Profession analytical chemist

Analytical chemists research and describe the chemical composition of substances. Moreover, they draw conclusions related to the behaviour of such substances in different conditions.

Personality Type

• Investigative / Realistic
• Realistic / Investigative

Knowledge

• Chemistry

  The composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk factors, and disposal methods.

• Analytical chemistry

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

• Mathematics

  Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.

• 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.

• 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.

• Statistics

  The study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of data collection in terms of the design of surveys and experiments in order to forecast and plan work-related activities.

• Chemical processes

  The relevant chemical processes used in manufacture, such as purification, seperation, emulgation and dispergation processing.

Skills

• Execute analytical mathematical calculations

  Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.

• Perform laboratory tests

  Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.

• Apply scientific methods

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

• Analyse chemical substances

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

• Handle chemicals

  Safely handle industrial chemicals; use them efficiently and ensure that no harm is done to the environment.

• Use chemical analysis equipment

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

• 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.

• Apply statistical analysis techniques

  Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.

• Perform scientific research

  Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.

• Identify purpose of analysis

  Identify the customer's needs and select the appropriate analysis methods that will fit a specific purpose, such as quality assurance, process development or improvement, production, and scientific research.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB