What does a Laboratory Chemist do?
Laboratory Chemists are licensed scientists who work with chemicals. They are usually found in academic institutions or research facilities. Laboratory Chemists create experiments based on the needs of the institution or company. They mix different chemicals to make the desired results. They would also analyze compounds borne out of the different mixtures and record their observations. They tabulate the results and present these to the body. Laboratory Chemists should have good organization skills. They should be able to document their experiments properly. This would help the company and future researchers.
Laboratory chemist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real laboratory chemist resumes:
- Test developmental compounds to ASTM standards and manage certification submissions.
- Perform testing on BioGlue components, titration - uv-vis - gel electrophoresis, and FTIR examination of incoming raw materials.
- Develop and execute HPLC, UV and dissolution test methods for non-routine raw materials and finish products.
- Conduct raw material analyses, perform tests using FTIR and GC instrumentation, develop policies and procedures, conduct trouble shooting.
- Include GPC, GC-MS, FTIR, NMR and others
- Participate in all kind of audit like ISO 17025, ISO 18001, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
- Train in control GMP working environment.
- Train new employees under ISO certification standards.
- Supervise purchase and implementation of GC instrument for NOACK volatility test.
- Finalize results to be report to customers (publishes in LIMS).
- Conduct analysis of drug compounds using chemical processes such as; HPLC and TLC to determine compound purity.
- Establish and oversee formal laboratory programs to effectively comply with EPA, NPDES, AWWA and other government agencies.
- Conduct daily analysis on coating weights, boiler chemistry, cooling tower chemistry, microbial testing, and performing titration.
- Research and development of various biodegradable polymers under GLP guidelines.
- Follow EPA guidelines for quality control and calibration of instrumentation.
Laboratory chemist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Laboratory Chemists are proficient in Lab Equipment, Chromatography, and Analytical Methods. They’re also known for soft skills such as Math skills, Organizational skills, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Laboratory Chemists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Lab Equipment, 8%
Developed and authored Standard Operating Procedures for lab equipment operation, reagent preparation and test procedures.
- Chromatography, 5%
Reported, interpreted GC/MS chromatography data, and alerted superiors on changing system contaminant levels.
- Analytical Methods, 5%
Evaluated the purity of proposed USP reference standards using a variety of analytical methods in the Reference Standards Laboratory.
- Laboratory Procedures, 5%
Worked with supervisor to generate guidelines and training spreadsheets for laboratory procedures.
- Sample Preparation, 4%
End of year project completion, responsible for the sample preparation, the running and data collection for two projects.
- Wet Chemistry, 4%
Performed chrome and nickel analysis on client electroplating baths using wet chemistry and HPLC following company guidelines.
"lab equipment," "chromatography," and "analytical methods" are among the most common skills that laboratory chemists use at work. You can find even more laboratory chemist responsibilities below, including:
Math skills. One of the key soft skills for a laboratory chemist to have is math skills. You can see how this relates to what laboratory chemists do because "chemists and materials scientists regularly use calculus, algebra, statistics, and other math for calculations." Additionally, a laboratory chemist resume shows how laboratory chemists use math skills: "participated in team involving r&d; experiments, qualitative and quantitative analysis, extraction, distillation and titration. "
Organizational skills. Another essential skill to perform laboratory chemist duties is organizational skills. Laboratory chemists responsibilities require that "chemists and materials scientists must document processes carefully when conducting experiments, tracking outcomes, and analyzing results." Laboratory chemists also use organizational skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "well versed in implementing standard operating procedures, organizational policies, and analytical methodologies accurately and consistently. "
Problem-solving skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of laboratory chemists is problem-solving skills. This skill is critical to many everyday laboratory chemist duties, as "chemists’ and materials scientists’ work involves posing questions during research and finding answers through results." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "performed different analyses like hplc, gc, dissolution, particle size and wet chemistry. "
Time-management skills. laboratory chemist responsibilities often require "time-management skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "chemists and materials scientists usually need to meet deadlines and must be able to prioritize tasks while maintaining quality." This resume example shows what laboratory chemists do with time-management skills on a typical day: "worked to ensure timely and accurate testing of apis in a gmp facility in order to meet production and customer deadlines. "
Analytical skills. A commonly-found skill in laboratory chemist job descriptions, "analytical skills" is essential to what laboratory chemists do. Laboratory chemist responsibilities rely on this skill because "chemists and materials scientists need to evaluate the results of experiments to ensure accuracy in their research." You can also see how laboratory chemist duties rely on analytical skills in this resume example: "compiled data for fda submission. "
Communication skills. Another skill commonly found on laboratory chemist job descriptions is "communication skills." It can come up quite often in laboratory chemist duties, since "chemists and materials scientists must be able to convey information clearly in reports and presentations for both technical and nontechnical audiences." Here's an example from a resume of how this skill fits into day-to-day laboratory chemist responsibilities: "conduct osha hazard communication and dot hazard materials training to all facility chemists. "
The three companies that hire the most laboratory chemists are:
- Clean Harbors12 laboratory chemists jobs
- Harsco11 laboratory chemists jobs
- Eurofins5 laboratory chemists jobs
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Compare different laboratory chemists
Laboratory 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.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, laboratory chemist responsibilities require skills like "chromatography," "laboratory procedures," "wet chemistry," and "lims." Meanwhile a typical assistant research scientist has skills in areas such as "research projects," "data collection," "cell culture," and "chemistry." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Assistant research scientists tend to make the most money working in the education industry, where they earn an average salary of $71,080. In contrast, laboratory chemists make the biggest average salary, $80,689, in the manufacturing industry.assistant research scientists tend to reach higher levels of education than laboratory chemists. In fact, assistant research scientists are 5.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 14.4% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Laboratory chemist vs. Research technician
A research technician is responsible for assisting in research studies and laboratory experiments. Research technicians operate laboratory tools and equipment, process data for experiments, collect samples for study, analyze existing research materials, analyze experiment results, manage inventories and stock supplies, record observations, and create reports for further examination. A research technician must have strong analytical and scientific knowledge, as well as a passion for research writing and investigations crucial for this kind of industry.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real laboratory chemist resumes. While laboratory chemist responsibilities can utilize skills like "chromatography," "analytical methods," "laboratory procedures," and "wet chemistry," research technicians use skills like "patients," "data collection," "cell culture," and "laboratory equipment."
Research technicians may earn a lower salary than laboratory chemists, but research technicians earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $51,020. On the other hand, laboratory chemists receive higher pay in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $80,689.research technicians earn similar levels of education than laboratory chemists in general. They're 0.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 14.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Laboratory Chemists in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Betsy Smith
Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Elmira College
Laboratory 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.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, laboratory chemists are more likely to have skills like "chromatography," "analytical methods," "laboratory procedures," and "sample preparation." But a research and development assistant is more likely to have skills like "data entry," "laboratory equipment," "data collection," and "assist r."
Research and development assistants make a very good living in the health care industry with an average annual salary of $71,587. On the other hand, laboratory chemists are paid the highest salary in the manufacturing industry, with average annual pay of $80,689.research and development assistants typically earn similar educational levels compared to laboratory chemists. Specifically, they're 3.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.5% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Laboratory 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 laboratory chemist
Updated January 8, 2025
