Explore a possible path

Chemists

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

How does this connect to your interests? →

A look at the work

  • Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.
  • Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.
  • Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.
  • Conduct quality control tests.
  • Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.
  • Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.
  • 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.

A selection of source-listed tasks; duties vary by role and employer.

Interests involved in this work

These source scores describe occupational work activities. They are separate from your personal test results.

Hands-on

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

5.7 / 7

Investigative

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

6.7 / 7

Creative

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

1.5 / 7

Helping people

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

1.1 / 7

Enterprising

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

1.6 / 7

Organizing

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

4.8 / 7

Skills to explore

Source-reported importance on a 1–5 scale. Try a course, project or conversation to learn what these skills involve.

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

2023-08

4.1 / 5

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

2023-08

4.0 / 5

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

2023-08

4.0 / 5

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

2023-08

3.9 / 5

Active Listening

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.

2023-08

3.8 / 5

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

2023-08

3.8 / 5

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

2023-08

3.8 / 5

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

2023-08

3.6 / 5

Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

2023-08

3.6 / 5

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

2023-08

3.5 / 5

Plan a small next step

Talk to someone doing this work, look for a supervised activity, and explore the subjects that interest you. Admission, licensing and current program requirements should be confirmed with the relevant institutions.

Source preparation category: Job Zone 4 of 5 · 2023-08. This category describes typical preparation, not your eligibility.

Related study fields

Source crosswalk connections are research leads, not required qualifications.

Chemistry, General →

Analytical Chemistry →

Inorganic Chemistry →

Organic Chemistry →

Physical Chemistry →

Polymer Chemistry →

Chemical Physics →

Environmental Chemistry →

Forensic Chemistry →

Theoretical Chemistry →

Cheminformatics/Chemistry Informatics →

Chemistry, Other →

Explore all related study fields →

Source & methodology

O*NET-SOC code 19-2031.00 · Database 31.0 · Retrieved Oct 14, 2026. Dates on individual observations describe their source periods.

How interest exploration matching works →

Data: O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Used under CC BY 4.0. StudyIndex normalizes the presentation and adds exploration features; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions.