic refrigerators
- Cryostats
- Cuvettes
- Deflagration spoons
- Densitometers
- Desktop computers
- Differential scanning calorimeters
Technology
- Agilent ChemStation
- Apple iWork
- Apple iWork Keynote
- Apple iWork Numbers
- Apple iWork Pages
- Bruker BioSpin TopSpin
- C
- C++
- CambridgeSoft ChemOffice Ultra
- Chem2Pac
- ChemInnovation Software Chem 4-D
- ChemSW Buffer Maker
- ChemSW Calibration Pro
- ChemSW Chemical Inventory System CIS
- ChemSW Laboratory Document Control System LDCS
- ChemSW Mass Spec Tools
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- supervise pollution control workers
- assign work to staff or employees
- write research or project grant proposals
- write business project or bid proposals
- develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
- develop plans for programs or projects
- direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- direct implementation of new procedures, policies, or programs
- maintain records, reports, or files
- prepare reports
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- mix paint, ingredients, or chemicals, according to specifications
- communicate technical information
- make presentations
- confer with scientists
- advise clients or customers
- recommend further study or action based on research data
- advise governmental or industrial personnel
- develop new products based on scientific research results
- design manufacturing processes or methods
- develop new chemical processing techniques or formulas
- develop scientific or mathematical hypotheses, theories, or laws
- design equipment, apparatus, or instruments for scientific research
- operate industrial or nondestructive testing equipment
- use laboratory equipment
- operate specialized equipment in chemical laboratory
- plan scientific research or investigative studies
- explain complex mathematical information
- write scholarly or technical research papers
- present research papers or dissertations on physical science issues
- make decisions
- resolve engineering or science problems
- use chemical testing or analysis procedures
- use chemical processing emergency procedures
- use government regulations
- use hazardous materials information
- use interpersonal communication techniques
- use nutrition research techniques
- use oral or written communication techniques
- use pollution control techniques
- use scientific research methodology
- follow safe waste disposal procedures
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
- use physical science research techniques
- use quantitative research methods
- use library or online Internet research techniques
- use knowledge of metric system
- collect scientific or technical data
- collect statistical data
- monitor the chemical action of substances
- adhere to safety procedures
- understand properties of gases or liquids
- develop tables depicting data
- classify plants, animals, or other natural phenomena
- analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
- analyze chemical experimental, test, or analysis data or findings
- conduct laboratory research or experiments
- conduct standardized qualitative laboratory analyses
- conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses
- evaluate manufacturing or processing systems
- perform statistical analysis in physical science or geological research
- analyze test data
- forecast or predict phenomena based upon research data
- conduct analyses or tests of organic compounds
- analyze test information to determine equipment operating efficiency
- use statistics in food research
- identify nutritional value of foods
- confer with research personnel
- confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use relational database software
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- develop or maintain databases
- record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.
- Conduct quality control tests.
- Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.
- Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests.
- Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.
- Evaluate laboratory safety procedures to ensure compliance with standards or to make improvements as needed.
- Compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions.
- Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.
- Confer with scientists or engineers to conduct analyses of research projects, interpret test results, or develop nonstandard tests.
- Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.
- Direct, coordinate, or advise personnel in test procedures for analyzing components or physical properties of materials.
- Purchase laboratory supplies, such as chemicals, when supplies are low or near their expiration date.
- Study effects of various methods of processing, preserving, or packaging on composition or properties of foods.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)
As a professional society dedicated to the application of science to the law, the AAFS is committed to the promotion of education and the elevation of accuracy, precision, and specificity in the forensic sciences. Academy's members are physicians, attorneys, dentists, toxicologists, physical anthropologists, document examiners, psychiatrists, physicists, engineers, criminalists, educators, and others.
Learn MoreAmerican Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)
AIChE's vision is to provide value as the global leader of the chemical engineering profession, be the lifetime center for professional and personal growth and security of chemical engineers, and be the foremost catalyst in applying chemical engineering expertise in meeting societal needs.
Learn MoreChemists and materials scientists
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreCollege of SUNY Geneseo Young Scholars Adventures: Summer Academy for Crime Scene Investigators
The Summer Academy for Crime Scene Investigators introduces students, grades 4 to 6 and 7 to 9, to the enchanting world of forensic investigation! Learn about and participate in a number of hands-on, state-of-the-art techniques and tests.
Learn MoreCornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR) Institute for Chemistry Teachers
This intensive one-week lecture and laboratory course is designed specifically for high school chemistry teachers to update them on recent advances in chemistry. Lectures will be given by various Cornell faculty on topics such as equilibrium, organic chemistry, redox reactions, electrochemistry and fuel cells. Corresponding laboratory activities designed for the classroom will also be presented.
Learn MoreCrime Scene Investigation Camp
Camp participants receive expert instruction from FBI investigators, State Police, ballistics experts, scientists and even a professional psychological profiler.
Learn MoreDiscovery Channel School's Lesson Plans Library
View the list of brand-new lesson plans for elementary, middle and high school students. Lesson plans include the sciences, mathematics and technology. Hundreds of original lesson plans, all written by teachers for teachers are easily accessible. Use the pull-down menus to browse by subject, grade, or both.
Learn MoreDr. Arbor Talks Trees
Often trees are taken for granted. We see them everyday, but we may never even notice them. Without trees, we would miss a great deal. Trees provide everything from the air we breathe to the roof we live under. Dr. Arbor Talks Trees focuses on tree anatomy and physiology. Students learn some of the basic inner workings, chemical principles, and fun ways to get to know trees better.
Learn MoreEnergy Kid's Page
Follow along with Energy Ant at the Energy Kid's Page and explore classroom projects, games, energy basics and more.
Learn MoreFIRST 2007 Power Puzzle Challenge
The 2007 Challenge theme has been announced! The Global Power Puzzle alternative energy resources and meeting the global demand is it! How do our personal energy choices to heat our homes, fuel our cars, charge our cell phones, power our computers, or even download music to our iPods impact the environment, economy, and life around the globe? Which resources should we use and why? Explore how energy production and consumption choices affect the planet and our quality of life today, tomorrow, and for future generations.
Learn MoreFivePoints
FivePoints is Union College's premier summer academic program for rising 8th-12th grade boys and girls. Forensic Science,one of seven course choices, is a multidisciplinary enterprise which incorporates the basic principles of biology, chemistry and physics.
Learn MoreGarden Mosaics
To learn more about the science behind gardening, Garden Mosaics, a youth and community education program, combines science learning with intergenerational mentoring, multicultural understanding, and community action. Garden Mosaics provides diverse learning opportunities for youth aged 10 to18, educators, and gardeners.
Learn MoreHofstra University 's Summer Science Research Program
Hofstra University offers opportunities for selected research oriented high school students to work with science faculty during the summer in an on campus research program. The program is competitive and students must submit a completed application and letter of recommendation from a science teacher. On acceptance, students will be assigned to a specific faculty member based on the student's preference, faculty availability, and the student's laboratoy experience.
Learn MoreMickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy
The Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy is a five-day program designed to provide third- through fifth-grade teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to motivate kids to pursue careers in science and math.The Academy is an opportunity for teachers to share best practices with colleagues and pick up tools to positively impact the science and math education students receive.
Learn MorePace University Summer Scholars Program 2007: Forensic Science Uncovering CSI
CSI has nothing on the Forensic Science Program at Pace. Come see how the real experts do it! From the crime scene to the laboratory, students will learn how forensic anthropologists recover and analyze skeletal remains and a look into the crime lab, students will see what a forensic scientists do on a daily basis.
Learn MorePeriodic Table of the Elements
Los Alamos National Laboratory has developed an interactive, internet resource for the science classroom, A Periodic Table of the Elements. When you open any file of an element in the periodic table, you will find a small table with some basic information about that element and this resource for elementary, middle and high school students gives a complete picture of the elements including the history, source, properties, uses and handling of.
Learn MoreRPI National Chemistry Week: Your Home-Its All Built on Chemistry
An annual event, Chemistry Week featured, Your Home-Its All Built on Chemistry. Over 500 parents and students attended interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities, a chemistry magic show, and a student poster competition to excite children and their families about science and technology, and encourage them to consider pursuing careers in science, engineering, and technology.
Learn MoreRader's Chem4Kids
Chem4Kids.com is a website that teaches the basics of chemistry to all ages. It has sections on atoms, matter, elements, the periodic table, biochemistry, and reactions.If you are looking for basic chemistry information, stay on this site.
Learn MoreSUNY Cobleskill Crime Scene Investigation Camp
Camp participants receive expert instruction from FBI investigators, State Police, ballistics experts, scientists and even a professional psychological profiler.
Learn MoreSUNY New Paltz Summer Camp: Mad Science Secret Agent Lab
Mad Science has sparked imaginative learning with their unique brand of engaging and educational live programs and activities. Secret Agent Lab - delve into the mysteries of forensic science! Discover different methods of secret writing and break coded messages in a quest for treasure. Explore the world of optics and make your own camera obscura and kaleidoscope. Use chemistry to identify mysterious substances, and mix your own chemical reactions.
Learn MoreSaint Rose Summer Academy for Youth: Science and Technology
Hands on activities focusing on a variety of themes including: forensics, landscape architecture, web design and more.
Learn MoreScience's Next Wave
Collection of resources for the "next generation of scientists" including information on job market news, career transitions, career and job hunting advice, family-career issues, women in science, research and the latest emerging fields in science.
Learn MoreSimons Summer Research Program
The Simons Summer Research Program gives academically talented, motivated high school students who are between their junior and senior years the opportunity to engage in hands-on research in science, math or engineering at Stony Brook University.
Learn MoreSummer Academy for Youth: Explore a Dynamic Frontier (Week 5)
Hands-on activities focusing on a variety of themes including: forensics, landscape architecture, web design and more.
Learn MoreSummer at RPI: Whodunit? The Science of Crime Scenes
This is two-week day camp provides middle school students an introduction to forensic science. Through class room lessons, hands-on laboratory exercises, field trips, and relevant guest speakers, students will learn the science behind crime scene investigations. This program is intended for students who have no prior experience with forensic science, but have an interest in learning about the topic.
Learn MoreSummer at RPI: Why Plastics?
The Why Plastics? program is a sponsor funded program that provides hands-on science education, career development training, and enrichment activities to students from local and national school districts. The chemistry lessons involve hands-on experiments, computer activities and written exercises. Mentoring and workshops are led by Rensselaer faculty, students, staff, and local professionals.
Learn MoreSyracuse University Summer College Forensic Science Program
Summer College Forensic Science program is intended to provide an introduction to understanding the science behind crime detection. Topics included are blood analysis, organic and inorganic evidence analysis, microscopic investigations, hair analysis, DNA, forensic psychology, drug chemistry and toxicology, fiber comparisons, paints, glass compositions and fragmentation, fingerprints, soil comparisons and arson investigations, among others.
Learn MoreUnion College: FivePoints
FivePoints is Union College's premier summer academic program for rising 8th to 12th grade boys and girls. Forensic Science,one of seven course choices, is a multidisciplinary enterprise which incorporates the basic principles of biology, chemistry and physics.
Learn MoreUniversity of Rochester: Summer Research Program for High School Teachers
The primary focus of this program is full-time, hands-on research. Each teacher will be a working member of a specific research team in the Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Chemical Engineering Departments. A stipend and housing are provided for teachers.
Learn MoreWhat Do You Like?
What Do You Like provides introductory career information for students in Grades 4-8. The occupations on the site are categorized according to interests and hobbies common among students. Math, science and technology are included.
Learn MoreWhat Interests You?
What Interests You provides introductory career information for students in Grades 4-8. The occupations on the site are categorized according to interests and hobbies common among students. Math, science and technology are included.
Learn MoreWhy Plastics, Grades K-6, 7-12
The goal of this hands-on science program is to ensure that some of the students who participate will choose scientific research as their career, thereby increasing the scientific participation and contribution of historically underrepresented groups.
Learn More