Chemists and Materials Scientists

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

O’NET publishes details below this occupation’s level. Showing Chemists — one of 2 occupations here: Chemists, Materials Scientists.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.80
Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.77
Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.74
Conduct quality control tests.73
Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.73
Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.73
Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests.73
Compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions.71
Confer with scientists or engineers to conduct analyses of research projects, interpret test results, or develop nonstandard tests.70
Evaluate laboratory safety procedures to ensure compliance with standards or to make improvements as needed.67
Direct, coordinate, or advise personnel in test procedures for analyzing components or physical properties of materials.65
Purchase laboratory supplies, such as chemicals, when supplies are low or near their expiration date.61

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Science78
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Critical Thinking75
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension75
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking72
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening69
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Mathematics69
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Writing69
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning66
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving66
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Monitoring63
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Judgment and Decision Making56
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Quality Control Analysis56
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

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Systems Analysis53
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation53
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Instructing50
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies50
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Operations Monitoring50
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Social Perceptiveness50
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Troubleshooting47
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Maintenance44
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Management of Personnel Resources44
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Equipment Selection38
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Operations Analysis38
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Persuasion38
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Service Orientation38
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Management of Material Resources31
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operation and Control31
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Negotiation28
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Programming28
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Repairing28
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Management of Financial Resources22
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Technology Design16
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Chemistry98
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
English Language75
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Mathematics70
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Production and Processing62
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Administration and Management60
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Computers and Electronics60
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Administrative59
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Physics54
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Engineering and Technology50
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mechanical43
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Education and Training42
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Law and Government41
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

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Public Safety and Security40
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Customer and Personal Service39
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Biology36
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Design27
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Transportation26
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Economics and Accounting25
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Personnel and Human Resources25
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Psychology24
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Communications and Media20
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Sales and Marketing20
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Foreign Language16
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Philosophy and Theology16
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Geography15
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Sociology and Anthropology12
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Medicine and Dentistry11
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
History and Archeology10
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Food Production9
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Telecommunications9
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Building and Construction8
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Therapy and Counseling6
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Fine Arts4
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Deductive Reasoning75
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning75
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Comprehension75
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Category Flexibility72
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Information Ordering72
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Near Vision72
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Problem Sensitivity72
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Mathematical Reasoning69
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility66
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

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Flexibility of Closure60
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Speech Recognition56
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Fluency of Ideas53
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Perceptual Speed53
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Speech Clarity53
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Visual Color Discrimination53
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Arm-Hand Steadiness50
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Finger Dexterity50
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Originality50
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Visualization50
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Manual Dexterity44
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Memorization44
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Time Sharing44
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Control Precision41
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Far Vision41
The ability to see details at a distance.
Speed of Closure41
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Multilimb Coordination31
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Trunk Strength31
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Hearing Sensitivity28
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Auditory Attention25
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Depth Perception25
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Reaction Time22
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Wrist-Finger Speed22
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Extent Flexibility19
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Response Orientation19
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Static Strength19
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Gross Body Equilibrium16
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Rate Control16
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Stamina16
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Dynamic Strength10
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Gross Body Coordination10
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Explosive Strength6
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Spatial Orientation3
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Documenting/Recording Information85
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Analyzing Data or Information80
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Getting Information78
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events77
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems77
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge76
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards74
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates73
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Processing Information72
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Working with Computers71
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work70
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others69
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

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Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings69
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials68
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information64
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Scheduling Work and Activities63
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Training and Teaching Others62
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People60
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Developing and Building Teams59
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Thinking Creatively59
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Controlling Machines and Processes57
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others55
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Developing Objectives and Strategies55
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships54
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Coaching and Developing Others52
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Handling and Moving Objects52
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources51
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Performing General Physical Activities51
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others50
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others49
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization47
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates47
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment43
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Selling or Influencing Others41
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment39
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Assisting and Caring for Others38
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Performing Administrative Activities38
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Staffing Organizational Units38
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment34
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment26
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public13
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail100
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Intellectual Curiosity100
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Dependability84
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Innovation80
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Cautiousness78
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Achievement Orientation71
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Integrity70
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Perseverance54
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Adaptability50
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity48
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Initiative47
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Stress Tolerance41
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

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Cooperation36
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Self-Confidence36
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Self-Control32
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Leadership Orientation24
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Sincerity17
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Optimism11
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Humility10
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Social Orientation5
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Investigative95
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Realistic78
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional64
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Enterprising10
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Artistic9
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Social2
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day92%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day95%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day74%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day80%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important69%
- Very important28%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom44%
- Some freedom56%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- Limited freedom16%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important37%
- Very important21%
- Important42%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others42%
- Contact with others most of the time19%
- Contact with others about half the time17%
- Occasional contact with others22%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day40%
- Once a week or more but not every day27%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility23%
- High responsibility46%
- Moderate responsibility18%
- Limited responsibility13%
Time Pressure
- Every day25%
- Once a week or more but not every day38%
- Once a month or more but not every week29%

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Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
- Never20%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day29%
- Once a week or more but not every day34%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important13%
- Very important46%
- Important24%
- Fairly important17%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results14%
- Important results50%
- Moderate results13%
- Minor results23%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive40%
- Moderately competitive54%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important33%
- Important34%
- Fairly important26%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility13%
- High responsibility48%
- Moderate responsibility11%
- Limited responsibility28%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious22%
- Very serious37%
- Serious11%
- Fairly serious19%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours31%
- 40 hours59%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day30%
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a year or more but not every month27%
- Never20%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)14%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)58%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)23%
Spend Time Sitting
- More than half the time26%
- About half the time57%
- Less than half the time17%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important14%
- Very important21%
- Important25%
- Fairly important27%
- Not important at all12%
Spend Time Standing
- More than half the time18%
- About half the time55%
- Less than half the time27%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a week or more but not every day41%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
- Never17%
Written Letters and Memos
- Once a week or more but not every day31%
- Once a year or more but not every month36%
- Never19%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually16%
- More than half the time12%
- Less than half the time52%
- Never17%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month44%
- Never19%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day32%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never34%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- More than half the time17%
- About half the time12%
- Less than half the time40%
- Never27%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time94%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Very important14%
- Important15%
- Fairly important20%
- Not important at all46%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated21%
- Slightly automated32%
- Not at all automated39%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week27%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Once a year or more but not every month28%
- Never60%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time43%
- Never52%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Never74%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
- Never67%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Never75%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never69%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time39%
- Never61%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Never85%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time24%
- Never76%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never80%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never79%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time12%
- Never84%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never95%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never86%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)93%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never87%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never87%
Exposed to High Places
- Never92%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never96%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Bachelor’s degree
Doctoral degree
Master’s degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Data base user interface and query software
CambridgeSoft ChemOffice Ultra, Microsoft Access, Molsearch Pro, Structured query language SQL
Presentation software
Apple iWork Keynote, Microsoft PowerPoint
Analytical or scientific software
Agilent ChemStation, Minitab, Vogel Scientific Software Group CALACO, Waters Empower Chromatography Data Software
Graphics or photo imaging software
Digital imaging software, Graphics software, MolDraw
Development environment software
C, Microsoft Visual Basic, National Instruments LabVIEW
Office suite software
Apple iWork, Microsoft Office software, NeoOffice
Computer aided design CAD software
ChemInnovation Software Chem 4-D, ChemSW Molecular Modeling Pro, Hypercube HyperChem
Object or component oriented development software
C++, Oracle Java, R
Inventory management software
ChemSW Chemical Inventory System CIS, ItemTracker, UBI Biotracker
Spreadsheet software
Apple iWork Numbers, Microsoft Excel
Word processing software
Apple iWork Pages, Microsoft Word
Document management software
ChemSW Laboratory Document Control System LDCS
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP software
Enterprise application integration software
Extensible markup language XML
Web platform development software
Hypertext markup language HTML
Process mapping and design software
Microsoft Visio

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Develop new or advanced products or production methods.
Analyze chemical compounds or substances.
Establish standards for products, processes, or procedures.
Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.
Prepare compounds or solutions for products or testing.
Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
Test quality of materials or finished products.
Analyze operational or research data.
Analyze test or performance data to assess equipment operation.
Diagnose equipment malfunctions.
Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.
Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.

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Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
Manage scientific or technical project resources.

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology