Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Chemical Technician
A Chemical Technician is a professional who plays a crucial role in the field of chemistry and laboratory work. They assist scientists, engineers, and chemists in conducting experiments, analyzing data, and developing new chemical products. In this blog post, we will describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Chemical Technicians.
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Main Responsibilities of a Chemical Technician
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Chemical Technician:
Adhere to
Adhere to ethical standards and guidelines in scientific research.
Assist in
Assist in mentoring and training laboratory personnel.
Assist in production investigation especially those associated with process deviations.
Assist in recommending, evaluating, and setting up new instrumentation.
Assist in the design and implementation of experiments.
Assist in the development and implementation of new chemical testing procedures and methods.
Assist in the development and improvement of laboratory processes.
Assist in the development and testing of new chemical products.
Calibrate
Calibrate and maintain laboratory instruments.
Carry out
Carry out chemical and biological - related experiment requests (analytical).
Carry out routine checks and scheduled cleaning procedures.
Clean
Clean and maintain the laboratory workspace.
Collaborate with
Collaborate with cross-functional teams on multidisciplinary projects.
Collaborate with scientists and engineers on research projects.
Collect
Collect and analyze samples for quality control purposes.
Collect, compile and assess.
Communicate
Communicate and collaborate effectively with team members.
Complete
Complete work with minimal supervision and may determine methods and procedures for new assignments.
Conduct
Conduct accurate cycle counts in the solutions area.
Conduct chemical analysis using various techniques, such as chromatography and spectroscopy.
Conduct chemical synthesis and purification processes.
Conduct data analysis and result interpretation and standardization.
Conduct routine inspections and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
Contribute to
Contribute to design of laboratory policies and procedures.
Define
Define, develops and executes the plans and projects of the laboratory.
Design
Design experiments and suggest improvements to existing testing to further internal processes.
Document
Document experimental procedures and findings.
Ensure
Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
Ensure proper disposal of hazardous waste.
Ensure that the production of reagent batches are completed in a timely and efficient manner.
Execute
Execute routine testing, analysis, and reporting of results and develop new test methods.
Follow
Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure safety and accuracy.
Identify
Identify and address potential hazards in the laboratory.
Identify ways to improve and recommend changes to internal processes where necessary.
Initiate
Initiate or require corrective actions to address adverse system trends.
Maintain
Maintain and clean tools or other aids and store in the proper location.
Maintain documentation and files for all relevant procedures and results.
Maintain good communication with oncoming shift.
Maintain good housekeeping at production area.
Maintain inventory of chemicals and supplies.
Maintain product separation and accurate labelling of all documents, bags and vessels at all times.
Maintain work area in a neat and orderly fashion.
Make
Make recommendations for changes / improvements to ISO-9000 work procedures as needed.
Measure
Measure all raw, in process, and finished materials in an accurate manner.
Monitor
Monitor and control chemical reactions.
Monitor and maintain quality control standards.
Move
Move all scrap, empty containers, and production waste to the proper disposal area.
Notify
Notify Shift Supervisor of requirements for maintenance.
Offer
Offer different ways for you to give back to communities where we operate.
Operate
Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments.
Operate production machines to achieve utilization and quality target.
Operate the different streams of the plant for their specific processes.
Oversee
Oversee and assist weighing, mixing and testing of products to meet production demands.
Perform
Perform analysis of chemical and biological nature.
Perform basic maintenance for instruments and sampling equipment.
Perform chemical calculations and measurements.
Perform cleaning on production machines.
Perform maintenance of production furnaces and cleans glass tubes and jungles.
Perform ratio analysis to adjust batch concentrations.
Perform related duties in preventive and breakdown maintenance.
Perform repetitive hand and arm motions.
Perform sampling and analyses according to established procedures.
Perform simple preventive maintenance.
Perform twisting, bending, stooping motions.
Perform various tests as required.
Prepare
Prepare and conduct chemical experiments.
Prepare and maintain chemical solutions and reagents.
Prepare reports summarizing test results.
Prepare research reports and advises customers on findings and makes appropriate recommendations.
Prepare technical reports and presentations.
Prepare the shift hand over report to ensure proper, clear and concise handover.
Prepare the weekly OPCO report.
Provide
Provide quality data analysis and feedback to the LSDS Engineering team.
Provide spaces for innovative thinking and solutions, such as Launchpad or X-Lab.
Provide training and guidance to junior staff and interns.
Recognise
Recognise end point of the reaction and altering process parameter to stop reaction.
Record
Record and interpret experimental data accurately.
Record weights neatly and accurately.
Remove
Remove and dispose of waste chemicals, solvents and acids.
Stay updated with
Stay updated with the latest advancements and technologies in the field.
Supervise
Supervise and oversee Third Party Contractors, where applicable.
Support
Support development effort by setting up and cleaning distillation apparatus, glassware and vessels.
Take
Take up the Acting role in the absence of the Production Lead.
Troubleshoot
Troubleshoot equipment and process issues.
Use
Use all production equipment and hand tools in a safe and proper manner.
Work
Work from written and verbal instructions.
Work planning and execution skills.
Work with chemists to perform experiments and communicate results.
Work with company chemists to perform experiments and communicate results.
Work with partners to solve analytical requests and communicate results accordingly.s
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Chemical Technician:
Proficiency in laboratory techniques and procedures.
Knowledge of chemical analysis methods and instruments.
Experience with spectroscopy techniques, such as UV-Vis and IR spectroscopy.
Understanding of chromatography techniques, including HPLC and GC.
Familiarity with wet chemistry techniques, such as titrations and distillations.
Ability to operate and maintain laboratory equipment, including balances and centrifuges.
Skilled in chemical synthesis and purification techniques.
Knowledge of statistical analysis and data interpretation.
Proficiency in using software applications for data analysis, such as Excel or statistical software.
Understanding of safety protocols and procedures in a laboratory setting.
Experience with chemical calculations and measurements.
Familiarity with quality control processes and procedures.
Knowledge of hazardous material handling and disposal.
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose equipment issues.
Proficiency in using laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
Understanding of regulatory requirements in the chemical industry.
Knowledge of chemical inventory management systems.
Experience with process optimization and improvement.
Familiarity with chemical instrumentation, such as pH meters and spectrophotometers.
Ability to follow standard operating procedures accurately.
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Chemical Technician:
Strong attention to detail.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Adaptability and flexibility in a changing work environment.
Ability to work independently and take initiative.
Critical thinking skills to evaluate data and results.
Strong work ethic and dedication to quality.
Attention to safety protocols and adherence to guidelines.
Conclusion
A Chemical Technician plays a vital role in the field of chemistry by assisting in experiments, conducting analyses, and ensuring the smooth operation of laboratory processes. They are responsible for maintaining safety standards, recording data accurately, and supporting the development of new chemical products. To succeed in this role, Chemical Technicians need a combination of hard skills such as proficiency in laboratory techniques and analytical methods, as well as soft skills like attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication. By possessing these skills, Chemical Technicians can contribute to advancements in the field of chemistry and make a positive impact in various industries that rely on chemical research and development.
