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

Feb 22, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Chemical Analytical Technician is a vital occupation in the sciences as they are responsible for analyzing chemical samples and providing detailed reports on their findings. This is done by utilizing sophisticated laboratory equipment and instruments, such as Gas Chromatography (GC), High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Mass Spectrometry (MS), and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). By doing so, the technician is able to identify and quantify the composition of a chemical sample.

The accuracy of their results is essential for research, quality control, and health & safety purposes. Inaccurate results can lead to costly errors, so the technician must be highly knowledgeable and precise in their work. As an incentive for accuracy, the technician is usually rewarded with higher wages.

This makes the position of Chemical Analytical Technician an attractive one for many people in the sciences.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. In order to become a chemical analytical technician, most employers require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Enroll in an associate's degree program in a related field. Many community colleges and technical schools offer associate's degree programs in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field. Completing this type of program can help increase your chances of getting hired as a chemical analytical technician.
Complete an internship or volunteer experience. Many employers prefer to hire applicants who have prior experience working in a laboratory setting. If you cant find an internship, consider volunteering at a local research facility to gain some hands-on experience.
Apply for entry-level jobs as a chemical analytical technician. Check job boards or contact your local universities to see if they are hiring.
Participate in continuing education courses and workshops. Most employers expect chemical analytical technicians to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and advancements in the field. Consider taking continuing education courses or attending workshops to stay competitive.
Consider earning certification in your area of expertise. Depending on your specialty and the type of work you do, there may be certifications available to help you stand out from other applicants.

As a Chemical Analytical Technician, it is important to stay updated and efficient. One way to do this is to continually read and research the latest developments in the field. Keeping up with the latest technology, software, and equipment can help ensure that you are able to complete accurate and timely analyses.

staying organized and taking notes during training sessions can help ensure that you are able to quickly recall the information when needed. Finally, maintaining good communication with colleagues and supervisors can help ensure that any new information is shared in a timely manner. By actively engaging in these activities, Chemical Analytical Technicians can remain updated and efficient.

You may want to check Chemical Research Scientist, Chemical Process Safety Engineer, and Chemical Plant Operator for alternative.

Job Description

Collect samples from production lines and conduct routine laboratory tests.
Analyze test results and data, and prepare detailed technical reports.
Collaborate with production staff to monitor chemical processes and ensure safety guidelines are followed.
Monitor chemical inventories and order chemicals as needed.
Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, including spectrometers, chromatographs, and other chemical analysis instruments.
Perform chemical calibrations, calibrate laboratory instruments, and troubleshoot instrument problems.
Develop and validate chemical testing protocols to ensure accuracy of results.
Train new technicians in laboratory safety procedures and testing techniques.
Participate in chemical process improvement projects.
Assist in the development of new quality control procedures for laboratory testing.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and procedures
Proficient in the use of laboratory instruments and equipment
Ability to accurately interpret and analyze data
Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues
Knowledge of standard chemical analysis techniques
Knowledge of sample preparation techniques
Ability to maintain accurate laboratory records
Ability to work well independently and as part of a team
Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
Attention to detail and accuracy

Chemical Analytical Technicians are responsible for performing a variety of tests and analyses to ensure the quality and accuracy of particular substances or products. As such, the most important skill for a Chemical Analytical Technician to have is attention to detail. Analyzing samples requires a great deal of precision, accuracy and attention to detail, and any small mistake can lead to inaccurate results.

Furthermore, the ability to interpret data and draw meaningful conclusions is also highly valuable. The technician must be able to understand the data they have collected and make decisions based on it. strong problem solving skills are essential, as technicians must be able to identify and resolve any issues that arise during their analysis.

Finally, good communication skills are also important, as they must be able to effectively communicate their findings to other members of their team. All of these skills are essential for a successful Chemical Analytical Technician.

Chemical Production Technician, Chemical Safety Coordinator, and Chemical Plant Supervisor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What previous experience do you have as a Chemical Analytical Technician?
What challenges have you faced in your experience as a Chemical Analytical Technician?
How do you stay up to date with the latest trends and advancements in the field of chemical analysis?
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a complex issue with a chemical analysis.
What methods of data analysis do you use to draw conclusions from laboratory results?
How do you ensure accuracy and precision when conducting chemical analyses?
What safety protocols do you follow when conducting chemical analyses?
What software do you use to record and analyze data?
How do you ensure the validity of results?
What methods do you use to organize and store laboratory samples?

Common Tools in Industry

Spectroscopy. A technique used to measure the chemical makeup of a sample, using the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter (e. g. infrared spectroscopy).
Gas Chromatography. A technique used to separate and analyze volatile compounds in a sample, by passing them through a column (e. g. gas chromatography-mass spectrometry).
Ion Chromatography. A technique used to separate and analyze ions in a sample, using an ion exchange column (e. g. ion chromatography-mass spectrometry).
Mass Spectrometry. A technique used to identify and measure the mass of individual molecules in a sample (e. g. mass spectrometry-mass spectrometry).
X-Ray Fluorescence. A technique used to analyze the elemental composition of a sample, by measuring the energy given off by x-rays when they interact with matter (e. g. energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy).
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. A technique used to measure the concentration of elements in a sample, by measuring the amount of light absorbed by atoms in the sample (e. g. flame atomic absorption spectroscopy).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Quality (ASQ)
American Chemical Society (ACS)
National Association of Chemical Technicians (NACT)
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)
International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC)
Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC)
International Association for Environmental Analytical Chemistry (IAEAC)
American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA)

We also have Chemical Process Design Engineer, Chemical Regulatory Specialist, and Chemical Plant Process Engineer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Spectroscopy. A technique used to analyze the composition of a sample by examining the way it interacts with light.
Chromatography. A technique used to separate and identify components of a mixture.
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). A technique used to measure the concentrations of elements in a sample by measuring the absorbance of light at specific wavelengths.
Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP). A technique used to measure the concentrations of elements in a sample by measuring the emission of light from an ionized gas.
Mass Spectrometry (MS). A technique used to identify and quantify the components of a sample by measuring the mass-to-charge ratio of ions.
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). A technique used to measure the concentrations of elements in a sample by measuring the intensity of X-rays emitted from an excited sample.
Fluorescence Spectroscopy. A technique used to measure the concentrations of elements in a sample by measuring the intensity of light emitted from an excited sample.
Thermal Analysis. A technique used to assess the physical and chemical properties of a material by measuring its response to increasing or decreasing temperatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Chemical Analytical Technician? A1: A Chemical Analytical Technician is a professional who performs laboratory tests and procedures to analyze samples for chemical composition and other properties. Q2: What kind of sample materials can a Chemical Analytical Technician analyze? A2: A Chemical Analytical Technician can analyze a wide range of sample materials, including biological materials, food products, and environmental samples. Q3: What types of tests and procedures might a Chemical Analytical Technician use? A3: Common tests and procedures used by a Chemical Analytical Technician include titration, spectroscopy, chromatography, and mass spectrometry. Q4: How is data collected and reported by a Chemical Analytical Technician? A4: Data collected by a Chemical Analytical Technician is usually documented in reports that include numerical results and qualitative observations. Q5: What qualifications are required to become a Chemical Analytical Technician? A5: To become a Chemical Analytical Technician, one must typically have an associate degree in chemistry or a related field and experience in laboratory work.