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

Apr 22, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The use of research chemists has grown significantly in recent years due to the increasing demand for new and improved products. This has been driven by a range of factors, such as the need to create cost-effective solutions, as well as the global trend towards innovation and sustainability. Research chemists are uniquely positioned to take on the challenge of creating and refining new products, as they possess a deep understanding of the science behind chemical interactions.

By leveraging their knowledge, research chemists can identify areas for improvement and create solutions that bring about desired results. The effects of this are far-reaching, with better, more cost-effective products that are more environmentally friendly.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a research chemist is to earn a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a closely related field. During this time, you should take courses in organic and inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, and instrumentation.
Gain Experience. Many research positions require at least two years of experience in a laboratory setting. You can gain experience by working as a laboratory technician or an assistant to an experienced chemist.
Pursue an Advanced Degree. You can increase your knowledge and make yourself more competitive for research chemist positions by pursuing an advanced degree. A master's degree or a PhD in chemistry or a closely related field can be beneficial.
Consider Certification. Certifications are not always required to become a research chemist, but they can demonstrate your knowledge and experience in the field. The American Chemical Society offers several certifications for chemists, including the Certified Chemist and the Certified Professional Chemist.
Obtain Licensure. Some states require chemists to be licensed in order to practice in the field. To become licensed, you must pass an exam administered by the state board of chemistry.
Consider Specializations. You can specialize in a particular area of chemistry such as environmental chemistry, forensic chemistry, or medicinal chemistry. Specialization can help you stand out in the job market and increase your chances of getting a job as a research chemist.

Staying updated and efficient in the field of chemistry requires dedication and commitment. To remain successful, one must stay abreast of the latest research developments, technological advances, and industry trends. Developing a strong network of peers, colleagues, and mentors can provide invaluable insight and resources to keep current.

maintaining an organized workspace and efficient work habits help ensure that tasks are completed quickly and accurately. Finally, taking time to review work and check for accuracy can prevent costly mistakes and ensure that the job is done right. By taking these steps, chemists can ensure that they remain up to date and efficient in their field.

You may want to check Quality Control Chemist, Toxicology Chemist, and Clinical Chemist for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and implement analytical methods for the identification, characterization, and quantification of chemical compounds.
Design and execute experiments to improve the synthesis of new compounds.
Analyze and interpret data to develop new and improved processes and products.
Develop novel chemical processes and technologies.
Write technical reports and publish research results in scientific journals.
Monitor and troubleshoot laboratory operations.
Collaborate with other scientists to solve complex problems.
Participate in safety reviews of chemical processes and products.
Ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards.
Maintain detailed records of experiments, tests, and results.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures
Knowledge of laboratory instruments and equipment
Knowledge of principles and techniques of chemical analysis
Ability to interpret and analyze data
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Ability to multi-task and prioritize work
Excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills
Excellent organizational and communication skills
Proficient in the use of computers, software programs, and spreadsheets
Knowledge of laboratory protocols and procedures

Being a successful research chemist requires a strong knowledge of chemistry, problem solving, and communication skills. Having a deep understanding of the scientific fundamentals of chemistry is essential for formulating experiments and understanding the results. Problem solving skills are needed to troubleshoot issues, develop hypotheses, and analyze data.

Communication skills are also essential, as research chemists must be able to effectively communicate their findings to other researchers and stakeholders. research chemists need to be able to work collaboratively with other scientists to design experiments, collect data, and interpret results. Finally, knowledge of the latest technologies and software tools is important for research chemists to stay up-to-date with their field.

Industrial Chemist, Radiochemist, and Materials Chemist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in research chemistry?
Describe a research project that you have worked on or completed.
What methods do you use to analyze data and results?
What challenges have you faced in research chemistry?
How do you handle working with hazardous materials safely?
What techniques do you use to optimize research processes?
How would you go about troubleshooting an experiment that was not working correctly?
What do you think makes a successful research chemist?
Describe a time when you had to work with a team to complete a research project.
What techniques do you use to communicate your results effectively?

Common Tools in Industry

Gas Chromatography. A tool used to separate and analyze compounds in a sample. (eg: analyzing the composition of essential oils)
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). A technique used to determine the structure of molecules by measuring the response of atoms to a magnetic field. (eg: determining the structure of a newly synthesized compound)
Mass Spectrometry. A tool that measures the mass-to-charge ratio of particles, allowing for the identification and quantification of compounds in a sample. (eg: analyzing the composition of a pharmaceutical drug)
IR Spectroscopy. A technique used to identify functional groups in a compound based on the absorption of infrared light. (eg: identifying the functional groups in an organic compound)
UV-Vis Spectrophotometry. A technique used to measure the absorbance of light in the ultraviolet and visible spectrum, allowing for the determination of concentrations of compounds in a sample. (eg: determining the concentration of an organic solution)
X-Ray Diffraction. A technique used to determine the structure of compounds by analyzing the diffraction of X-rays through the sample. (eg: determining the crystal structure of a protein)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Chemical Society (ACS)
Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC)
American Institute of Chemists (AIC)
Society for Applied Spectroscopy (SAS)
International Society for Analytical Chemistry (ISAC)
International Association for Chemical Thermodynamics (IACT)
American Society for Mass Spectrometry (ASMS)
Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS)

We also have Inorganic Chemist, Pharmaceutical Chemist, and Quality Assurance Chemist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Organic Chemistry. The study of compounds containing carbon and hydrogen atoms, often found in living organisms.
Inorganic Chemistry. The study of compounds that do not contain carbon and hydrogen, such as metals and other elements.
Analytical Chemistry. The study of the composition and structure of matter by measuring its properties.
Physical Chemistry. The study of the physical properties and behavior of matter, such as energy, heat, and phase transitions.
Biochemistry. The study of the chemistry of living things, including metabolism, enzymes, and proteins.
Medicinal Chemistry. The study of drugs and their interactions with the body, including pharmacology and toxicology.
Polymer Chemistry. The study of large molecules made up of repeating units, such as plastics and proteins.
Synthetic Chemistry. The study of the design and synthesis of new molecules, often for use in drugs or materials.
Spectroscopy. The study of the interaction between matter and light, used for analyzing the structure of molecules.
Chromatography. The study of separating mixtures based on the unique properties of their components.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Research Chemist?

A Research Chemist is a scientist who performs laboratory experiments and other investigations to identify, analyze, and synthesize new chemical compounds and substances.

What qualifications do Research Chemists need?

Research Chemists typically need a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field, as well as experience with laboratory equipment and techniques.

What type of work do Research Chemists do?

Research Chemists often conduct experiments to discover new chemical compounds, analyze the properties of existing compounds, and use computer models to simulate chemical reactions.

What skills are important for Research Chemists?

Research Chemists should have strong problem-solving skills, be able to work independently, and have knowledge of relevant scientific software and programming languages.