Occupation information for

Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.

Currently Employed: 444

Yearly Projected Openings: 20

Typical Hourly Wage: $39.20 - $63.97

Typical Annual Salary: $81,500 - $133,000

• Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.
• Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.
• Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.
• Conduct quality control tests.
• Direct, coordinate, or advise personnel in test procedures for analyzing components or physical properties of materials.
• Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests.
• Compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions.
• Confer with scientists or engineers to conduct analyses of research projects, interpret test results, or develop nonstandard tests.
• Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.
• Study effects of various methods of processing, preserving, or packaging on composition or properties of foods.

• Benchtop centrifuges
• Lasers
• Spectrometers
• Titration equipment
• X ray diffraction equipment

• Analytical or scientific software
• Data base user interface and query software
• Graphics or photo imaging software
• Inventory management software
• Office suite software