Profession chemist

Chemists conduct research, improve or develop concepts, theories and operational methods, or apply scientific knowledge relating to chemistry, to develop new knowledge or products and for quality and process control.

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Personality Type

• Investigative / Realistic

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Knowledge

• Analytical chemistry

  Instruments and methods used to separate, identify and quanitfy matter - the chemical components of natural and artificial materials and solutions.

• Scientific research methodology

  The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

• Laboratory techniques

  Techniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.

• Physics

  The natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.

• Inorganic chemistry

  The chemistry of substances that do not contain hydrocarbon radicals.

Skills

• Run laboratory simulations

  Run simulations on prototypes, systems or newly developed chemical products using laboratory equipment.

• Apply scientific methods

  Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.

• Translate formulae into processes

  Translate, by means of computer models and simulations, the specific laboratory formulae and findings into production processes.

• Analyse chemical substances

  Study and test chemical sustances to analyse their composition and characteristics.

• Develop chemical products

  Research and create new chemicals and plastics used in the production of a variety of goods such as pharmaceuticals, textile, building materials and household products.

• Think analytically

  Produce thoughts using logic and reasoning in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

• Use a computer

  Utilise computer equipment or digital devices to facilitate quality control, data management, and communication. Follow instructions given by a computer programme, create computer files or documents.

• Use chromatography software

  Use the chromatography data system software which collects and analyses the chromatography detectors results.

• Apply liquid chromatography

  Apply the knowledge of polymer characterization and liquid chromatography in the development of new products.

• Document analysis results

  Document on paper or on electronic devices the process and the results of the samples analysis performed.

• Use chemical analysis equipment

  Use the laboratory equipment such as Atomic Absorption equimpent, PH and conductivity meters or salt spray chambre.

• Prepare chemical samples

  Prepare the specific samples such as gas, liquid or solid samples in order for them to be ready for analysis, labeling and storing samples according to specifications.

• Calibrate laboratory equipment

  Calibrate laboratory equipment by comparing between measurements: one of known magnitude or correctness, made with a trusted device and a second measurement from another piece of laboratory equipment. Make the measurements in as similar a way as possible.

• Write technical reports

  Compose technical customer reports understandable for people without technical background.

• Apply safety procedures in laboratory

  Make sure that laboratory equipment is used in a safe manner and the handling of samples and specimens is correct. Work to ensure the validity of results obtained in research.

• Use personal protection equipment

  Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.

• Manage chemical testing procedures

  Manage the procedures to be used in chemical testing by designing them and conducting tests accordingly.

• Test chemical samples

  Perform the testing procedures on the already prepared chemical samples, by using the necessary equipment and materials. Chemical sample testing involves operations such as pipetting or diluting schemes.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB