How to Be Analytical Chemist Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 18, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Analytical Chemist Technicians are important members of the scientific team who play a crucial role in the laboratory. They are responsible for performing various tests and experiments on materials, analyzing the results and providing feedback to the lead scientist. The outcome of their work has a direct impact on the quality of products, safety of the environment, and accuracy of the research.

By using their technical knowledge and skill, Analytical Chemist Technicians can identify potential problems and provide solutions that can help improve the overall efficiency of the laboratory. they are also responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the data they collect and analyze. As such, their work is essential in driving scientific advancement and discovery.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. A bachelors degree in chemistry, biochemistry or a related field is the first step to becoming an analytical chemist technician. During your studies, you should take courses in analytical chemistry, organic and physical chemistry, and mathematics.
Gain Work Experience. Many employers prefer applicants with prior laboratory experience. You can gain experience by interning or working as a research assistant in a laboratory.
Complete On-the-Job Training. Most analytical chemist technician positions require on-the-job training. During this training, you will learn how to use laboratory equipment, laboratory safety protocols and data analysis techniques.
Become Certified. Certification is not required to become an analytical chemist technician, but it may give you an edge in the job market. The American Chemical Society (ACS) offers a certification program for analytical chemists. To become certified, you must pass an exam and have three years of experience in the field.
Advance Your Career. With experience, you may be able to advance your career by becoming an analytical chemist or laboratory supervisor.

In order to stay ahead and competent as an Analytical Chemist Technician, it is important to stay up to date on the latest technology, attend educational opportunities such as conferences or seminars, and maintain excellent communication with colleagues. By staying abreast of the latest advancements in the field, an Analytical Chemist Technician can ensure they are utilizing the most efficient methods and processes. Attending educational opportunities can provide the opportunity to network and learn from other experts in the field, as well as expanding their knowledge base.

Furthermore, maintaining strong communication with colleagues can provide invaluable insight into the latest industry trends and techniques. Doing so will not only improve an Analytical Chemist Technicians skillset but also help them stay ahead and remain competitive in their field.

You may want to check Environmental Toxicologist, Environmental Health Scientist, and Drug Metabolism Scientist for alternative.

Job Description

Prepare samples for analysis using various techniques
Perform various chemical tests on samples to determine composition
Utilize analytical instrumentation such as mass spectrometers, chromatographs, and spectrophotometers to analyze samples
Monitor and maintain laboratory equipment
Troubleshoot and repair laboratory equipment
Prepare reports of test results
Maintain laboratory records
Monitor laboratory safety procedures
Collaborate with research scientists and other technicians to complete projects
Perform method development and optimization

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of analytical chemistry principles and practices
Knowledge of chemical laboratory safety procedures
Experience with a variety of laboratory instrumentation and techniques
Ability to accurately identify, measure, and record laboratory results
Ability to troubleshoot and problem solve chemical analysis issues
Knowledge of Quality Control and Good Laboratory Practices
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Computer literacy in Microsoft Office suite
Knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 standards

Analytical Chemist Technicians are critical for any laboratory setting as they are responsible for ensuring accurate and timely results from their chemical analysis. The most important skill for an analytical chemist technician is attention to detail. They must be able to observe chemical reactions and detect subtle changes in the results.

Furthermore, they must be able to understand how chemical reactions can be affected by the presence of impurities, pH levels, and the temperature of the environment. In addition, analytical chemists should have excellent problem-solving skills as they are constantly trying to identify the source of errors or other issues that might arise during their tests. Lastly, they must have excellent communication skills in order to accurately report their findings to other scientists in the laboratory.

All of these skills are critical in order for an analytical chemist technician to succeed in their role.

Neurochemist, Bioremediation Scientist, and Analytical Chemist/Biochemist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How would you describe your experience in analytical chemistry?
What techniques do you use to ensure accuracy and precision in your analytical results?
What challenges have you faced while working in an analytical laboratory?
How do you troubleshoot and resolve instrument malfunctions?
What do you consider to be the most important quality of an analytical chemist technician?
How do you plan and execute experiments in an analytical laboratory?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest developments in analytical chemistry?
What techniques do you use to ensure the safety of yourself, the laboratory, and the environment?
What experience do you have with quality assurance and control in an analytical laboratory?
Describe a project where you had to interpret and apply complex scientific data to solve a problem.

Common Tools in Industry

Spectrometer. Used to analyze the properties of matter, such as the composition and structure of molecules. (eg: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry)
Chromatography. A technique used to separate mixtures into their individual components. (eg: Gas Chromatography)
Thermometers. Devices used to measure temperature. (eg: Digital Thermometers)
Mass Spectrometer. An instrument used to determine the mass of atoms and molecules. (eg: Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer)
pH Meter. A device used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. (eg: Digital pH Meter)
Refractometer. An instrument used to measure the refractive index of liquid or gas. (eg: Abbe Refractometer)
Analytical Balances. A precision instrument used to measure the mass of an object. (eg: Electronic Analytical Balance)
Viscometer. An instrument used to measure the viscosity of a liquid or gas. (eg: Rotational Viscometer)
Spectrophotometer. An instrument used to measure the intensity of light as a function of its wavelength. (eg: UV-Vis Spectrophotometer)
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. A technique used to measure the concentration of elements in a sample. (eg: Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Chemical Society
Royal Society of Chemistry
American Association for Clinical Chemistry
American Society for Mass Spectrometry
Federation of Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy Societies
Association of Official Analytical Chemists
Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry
Society of Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh
Association of Analytical Communities

We also have Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist, Biophysical Chemist, and Biotechnology Researcher jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Chromatography. A separation technique that is used to separate components of a mixture based on their physical and chemical properties.
Spectroscopy. A technique used to measure the energy of electromagnetic radiation to determine the composition of a material.
Mass Spectrometry. A technique used to measure the mass-to-charge ratio of ions in a sample to determine the elemental composition of a material.
pH Meter. A device used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.
Titration. A technique used to measure the concentration of a solute in a solution by adding a known amount of a reagent until a reaction occurs.
Gas Chromatography. A technique used to separate and analyze volatile compounds in a sample.
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. A technique used to measure the concentration of elements in a sample by passing light through the sample and measuring the amount of light absorbed by each element.
Elemental Analysis. The process of determining the elemental composition of a material by analyzing its physical and chemical properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications does an Analytical Chemist Technician need?

Analytical Chemist Technicians typically need an associate's degree in applied science or a related field, such as chemistry or biochemistry.

What type of work does an Analytical Chemist Technician perform?

Analytical Chemist Technicians are responsible for carrying out laboratory experiments, quality control tests, and other laboratory procedures related to the analysis of substances. They also use a variety of laboratory equipment to collect, analyze, and interpret data.

What skills are needed to be an Analytical Chemist Technician?

Analytical Chemist Technicians should have strong problem-solving skills, be detail-oriented, have excellent communication skills, and be able to work independently. They must also be familiar with laboratory safety procedures and be able to follow directions accurately.

What is the salary range of an Analytical Chemist Technician?

The median annual salary for Analytical Chemist Technicians is around $44,000. Salaries can range from $35,000 to $54,000 depending on experience and location.

What type of environment does an Analytical Chemist Technician work in?

Analytical Chemist Technicians typically work in well-equipped laboratories, where they are expected to adhere to safety protocols and ensure accuracy in their work. They may also be required to work with hazardous materials and chemicals.