Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for Chemist
A chemist is a scientist who studies chemicals and how they interact. They investigate the chemical composition of matter, as well as chemical interactions and changes, in order to understand the origins of matter and how things function. In this blog post we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Chemists.
Get market insights and compare skills for other jobs here.
Main Responsibilities of Chemist
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Chemist:
Adhere
Adhere to all company safety and compliance requirements.
Advise
Advise laboratory personnel of priorities in day to day activities.
Analyze
Analyze and critique results, noting significant deviations from the expected results.
Analyze data, interpret results and recommend appropriate action.
Analyze raw materials, intermediates and finished products received on timely basis.
Analyze, synthesize, purify, modify and characterize chemical or biochemical compounds.
Analyze the input of cumulative product changes to current product submissions.
Answer
Answer customer inquiries and provide information on products and services.
Assist with / Assist in
Assist chemists in synthesis, purification, and analysis of organic compounds.
Assist / facilitate resolution of assay method and sample analysis issues.
Assist in developing, evaluating and preparing analytical methods and SOPs.
Assist in maintaining a clean, organized and operational lab.
Assist in new product development and improvements of existing products.
Assist in the cultivation procedure.
Assist in training new laboratory personnel.
Assist in writing and updating Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs).
Assist junior members of the department as necessary.
Assist other Team members, including helping with developmental activities.
Assist Product Stewards and advise the Quality and Customer Care groups as needed.
Assist senior lab personnel as necessary.
Assist SOP training for new personnel and on SOP revisions.
Assist with ad-hoc data processing, application testing and requirements gathering as needed.
Assist with construction requirements.
Assist with developing and reformulating robust quality formulas.
Assist with development of manufacturing processes for development projects.
Assist with documentation of Master Batch Record.
Assist with method development, validations, and equipment qualifications.
Assist with quality and environmental health and safety audits.
Assist with scale-up from development to production quantities.
Assist with troubleshooting analytical methodology and instrumentation malfunctions.
Carry out
Carry out pest management Audits of customer sites as per agreed schedule by i or R.
Carry out pest management Audits of customer sites as per agreed schedule by i or R auditor.
Carry out sample preparation procedures.
Carry out tasks in support of experimentation and laboratory activities as directed by senior staff.
Carry out waste verification analysis of loads on arrival.
Check
Check OR list to ensure blood products are available for required surgeries.
Check specimens for acceptability.
Collect
Collect and process data in accordance with the GLPs.
Communicate
Communicate and maintain procedures, policies, plant direction / results and programs.
Communicate and present project results to team members, managers, and management as required.
Communicate effectively and positively with all teams, colleagues and managers.
Communicate effectively with manufacturing to ensure timelines are met.
Communicate strategy, plans and experimental results to stakeholders across Zymeworks.
Communicate with clarity, purpose and efficiently.
Compile
Compile key findings and lessons-learned on all test activities.
Complete
Complete all Laboratory reports, as applicable.
Complete special studies as required.
Conduct
Conduct and document laboratory investigations in a timely manner according to SOPs.
Conduct assay development for external client partners.
Conduct experiments and communicate results to supervisor.
Conduct experiments of basic complexity and interpret the results.
Conduct experiments to verify if it is possible to manufacture and analyze new products.
Conduct Film Stability Studies.
Conduct lab testing, train analysts, analyze data, and review results.
Conduct literature reviews.
Conduct minor repairs of lab instruments and other apparatus.
Conduct performance evaluations for direct reports.
Conduct physical and chemical tests on raw material samples.
Conduct programs to identify and quantify environmental toxicants.
Conduct reservoir compartmentalization and production allocation studies.
Conduct selves in a manner that is consistent with the safety fundamentals of a laboratory.
Contribute to
Contribute to matrix teams as a representative of medicinal chemistry department.
Contribute to the support functions of the lab.
Coordinate
Coordinate analyses using outside vendors or laboratories.
Coordinate such activities with Safety Manager.
Coordinate the daily activities to optimize the efficiency of the department.
Coordinate with analytical team for sample processing.
Create
Create and maintain process PM boards.
Create ingredient qualitative and quantitative list.
Create new laboratory recipes.
Create solutions through creativity and resourcefulness.
Design
Design and deliver your Course for 1 on 1 online class teaching.
Design test plans, events, and studies to ensure compliance with Department of Defense standards.
Determine
Determine that tests are conducted in accordance with test protocols.
Develop
Develop and execute synthetic routes to deliver team objectives.
Develop and implement Paint PFMEA standards and policies.
Develop and improve SOPs in order to optimize and document workflows.
Develop and maintains reports on KPI's required by the management team and top executives.
Develop and oversees protocols for testing formulations in support of marketing product claims.
Develop and validates new analytical test methods.
Develop detailed lab scale process for success.
Develop efficient and accurate procedures that meet all current regulatory requirements.
Develop new test methods to characterize and evaluate product performance.
Develop technical expertise of group in order to effectively support manufacturing operations.
Develop technical methodologies and out of the box thinking for illustrating proof of concept.
Develop test methods and test competitor products.
Direct
Direct and manage programs (Phase 2 / 3) up to and including commercialization.
Direct liaison with CMO, vendors, collaborators for related projects in CMC.
Direct reports will include the Western Canada / USA HSE Manager, and the Eastern Canada HSE Manager.
Document
Document and report findings of experiments to associated parties.
Document comprehensive, accurate and timely experimental observations in lab books.
Document unacceptable specimens according to appropriate policy.
Document test procedures and summarize results in reports to the company scientists and clients.
Ensure
Ensure all requested analysis are completed by referring to sample submission forms.
Ensure all training is complete and in a timely manner.
Ensure a safe working environment and proactively address potential safety concerns.
Ensure clear and logical communication of information and explain the concepts clearly and precisely.
Ensure compliance of SOP / BPR (Batch Production Record).
Ensure current contracts and purchase orders are in place prior to job execution.
Ensure Group Wide Risks are Monitored.
Ensure sample turnaround time goals are met or exceeded.
Ensure that cGMP standards are maintained at all times.
Ensure that new product scaleup information is shared among stakeholders.
Ensure that quality control criteria are met for all reported data.
Ensure timely and GxP compliant delivery of high quality precise data.
Ensure timely closure to committed CAPA.
Ensure you are adequately trained prior to performing tasks, assignments.
Establish
Establish, validate and document new or existing compound specific methods.
Establish work priorities based on schedule needs using own judgment and objective reasoning.
Evaluate
Evaluate chemical causes of production problems.
Evaluate project Proposal.
Evaluate regulatory risks of division policies, processes, procedures.
Evaluate, solve, suggest and implement analytical improvements for the chemistry lab.
Evaluate third party data, research reports, patents and publications for the technical content.
Execute
Execute against established staffing / resources plan.
Execute batch production records or protocols with independently, in a timely and efficient manner.
Execute manufacturing trial orders following standardized formulas or experimental procedures.
Execute sample analysis (e.g. pH, conductivity measurement, UV spectrum, HPLC, ELISA, etc.).
Follow
Follow all relevant SOPs, WIs and QA requirements.
Follow all safety guidelines, manufacturing policies and procedures.
Follow all Standard Operating Procedures to ensure safety and quality standards.
Follow ISO17025 requirements in sample testing.
Follow directions accurately.
Follow SOPs, ensure data integrity, and comply with safety regulations.
Follow up on contaminations, interferences with the laboratory.
Generate
Generate quality system-compliant data.
Generate reports as requested by management.
Help
Help develop individual goals for direct reports.
Help us make a difference as a Contract Chemist based from our site.
Help us make a difference as an Industrial Chemist Services Manager based in the Midlands.
Identify
Identify and communicate procedural non-conformances to Supervisor.
Identify the level of knowledge.
Identify unknown laboratory chemicals when they are encountered.
Implement
Implement and ensure compliance with all company policy, process and procedures.
Implement and manage appropriate SOPs and systems to track and manage product-associated events.
Implement process automation into the production process.
Initiate
Initiate a collaborative environment among stakeholders.
Initiate investigations into root cause and quality concerns.
Initiate, own and track the completion of document change control packages.
Initiate and track payments to sites and manage expenses within study budget.
Initiate or maintain schedule for projects and project milestones.
Interact
Interact cross-functionally with groups outside of R&D to meet project timelines and milestones.
Interface with
Interface with engineering group to design commercial analyzers.
Interface with groups within and outside the 222-S Laboratory, senior management and auditors.
Interpret
Interpret test results and compares with determined standards and limits.
Investigate
Investigate and develop new procedures / technologies.
Investigate and solve analytical technical issues as they arise throughout the organization.
Investigate and troubleshoot equipment related issues.
Keep
Keep abreast of computational field.
Keep an accurate and detailed laboratory notebook.
Keep equipment operating by certifying instrument performance.
Keep proper record and storage of incoming new material and compounds to evaluate.
Keep your knowledge of formulations, active ingredients and market trends up to date.
Lead
Lead / Co-lead a project team to deliver clinical candidates.
Lead discussions with clients on technical topics relating to their project.
Lead project teams responsible for selection of category strategy.
Lead and participate in the day-to-day activities within the laboratory.
Lead the product development from lab to scale up.
Liaise
Liaise with management relative to potential amendments to departmental procedures.
Maintain
Maintain accurate records and input into LIMS system.
Maintain accurate records of all work performed with respect to a given project.
Maintain a clean work area and properly dispose of waste.
Maintain a clean working environment.
Maintain adequate supplies needed for testing.
Maintain a level of expertise in health, safety and environment.
Maintain and develop strategic partnerships with Innovate UK, industry, academia and government.
Maintain and promote strong work ethics and uphold all KTP policies and procedures.
Maintain and supports production schedule.
Maintain and supports the production schedule.
Maintain a neat and organized workplace.
Maintain an orderly laboratory environment in compliance with safety regulations and internal SOPs.
Maintain awareness of the beauty.
Maintain, calibrate, and validate laboratory equipment.
Maintain clean and orderly assigned areas (s).
Maintain compliance in regulatory systems.
Maintain current training status on relevant equipment and procedures.
Maintain equipment and chemical inventory with routine calibrations and standardizations.
Maintain focus on application and formulation of personal care products (color / skin / hair care).
Maintain inventory of chemicals and laboratory supplies.
Maintain necessary immunization status up to date.
Maintain quality protocols for testing area and implement preventative practices.
Maintain regular communication with staff and management with regards to quality issues.
Maintain state of the art knowledge on synthetic methods and medicinal chemistry concepts.
Maintain the highest levels of Health and Safety across the chemistry group.
Maintain training records and relevant qualifications.
Manage
Manage and execute preapproval compliance activities.
Manage Design Changes to support operational needs to ensure that quality requirements are supported.
Manage execution of CMC documentation including.
Manage initiatives that span virtual teams across the world and cross cultures.
Manage, organize, and maintain all appropriate lab paperwork.
Manage partnered activities and ensure deliverables are being met in time, quality and budget.
Manage project plans, milestones, tasks, etc..
Measure
Measure and track internal performance for Abbott users.
Measure electrical, magnetic, and optical properties.
Mentor
Mentor and coach junior scientists.
Monitor
Monitor, advise and interpret the validity of test results.
Monitor and improve the quality and processes of compounds, calendered componoents and raw material.
Monitor and maintain lab QC standards.
Monitor daily to deal with external issues that that interfere with schedules.
Monitor Ion exchange for pH and conductivity.
Monitor the cleaning processes quality / effectiveness.
Monitor trade association positions for impact on company products.
Notify
Notify appropriate personnel of abnormal or critical results and significant changes in lab results.
Operate
Operate all analytical equipment, including GC / MS, LC / QTOF and ICP / MS..
Operate and execute with an extreme sense of urgency.
Operate purification and enzyme activity assay automated systems.
Operate specialized equipment or conduct specialized skill testing.
Operate under strict QSR and ISO compliance.
Optimize
Optimize the HPLC-UV for injections.
Oversee
Oversee and manage the development and implementation of anti-drug antibody assays and strategies.
Oversee pilot batch and first production, with support of Chemist / Technical Manager if required.
Own
Own our portfolio of chemistry textbooks and act as a subject matter expert.
Participate in
Participate in Department and Site Safety Initiatives as assigned.
Participate in or manage global HSE audits.
Participate in root cause analysis to identify appropriate corrective actions for CAPA and events.
Participate in the commercialization of new products.
Participate in the development of R&D methods.
Participate in the review of SOP's, Test Methods, COA's, and Analytical Summaries.
Participate in the training of incoming analytical testing staff.
Participate on cross-functional teams.
Perform
Perform 100% data check analysis and assessment of trended stability results.
Perform activities under cGMP as appropriate.
Perform all duties consistent with the CRISTA Ministries Mission Statement.
Perform analysis and also prep-work on food samples.
Perform analytical analysis preparation of product samples.
Perform analytical method development and validation, and transfer for multiple projects.
Perform and evaluate literature and patent searches and write your own invention reports.
Perform and interpret test results, notifying Laboratory Supervisor of deviations.
Perform a variety of laboratory testing.
Perform customer focused formulation work based on sales / customer request.
Perform extensive analytical laboratory work to support product development.
Perform HPLC analysis of lipids and mRNA.
Perform instrument and equipment preventative maintenance and repairs.
Perform isolation and purification of degradation products.
Perform other duties as assigned by management.
Perform other duties as required.
Perform other duties as required to fulfill department and business needs.
Perform other related duties as assigned by the laboratory manager.
Perform preliminary formulation tests, develop prototypes and monitor stability.
Perform proactive trending of analytical results.
Perform review of test data, which includes overall documentation practices.
Perform routine analytical testing of in-process and finished products to meet release timelines.
Perform routine assays scheduled by Supervisor or Designee.
Perform routine laboratory procedures recognizing deviation from expected results.
Perform sample analysis for method development and qualification.
Perform sample preparation using documented procedures.
Perform secondary review of other colleagues' work for scientific accuracy and compliance.
Perform second person verification of other analysts work.
Perform tasks with attention to detail and accuracy.
Perform test methods as written to support product / material release.
Perform validation of analytical testing procedure for drug substance and drug product.
Perform validation of / test methods in accordance to STP and USP / JP / EP requirements.
Perform work assignments accurately, and in a timely and safe manner.
Plan
Plan / execute projects when won.
Plan, organize and manage activities in assigned areas to meet Laboratory and client schedules.
Plan, prioritize and perform own work.
Plan and implement the effective position of Techs across processes in order to optimize output.
Prepare
Prepare; and negotiate both internally and externally with various regulatory agencies.
Prepare and present research results to chemistry and project team members.
Prepare and standardize Test solutions, Standard solutions and Volumetric solutions.
Prepare and utilize reagents and controls using defined procedures.
Prepare media, sample, and or reagents as needed.
Prepare non-study related shipment requests.
Prepare project plans and obtains management approval.
Prepare reduced testing report.
Prepare the analytical sections of regulatory documents, protocols and reports.
Prepare standards / controls, media and sample solutions; and maintains appropriate records.
Prepare update documents and technical reports for clients.
Present
Present and discuss data and results in team meetings.
Present results at team meetings with interpretation.
Process
Process all necessary paperwork to process and submit specimen.
Process Chemist to research, test and continuously improve raw materials and compounds.
Provide
Provide adequate training and techniques prior to performing the work.
Provide analytical chemistry services and support to Site.
Provide ancillary administrative support to create reports for management.
Provide assistance in troubleshooting and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
Provide biophysical support for both upstream and downstream functional groups.
Provide clear communication with management and operations team for all jobs.
Provide detailed observations, analyzes data and interprets results.
Provide enzymology perspectives & support to projects.
Provide feedback to local and senior management on assigned projects.
Provide lab support for project focus areas.
Provide leadership and motivation in directing analytical activities.
Provide leadership in the absence of Clinical Managers.
Provide ongoing technical training and develop staff to enable them to perform technical tasks.
Provide scientific advice to project team members within the company.
Provide support in carrying out lab experiments, data analysis and data interpretation as needed.
Provide technical and investigative support to R&D Analytical Chemists.
Provide technical assistance to operations for specialized activities.
Provide technical guidance to Research and Development Technicians as needed.
Provide technical input / content for analytical method development and review.
Provide technical input (data and interpretation) for plant preparations.
Provide technical support for methods validations.
Provide training and / or other assistance to other analysts as required.
Provide validation test support.
Purify
Purify and characterize organic compounds using LCMS and NMR.
Receive
Receive products, label and place in inventory and maintain supply inventories, as required.
Receive, store, verify, process and dispose of dose formulations and biological samples for analysis.
Recognize
Recognize routine and non-routine problems and consults with supervisor.
Recognize routine and non-routine problems and consult with supervisor.
Recommend
Recommend and participate in document revisions to ensure accurate BOMs and process descriptions.
Report
Report adverse events to regulatory agencies and internal stakeholders.
Report scientific results according to Standard Operating Procedure guidelines.
Research
Research publications authored in peer reviewed high-quality journals.
Research resources include.
Review
Review analytical data generated by the services and ensure adequacy of record- keeping.
Review and approve raw data.
Review notebooks and raw data for GMP / GLP / GDP compliance.
Review regulatory aspects of contracts.
Review results with supervisor.
Review testing data and prepares analytical reports as assigned.
Support
Support all aspects of Quality system including timely resolution and approvals of QR's and CAPAs.
Support an HSE culture of reporting, review and corrective actions.
Support a variety of testing techniques upon completion of training.
Support marketing and sales through development of product and application data.
Support new product development and / or serve as a guardian for different product offerings.
Support regulatory inspections and audits.
Support tech transfer activities to Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) if required.
Support the development of technology based innovation roadmap for new programs.
Support the fee-for-service analytical services division as required.
Support the regulatory annual report and Annual Quality report process.
Support the site strategy by implementing project plans to reduce costs and improve productivity.
Test
Test according to laboratory methods.
Test for release of product to manufacturing for further processing and packaging.
Track
Track status of assigned projects from sample receipt to final report.
Troubleshoot
Troubleshoot analysis and equipment when quality does not meet specifications.
Troubleshoot experiments and instrumentation.
Troubleshoot instruments and methodologies when mechanical or procedural difficulties occur.
Troubleshoot testing and / or analytical method related issues.
Understand
Understand and comprehend information, as well as find application and value from new.
Understand how to improve the stability of formulations that are deficient.
Understand learning differences and emotional difficulties.
Understand and comply with policies and procedures to perform responsibilities.
Understands how to effectively negotiate, persuade, and influence.
Understands theory of operation and interpretation of data.
Understand the concept of lean processes and maintain visual management system.
Upload
Upload all relevant cGMP reports to the quality system software (Veeva).
Use
Use formal project management tools / methodologies.
Use of Microsoft office and Laboratory Information system - Cerner Millennium preferred.
Use sound judgment, appropriate scientific methods and thorough data analysis.
Utilize
Utilize a variety of methods to assure compliance to established standards and testing controls.
Utilize analytical knowledge and experience in carrying out their assigned investigation activities.
Utilize and understand essential Chemstation / Enviroquant functions for instrument.
Work with
Work directly with Compounding and Production team to ensure products manufactured meet standard.
Work under the guidance / supervision of the Senior Chemists / Chemists.
Work with little or no supervision on some occasions.
Work with the Department Supervisor to manage work load.
Work with Third Party Manufacturers on projects and problem solving.
Write
Write and execute protocols for special investigations and processes and evaluate their data.
Write Annual product review and other compliance documents to support the Quality system.
Write clear, concise and accurate reports, technical memos and presentations.
Write development protocols, technical reports, SOPs, project implementation reports.
Write research reports with detailed experimental procedures.
Write scientific reports and present scientific data in weekly team meetings.
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Chemist:
Computer
Standards of Safety
Medical Laboratory Science
GC
Analytical Chemistry
MS Excel
GMP
MS Word
Manufacturing
Microsoft Office
Organic Chemistry
Valid Driving License
GLP
Pharmaceutical Industry
Quality Assurance
Chemical Engineering
Medicinal Chemistry
NMR
UV
Lifelabs Procedures
Specimen Handling Requirements
Molecular Biology
Chemical Biology
ICP
Synthetic Organic Chemistry
Project Management
Purification
Chromatography
Drug Discovery
Powerpoint
Business Acumen
LIMS
Microbiology
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Chemist:
Written and oral communication skills
Problem-solving attitude
Interpersonal skills
Organizational capacity
Collaborative
Detail-oriented
Attention to detail
Relate with a wide variety of people
Patient privacy and confidentiality
Identify and follow-up on issues
Leadership
Time-management
Analytical ability
Team player
Creative
Work independently with little direction
Work collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment
Flexible
Accuracy and efficiency
Multi-task
Organized
Teamwork
Self-motivated
Adaptable to changes
Self-starter
Accountable
Presentation
Think critically
Respect
Critical thinker
