Science & ResearchScience and engineering professionalsISCO 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.
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
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (52)
analytical chemistryanalytical chemistryInstruments and methods used to separate, identify and quantify matter-the chemical components of natural and artificial materials and solutions.physicsphysicsThe natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.scientific literaturescientific literatureThe medium of informing the scientific community, including academic researchers, about the results of scientific research. It constitutes a permanent and cumulative collection of all the findings of ...oxidationoxidationOxidation 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.laboratory techniqueslaboratory techniquesTechniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.green chemistrygreen chemistryThe process of creating chemical products that diminish or cancel the negative impact on the environment caused by the use of hazardous substances. It follows all the phases of chemical product genera...inorganic chemistryinorganic chemistryThe chemistry of substances that do not contain hydrocarbon radicals.scientific research methodologyscientific research methodologyThe theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationdraft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationDraft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.manage research datamanage research dataProduce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be fami...advise on chemical use reductionadvise on chemical use reductionProvide 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. Keep ...translate formulae into processestranslate formulae into processesTranslate, by means of computer models and simulations, the specific laboratory formulae and findings into production processes.use chromatography softwareuse chromatography softwareUse the chromatography data system software which collects and analyses the chromatography detectors results.interact professionally in research and professional environmentsinteract professionally in research and professional environmentsShow consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.disseminate results to the scientific communitydisseminate results to the scientific communityPublicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.operate open source softwareoperate open source softwareOperate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.speak different languagesspeak different languagesMaster foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.analyse chemical substancesanalyse chemical substancesStudy and test chemical sustances to analyse their composition and characteristics.evaluate research activitiesevaluate research activitiesReview proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.demonstrate disciplinary expertisedemonstrate disciplinary expertiseDemonstrate deep knowledge and complex understanding of a specific research area, including responsible research, research ethics and scientific integrity principles, privacy and GDPR requirements, re...develop chemical productsdevelop chemical productsResearch and create new chemicals and plastics used in the production of a variety of goods such as pharmaceuticals, textile, building materials and household products.increase the impact of science on policy and societyincrease the impact of science on policy and societyInfluence evidence-informed policy and decision making by providing scientific input to and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders.manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable datamanage findable accessible interoperable and reusable dataProduce, 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 necessar...perform scientific researchperform scientific researchGain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.use personal protection equipmentuse personal protection equipmentMake use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.apply for research fundingapply for research fundingIdentify key relevant funding sources and prepare research grant application in order to obtain funds and grants. Write research proposals.run laboratory simulationsrun laboratory simulationsRun simulations on prototypes, systems or newly developed chemical products using laboratory equipment.apply safety procedures in laboratoryapply safety procedures in laboratoryMake 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.document analysis resultsdocument analysis resultsDocument on paper or on electronic devices the process and the results of the samples analysis performed.apply scientific methodsapply scientific methodsApply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.calibrate laboratory equipmentcalibrate laboratory equipmentCalibrate 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....apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesapply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesApply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsi...promote open innovation in researchpromote open innovation in researchApply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.write technical reportswrite technical reportsCompose technical customer reports understandable for people without technical background.publish academic researchpublish academic researchConduct 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 achiev...promote the transfer of knowledgepromote the transfer of knowledgeDeploy 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 o...think abstractlythink abstractlyDemonstrate the ability to use concepts in order to make and understand generalisations, and relate or connect them to other items, events, or experiences.mentor individualsmentor individualsMentor 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 n...manage personal professional developmentmanage personal professional developmentTake responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional developmen...test chemical samplestest chemical samplesPerform 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 schem...manage chemical testing proceduresmanage chemical testing proceduresManage the procedures to be used in chemical testing by designing them and conducting tests accordingly.apply liquid chromatographyapply liquid chromatographyApply the knowledge of polymer characterization and liquid chromatography in the development of new products.write scientific publicationswrite scientific publicationsPresent the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.use chemical analysis equipmentuse chemical analysis equipmentUse the laboratory equipment such as Atomic Absorption equimpent, PH and conductivity meters or salt spray chambre.develop professional network with researchers and scientistsdevelop professional network with researchers and scientistsDevelop alliances, contacts or partnerships, and exchange information with others. Foster integrated and open collaborations where different stakeholders co-create shared value research and innovation...integrate gender dimension in researchintegrate gender dimension in researchTake into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).perform project managementperform project managementManage 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 g...manage open publicationsmanage open publicationsBe 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 ins...prepare chemical samplesprepare chemical samplesPrepare 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.synthesise informationsynthesise informationCritically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.conduct research across disciplinesconduct research across disciplinesWork and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries.communicate with a non-scientific audiencecommunicate with a non-scientific audienceCommunicate about scientific findings to a non-scientific audience, including the general public. Tailor the communication of scientific concepts, debates, findings to the audience, using a variety of...
Optional (39)
good manufacturing practicesgood manufacturing practicesRegulatory requirements and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) applied in the relevant manufacturing sector.solid-state chemistrysolid-state chemistryField of science, also called materials chemistry, studying the properties, synthesis and structure of materials, mostly inorganic, in the solid phase.biological chemistrybiological chemistryBiological chemistry is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.analytical methods in biomedical sciencesanalytical methods in biomedical sciencesThe various research, mathematical or analytical methods used in biomedical sciences.nuclear medicinenuclear medicineNuclear medicine is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.types of fuelstypes of fuelsTypes of fuel available on the market such as petrol, diesel, bio-fuel, etc.pharmaceutical drug developmentpharmaceutical drug developmentDrug 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.organic chemistryorganic chemistryThe chemistry of compounds and substances containing carbon.pharmacologypharmacologyPharmacology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.nuclear energynuclear energyThe generation of electrical energy through the use of nuclear reactors, by converting the energy released from nuclei of atoms in reactors which generate heat. This heat subsequently generates steam ...CAE softwareCAE softwareThe software to perform computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis tasks such as Finite Element Analysis and Computional Fluid Dynamics.polymer chemistrypolymer chemistrySubfield of chemistry studying the synthesis, properties and modification of natural and artificial polymers, chemical materials composed of macromolecules.types of plastictypes of plasticTypes of plastic materials and their chemical composition, physical properties, possible issues and usage cases.pharmaceutical chemistrypharmaceutical chemistryThe chemical aspects of identification and synthetic alteration of chemical entities as they relate to therapeutic use. The way various chemicals affect biological systems and how they can be integrat...toxicologytoxicologyThe negative effects of chemicals on living organisms, their dose and exposure.cosmetics industrycosmetics industrySuppliers, products and brands in the cosmetic industry.customer relationship managementcustomer relationship managementThe 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 supp...alternative fuelsalternative fuelsFuels or power sources that serve, at least partly, as a substitute in the traditional energy supply to transport such as oil and fossil sources. They have the potential to contribute to decarbonisati...follow procedures to control substances hazardous to healthfollow procedures to control substances hazardous to healthAdhere 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 i...develop new food productsdevelop new food productsConduct experiments, produce sample products, and perform research as part of new food product development (NPD).dispose of hazardous wastedispose of hazardous wasteDispose of dangerous materials such as chemical or radioactive substances according to environmental and to health and safety regulations.conduct quality control analysisconduct quality control analysisConduct inspections and tests of services, processes, or products to evaluate quality.formulate cosmetic productsformulate cosmetic productsFormulate and design complex cosmetic products from concept to finish.communicate with external laboratoriescommunicate with external laboratoriesCommunicate with the external analytical laboratories in order to manage the required external testing process.collect samples for analysiscollect samples for analysisCollect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.teach in academic or vocational contextsteach in academic or vocational contextsInstruct students in the theory and practice of academic or vocational subjects, transferring the content of own and others' research activities.oversee quality controloversee quality controlMonitor and assure the quality of the provided goods or services by overseeing that all the factors of the production meet quality requirements. Supervise product inspection and testing.follow nuclear plant safety precautionsfollow nuclear plant safety precautionsComply 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.develop scientific theoriesdevelop scientific theoriesFormulate scientific theories based on empirical observations, gathered data and theories of other scientists.perform physico-chemical analysis to food materialsperform physico-chemical analysis to food materialsPerforms a range of physical and chemical analysis to food materials in order to assess their quality.develop scientific research protocolsdevelop scientific research protocolsDevelop and record the procedural method used for a specific scientific experiment in order to enable its replication.archive scientific documentationarchive scientific documentationStore 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 th...apply blended learningapply blended learningBe familiar with blended learning tools by combining traditional face-to-face and online learning, using digital tools, online technologies, and e-learning methods.execute feasibility study on hydrogenexecute feasibility study on hydrogenPerform the evaluation and assessment of the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel. Compare costs, technologies and available sources to produce, transport and store hydrogen. Take into account the e...assist scientific researchassist scientific researchAssist engineers or scientists with conducting experiments, performing analysis, developing new products or processes, constructing theory, and quality control.use IT toolsuse IT toolsApplication 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.nuclear physicsnuclear physicsField of physics in which protons and neutrons and their interactions inside atoms are analysed.radiation effects on human bodyradiation effects on human bodyThe way specific body parts are more specifically affected by exposure to different types of radiation sources.provide technical expertiseprovide technical expertiseProvide expert knowledge in a particular field, especially concerning mechanical or scientific subjects, to decision makers, engineers, technical staff or journalists.
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Quick Facts
SectorScience & Research
ISCO GroupScience and engineering professionals
Essential Skills52
Core Skills0