What does an associate chemist do?
An Associate Chemist performs and analyzes chemical tests and procedures. They maintain the stock of drugs and ensure that they are stored in a secure place.
Associate chemist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real associate chemist resumes:
- Achieve and maintain ISO 9001-2000 certification by creating and implementing policies and serving as management representative.
- Utilize GC, UV/vis, FT-IR, pH meter, and titration
- Assay ointments and liquids per company test methods and USP procedures.
- Utilize and maintain, TLC, GC, IR, UV/VIS Spectro-photometer and Karl Fischer
- Utilize GC, UV and FTIR spectroscopy for products identification of reaction of o-cresol with nitric acid.
- Operate and maintain analytical instruments such as FTIR, DSC and TGA.
- Perform laboratory analysis according to FCC, USP, and company guidelines.
- Obtain NMR spectra of molecules and assist with the maintenance of the spectrometers.
- Maintain FTIR database for all raw materials, manufacture products, and purchase products.
- Document all laboratory testing through maintenance of accurate, legible records in compliance with all FDA standards.
- Use the LIMS chemical management system to track samples, standards, and stock chemicals; ordering supplies as needed.
- Modify and validate methods used for preparation of formulations and ensure that studies are conducted in compliance with FDA GLP regulations.
- Perform chemical characterization of materials of extractables/leachables by using GC.
- Provide detail observational/experimental written data reports and enter into LIMS database.
- Perform quality control testing of generic pharmaceuticals following standard methods and HPLC.
Associate chemist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 9% of Associate Chemists are proficient in Lab Equipment, HPLC, and Method Development. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Math skills.
We break down the percentage of Associate Chemists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Lab Equipment, 9%
Developed and authored standardized procedures for the operation of lab equipment.
- HPLC, 8%
Supervised technicians for laboratory projects involving HPLC, assay, purity and dissolution.
- Method Development, 6%
Assisted in method development and validation studies ensuring product transfer to Quality Control department.
- Ms, 4%
Interpret NMR, MS, and FTIR for the characterization of isolated products.
- Product Development, 4%
Performed a lot of Reverse Engineering for Product development for either New Formulations or Reformulation of Existing Prototypes.
- Analytical Methods, 4%
Collaborated with Analytical Methods and Development department to develop a work instruction for performing residual solvent analysis of solvent header changeovers.
Most associate chemists use their skills in "lab equipment," "hplc," and "method development" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential associate chemist responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. The most essential soft skill for an associate chemist to carry out their responsibilities is analytical skills. This skill is important for the role because "chemists and materials scientists need to evaluate the results of experiments to ensure accuracy in their research." Additionally, an associate chemist resume shows how their duties depend on analytical skills: "complied to and maintained database and samples for federal drug administration (fda). "
Communication skills. Many associate chemist duties rely on communication skills. "chemists and materials scientists must be able to convey information clearly in reports and presentations for both technical and nontechnical audiences.," so an associate chemist will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways associate chemist responsibilities rely on communication skills: "utilized on a daily basis for data analysis, recording, and timely communication with other departments. "
Math skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of associate chemists is math skills. This skill is critical to many everyday associate chemist duties, as "chemists and materials scientists regularly use calculus, algebra, statistics, and other math for calculations." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "performed experimentation of substances for such purposes as method development, quantitative analysis and improvement the efficiency of analytical methodologies. "
Organizational skills. For certain associate chemist responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "organizational skills." The day-to-day duties of an associate chemist rely on this skill, as "chemists and materials scientists must document processes carefully when conducting experiments, tracking outcomes, and analyzing results." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what associate chemists do: "well versed in implementing standard operating procedures, organizational policies, and analytical methodologies accurately and consistently. "
Problem-solving skills. Another common skill required for associate chemist responsibilities is "problem-solving skills." This skill comes up in the duties of associate chemists all the time, as "chemists’ and materials scientists’ work involves posing questions during research and finding answers through results." An excerpt from a real associate chemist resume shows how this skill is central to what an associate chemist does: "performed testing for multiple clients following cgmp and fda guidelines in assay, ph, and dissolution testing. "
Time-management skills. Another skill commonly found on associate chemist job descriptions is "time-management skills." It can come up quite often in associate chemist duties, since "chemists and materials scientists usually need to meet deadlines and must be able to prioritize tasks while maintaining quality." Here's an example from a resume of how this skill fits into day-to-day associate chemist responsibilities: "submitted test results on time, with efforts cited as instrumental in retaining client business. "
The three companies that hire the most associate chemists are:
- Eurofins21 associate chemists jobs
- Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings18 associate chemists jobs
- Church & Dwight Co.13 associate chemists jobs
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Compare different associate chemists
Associate chemist vs. Quality control coordinator
A quality control coordinator is in charge of organizing and overseeing an organization's quality control procedures, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. They coordinate teams and activities, delegate tasks, conduct audits, set goals, establish guidelines, gather and analyze client feedback, and develop strategies to optimize operations. They must also conduct inspections to ensure the facility's compliance with state laws and standards. Furthermore, a quality control coordinator must monitor the progress of all operations, resolving issues promptly and efficiently while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between associate chemists and quality control coordinator. For instance, associate chemist responsibilities require skills such as "lab equipment," "method development," "ms," and "product development." Whereas a quality control coordinator is skilled in "patients," "gmp," "data entry," and "quality standards." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Quality control coordinators earn the highest salaries when working in the pharmaceutical industry, with an average yearly salary of $69,043. On the other hand, associate chemists are paid more in the energy industry with an average salary of $82,523.The education levels that quality control coordinators earn slightly differ from associate chemists. In particular, quality control coordinators are 1.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an associate chemist. Additionally, they're 0.9% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Associate chemist vs. Research and development assistant
A research and development assistant is responsible for supporting the research team in collecting studies and information to support research claims and evaluate data materials. Research and development assistants interview participants, conduct data and statistical analysis, and interpret survey results. They ensure to document all findings and research progress and report any concerns to the research supervisor for immediate resolution. A research and development assistant must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in participating in brainstorming sessions and finalize research subjects as required.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, associate chemist responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "method development," "ms," "analytical methods," and "r." Meanwhile, a research and development assistant has duties that require skills in areas such as "data entry," "laboratory equipment," "data collection," and "assist r." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Research and development assistants may earn a higher salary than associate chemists, but research and development assistants earn the most pay in the health care industry with an average salary of $71,587. On the other hand, associate chemists receive higher pay in the energy industry, where they earn an average salary of $82,523.In general, research and development assistants achieve similar levels of education than associate chemists. They're 4.5% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.9% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for associate chemists in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Betsy Smith
Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Elmira College
Associate chemist vs. Assistant research scientist
An Assistant Research Scientist assists in planning, conducting, and analyzing various research projects. They also order and manage lab inventory, materials, and equipment.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, associate chemists are more likely to have skills like "ms," "product development," "analytical procedures," and "laboratory practices." But a assistant research scientist is more likely to have skills like "research projects," "data collection," "cell culture," and "chemistry."
Assistant research scientists make a very good living in the education industry with an average annual salary of $71,080. On the other hand, associate chemists are paid the highest salary in the energy industry, with average annual pay of $82,523.assistant research scientists typically earn higher educational levels compared to associate chemists. Specifically, they're 5.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 13.9% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Associate chemist vs. Chemical technician
A chemical technician is responsible for supporting chemists and laboratory technicians in performing laboratory investigations and examining chemical components and structures. Chemical technicians ensure the stability of laboratory tools and equipment, performing proper sterilization and segregation of disposable materials, and maintaining the adequacy of inventory. They also record the research progress, including scientific methods, and write observation reports for reference. A chemical technician manages the cleanliness and orderliness of the facility to avoid potential hazards and complications during chemical operations.
Types of associate chemist
Updated January 8, 2025
