Analytical Chemist Job Description – What Are their Duties
Analytical chemists are important in the field of science for their various contributions both in the physical and medical sciences. Chemistry is a broad field which seeks to understand life and other substances at the lowest level possible.
In recent times there has been a lot of collaborative works with analytical chemists in a bid to understand certain principles or underlying causes of some diseases. With necessary skills, they can work either in private or public practice across different sectors.
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 Job Profile for Analytical Chemists
As a chemist, your primary assignment would involve assessing the chemical structure of substances using various types of techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy and electrophoresis. These skills are applied in toxicology studies, pharmacology and research studies. Due to their relevance and high demand within various organisations, they can specialise in various fields such as quality control, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, toxicology e.t.c
Some of the areas where chemists specialise in include:
- Organic chemistry
- Physical chemistry
- Toxicology
- Drug development/discovery
- Environmental chemistry
- Food chemistry
Read also: Career Prospects for Biochemists
 Job Description of Analytical Chemists
- carrying out research using available equipment
- data analysis and interpretation
- ensuring products are up to the required standard(in industries)
- presentation of results to the appropriate body/management
- making publications and attending conferences (in academia)
- making sure staffs and clients comply with health and safety standards
- develop techniques to analyze products together with members of research teams
Skills Needed for Analytical Chemists
Chemists who demonstrate these skills are always considered more efficient in their role. Some of these include;
- IT-skills
- Analytical and Presentation skills
- Working well in a team
- Good communication skills
- Motivation and self-discipline
- Ability to meet up with deadlines
- Up-to-date knowledge of techniques in chemistry
- Having a mind open to learning
Typical Employers of Analytical Chemists
They include but are not limited to:
- Industries
- Hospitals
- Universities
- Research laboratories
- Consulting firms( with industries)
- Agricultural companies
- Biotechnology companies
- Oil and Gas industries
Qualification for Analytical Chemists
The journey to becoming a chemist starts with having good grades in science subjects at the secondary school level. With good results, you can apply to study chemistry or closely related disciplines such as; biochemistry, pharmacology, geochemistry e.t.c.At the end of your bachelor’s program, you can work with organisations in the public or private sector. However, Research and senior-level positions require a postgraduate qualification to demonstrate efficiency in work environments.
