Science & ResearchISCO 2113
Chemist
Chemists perform laboratory research by testing and analysing the chemical structure of substances.They translate the research results into industrial production processes which are further used in the development or improvement of products. Chemists are also testing the quality of the manufactured products and their environmental impact.
Check yourself in a minute: chemist
Rate 5 of the 52 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
manage research data
advise on chemical use reduction
use chromatography software
interact professionally in research and professional environments
disseminate results to the scientific community
About chemist
As a chemist, you will conduct sophisticated laboratory research to analyze and understand the chemical structure and properties of substances, translating your findings into practical industrial applications and product improvements. Your work involves designing experiments, operating specialized laboratory equipment, and using advanced analytical techniques such as chromatography to test and analyze compounds. Beyond research, you are responsible for evaluating the quality of manufactured products, assessing their environmental impact, and advising on strategies to reduce chemical use and promote sustainable practices. You will document your findings meticulously, draft scientific papers and technical documentation, and communicate your results to the scientific community and industry stakeholders. This role combines rigorous scientific methodology with practical problem-solving, making you instrumental in developing safer, more efficient products across pharmaceuticals, materials, environmental remediation, and other industries.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a chemist.
1
Laboratory Research and Analysis
- Perform analytical chemistry tests and analyze chemical substances to understand their properties and composition
- Design and conduct laboratory experiments using scientific research methodology and best practices
- Use chromatography software and specialized analytical instruments to test chemical compounds
- Measure and document experimental results with precision and accuracy
2
Data Management and Documentation
- Manage research data using appropriate systems and maintain detailed laboratory records
- Draft scientific and academic papers documenting research methodologies, results, and conclusions
- Create technical documentation for industrial processes and product specifications
3
Process Development and Translation
- Translate chemical research findings and formulae into practical industrial production processes
- Develop and optimize chemical processes for manufacturing to improve efficiency and reduce costs
- Conduct oxidation studies and evaluate reaction mechanisms for process improvement
4
Quality Control and Environmental Assessment
- Test the quality of manufactured products through chemical analysis and testing procedures
- Evaluate the environmental impact of chemical products and manufacturing processes
- Apply green chemistry principles to develop safer, more sustainable chemical processes
- Advise on strategies for reducing chemical use and promoting environmental compliance
5
Scientific Communication and Collaboration
- Disseminate research results to the scientific community through publications and presentations
- Interact professionally in research environments and collaborate with scientific colleagues
- Speak different languages to facilitate international scientific communication and collaboration
6
Technical Knowledge and Continuous Learning
- Maintain comprehensive knowledge of inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and analytical methods
- Study scientific literature and stay current with advances in chemistry and related fields
- Operate open source software and specialized laboratory information systems
- Evaluate research activities and demonstrate disciplinary expertise in your field
Key skills in this occupation
Essential skills and knowledge areas from the European ESCO classification, 52 in total. The ones most specific to this occupation come first.
- manage research data
Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods.
practical skill - advise on chemical use reduction
Provide advice to reduce the use of chemicals such as pesticides, the emissions of various chemical substances to limit their impact on the environment, as well as shorten their risk for people.
practical skill - use chromatography software
Use the chromatography data system software which collects and analyses the chromatography detectors results.
practical skill - interact professionally in research and professional environments
Show consideration to others as well as collegiality.
practical skillresilient to AI - disseminate results to the scientific community
Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.
practical skill - operate open source software
Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.
practical skill - speak different languages
Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.
practical skill - analyse chemical substances
Study and test chemical sustances to analyse their composition and characteristics.
practical skill
Check which of these skills you already have ↑
Knowledge (8)
physics
The natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions. More →
oxidation
Oxidation and reduction are chemical processes characterised in terms of oxygen, hydrogen or electrons transfer that occurs during a reaction between a molecule, atom or ion. More →
green chemistry
The process of creating chemical products that diminish or cancel the negative impact on the environment caused by the use of hazardous substances. More →
inorganic chemistry
The chemistry of substances that do not contain hydrocarbon radicals. More →
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. More →
scientific literature
The medium of informing the scientific community, including academic researchers, about the results of scientific research. More →
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. More →
analytical chemistry
Instruments and methods used to separate, identify and quantify matter-the chemical components of natural and artificial materials and solutions. More →
Practical skills (36)
evaluate research activities
Review proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review. More →
increase the impact of science on policy and society
Influence evidence-informed policy and decision making by providing scientific input to and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders. More →
manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data
Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary. More →
apply for research funding
Identify key relevant funding sources and prepare research grant application in order to obtain funds and grants. More →
run laboratory simulations
Run simulations on prototypes, systems or newly developed chemical products using laboratory equipment. More →
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. More →
apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. More →
promote open innovation in research
Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation. More →
write technical reports
Compose technical customer reports understandable for people without technical background. More →
promote the transfer of knowledge
Deploy broad awareness of processes of knowledge valorisation aimed to maximise the two–way flow of technology, intellectual property, expertise and capability between the research base and industry or the public sector. More →
mentor individuals
Mentor individuals by providing emotional support, sharing experiences and giving advice to the individual to help them in their personal development, as well as adapting the support to the specific needs of the… More →
manage personal professional development
Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. More →
apply liquid chromatography
Apply the knowledge of polymer characterization and liquid chromatography in the development of new products. More →
develop professional network with researchers and scientists
Develop alliances, contacts or partnerships, and exchange information with others. More →
integrate gender dimension in research
Take into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender). More →
perform project management
Manage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific goal within a set… More →
manage open publications
Be familiar with Open Publication strategies, with the use of information technology to support research, and with the development and management of CRIS (current research information systems) and institutional… More →
synthesise information
Critically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources. More →
conduct research across disciplines
Work and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries. More →
use personal protection equipment
Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. More →
demonstrate disciplinary expertise
Demonstrate deep knowledge and complex understanding of a specific research area, including responsible research, research ethics and scientific integrity principles, privacy and GDPR requirements, related to research… More →
document analysis results
Document on paper or on electronic devices the process and the results of the samples analysis performed. More →
test chemical samples
Perform the testing procedures on the already prepared chemical samples, by using the necessary equipment and materials. More →
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. More →
think abstractly
Demonstrate the ability to use concepts in order to make and understand generalisations, and relate or connect them to other items, events, or experiences. More →
translate formulae into processes
Translate, by means of computer models and simulations, the specific laboratory formulae and findings into production processes. More →
publish academic research
Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal… More →
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. More →
manage chemical testing procedures
Manage the procedures to be used in chemical testing by designing them and conducting tests accordingly. More →
use chemical analysis equipment
Use the laboratory equipment such as Atomic Absorption equimpent, PH and conductivity meters or salt spray chambre. More →
write scientific publications
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication. More →
apply scientific methods
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. More →
perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations. More →
draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation
Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects. More →
communicate with a non-scientific audience
Communicate about scientific findings to a non-scientific audience, including the general public. More →
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. More →
Optional skills (39) — show
good manufacturing practices
Regulatory requirements and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) applied in the relevant manufacturing sector. More →
solid-state chemistry
Field of science, also called materials chemistry, studying the properties, synthesis and structure of materials, mostly inorganic, in the solid phase. More →
biological chemistry
Biological chemistry is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC. More →
analytical methods in biomedical sciences
The various research, mathematical or analytical methods used in biomedical sciences. More →
nuclear medicine
Nuclear medicine is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC. More →
types of fuels
Types of fuel available on the market such as petrol, diesel, bio-fuel, etc. More →
pharmaceutical drug development
Drug manufacturing phases: pre-clinical phase (research and tests on animals), clinical phase (clinical trials on humans) and the sub-phases required to obtain as an end product a pharmaceutical drug. More →
organic chemistry
The chemistry of compounds and substances containing carbon. More →
pharmacology
Pharmacology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC. More →
nuclear energy
The generation of electrical energy through the use of nuclear reactors, by converting the energy released from nuclei of atoms in reactors which generate heat. More →
CAE software
The software to perform computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis tasks such as Finite Element Analysis and Computional Fluid Dynamics. More →
polymer chemistry
Subfield of chemistry studying the synthesis, properties and modification of natural and artificial polymers, chemical materials composed of macromolecules. More →
types of plastic
Types of plastic materials and their chemical composition, physical properties, possible issues and usage cases. More →
pharmaceutical chemistry
The chemical aspects of identification and synthetic alteration of chemical entities as they relate to therapeutic use. More →
toxicology
The negative effects of chemicals on living organisms, their dose and exposure. More →
cosmetics industry
Suppliers, products and brands in the cosmetic industry. More →
customer relationship management
The customer-oriented management approach and basic principles of successful customer relations that focus on interactions with customers such as technical support, customer services, after-sales support and direct… More →
alternative fuels
Fuels or power sources that serve, at least partly, as a substitute in the traditional energy supply to transport such as oil and fossil sources. More →
follow procedures to control substances hazardous to health
Adhere to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) procedures for activities that involve hazardous substances, such as bacteria, allergens, waste oil, paint or brake fluids that result in illness or injury. More →
develop new food products
Conduct experiments, produce sample products, and perform research as part of new food product development (NPD). More →
dispose of hazardous waste
Dispose of dangerous materials such as chemical or radioactive substances according to environmental and to health and safety regulations. More →
conduct quality control analysis
Conduct inspections and tests of services, processes, or products to evaluate quality. More →
formulate cosmetic products
Formulate and design complex cosmetic products from concept to finish. More →
communicate with external laboratories
Communicate with the external analytical laboratories in order to manage the required external testing process. More →
collect samples for analysis
Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis. More →
teach in academic or vocational contexts
Instruct students in the theory and practice of academic or vocational subjects, transferring the content of own and others' research activities. More →
oversee quality control
Monitor and assure the quality of the provided goods or services by overseeing that all the factors of the production meet quality requirements. More →
follow nuclear plant safety precautions
Comply with nuclear power plant safety procedures, policies and legislation to ensure a safe working environment for all employees, and to ensure the safety of the public. More →
develop scientific theories
Formulate scientific theories based on empirical observations, gathered data and theories of other scientists. More →
perform physico-chemical analysis to food materials
Performs a range of physical and chemical analysis to food materials in order to assess their quality. More →
develop scientific research protocols
Develop and record the procedural method used for a specific scientific experiment in order to enable its replication. More →
archive scientific documentation
Store documents such as protocols, analysis results and scientific data using archiving systems to enable scientists and engineers to take methods and results from previous studies into account for their research. More →
apply blended learning
Be familiar with blended learning tools by combining traditional face-to-face and online learning, using digital tools, online technologies, and e-learning methods. More →
execute feasibility study on hydrogen
Perform the evaluation and assessment of the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel. More →
assist scientific research
Assist engineers or scientists with conducting experiments, performing analysis, developing new products or processes, constructing theory, and quality control. More →
use IT tools
Application of computers, computer networks and other information technologies and equipment to storing, retrieving, transmitting and manipulating data, in the context of a business or enterprise. More →
nuclear physics
Field of physics in which protons and neutrons and their interactions inside atoms are analysed. More →
radiation effects on human body
The way specific body parts are more specifically affected by exposure to different types of radiation sources. More →
provide technical expertise
Provide expert knowledge in a particular field, especially concerning mechanical or scientific subjects, to decision makers, engineers, technical staff or journalists. More →
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a chemist do?
Chemists perform laboratory research by testing and analysing the chemical structure of substances.They translate the research results into industrial production processes which are further used in the development or improvement of products. Chemists are also testing the quality of the manufactured products and their environmental impact.
What skills does a chemist need?
A chemist needs 52 essential skills, including physics, oxidation, green chemistry, inorganic chemistry, draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation.
Will AI replace chemist jobs?
The AI disruption score for chemist is 26/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: types of fuels, archive scientific documentation, document analysis results. Most resilient: mentor individuals, interact professionally in research and professional environments, develop professional network with researchers and scientists.
AI Replacement Risk
26/ 100
Low Risk
Low riskHigh risk
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