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Chemists

SOC 19-2031.00Job Zone 4 · Considerable Preparation

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

Context coveredAnalytical, organic, inorganic, polymer, and computational chemistry; QA/QC labs, R&D, scale-up, and GLP/GMP regulated environments.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Standard analytical techniques (HPLC, GC, FTIR, UV-Vis) — operate per SOP under a senior chemist's review.
  2. Reagent prep and titration — perform to method on a QC lab bench.
  3. Lab safety (PPE, hood etiquette, MSDS) — apply consistently in a multi-chemist environment.
  4. Sample receiving and chain of custody — maintain accurately for routine commercial work.
  5. Calibration runs and check standards — schedule and document on assigned instruments.
  6. Glassware cleaning and instrument maintenance — execute per the lab's recurring schedule.
  7. Lab notebooks and electronic batch records — maintain auditably for assigned methods.
  8. Routine statistical comparisons and outlier rules — apply to standard datasets.
  9. Solvent waste and chemical disposal — segregate and label per RCRA-compliant procedure.
  10. Method-of-analysis documentation — read, follow, and flag deviations to a supervisor.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Method development and validation — execute against ICH Q2 or USP guidelines on a defined product line.
  2. Synthesis at the gram scale — plan, run, and characterize routinely in an R&D lab.
  3. NMR, MS, and chromatography data — interpret independently on standard substrate classes.
  4. Out-of-specification investigations — lead under a senior chemist's review with documented root cause.
  5. Process chemistry transfers — support from R&D to pilot under a GMP framework.
  6. Junior analysts and interns — train on routine analyses in a QC environment.
  7. Stability studies (ICH conditions) — pull and analyze on a recurring schedule.
  8. Equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) — execute on a defined chromatographic system.
  9. Technical reports and Certificates of Analysis — author for routine commercial work.
  10. Continuous-improvement initiatives — propose and shepherd through QA in a regulated lab.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Analytical strategy for a product portfolio — design and defend across regulatory submissions.
  2. Process development from milligram to kilogram — lead through campaign planning and impurity control.
  3. Method transfers across sites — author, execute, and reconcile with site QA partners.
  4. Regulatory submissions (CMC, IND, NDA sections) — author analytical and stability sections.
  5. Out-of-trend and OOS escalations — lead investigations across QC and manufacturing.
  6. Senior analysts and method-development chemists — supervise across a small team.
  7. Audit responses (FDA, EMA, customer) — lead with documented CAPAs and SOP updates.
  8. Synthetic route selection and IP landscaping — propose for development candidates.
  9. Cross-functional engagement with formulation, regulatory, and manufacturing — lead at project level.
  10. Continuous-process verification (CPV) plans — design and steward in a GMP environment.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Analytical and quality strategy for a company or major site — set direction across multiple portfolios.
  2. Process-chemistry platforms (e.g., continuous flow, biocatalysis) — build and scale across product lines.
  3. Regulatory inspections and warning-letter responses — lead at the executive level with agency interlocutors.
  4. Talent development across the chemistry organization — own succession, calibration, and promotion.
  5. External partnerships (CROs, CDMOs, academic groups) — negotiate and steward through long-term engagements.
  6. Innovation portfolios and IP strategy — prioritize across research, development, and manufacturing.
  7. Cross-site quality systems and harmonization — institutionalize across legacy and new sites.
  8. Disciplinary norms and standards bodies — contribute through ACS, USP, or ICH committees.
  9. Sustainability and green-chemistry programs — set targets and report against credible benchmarks.
  10. Scientific communication and recruitment — represent the company in conferences, press, and partnerships.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-assisted literature review — queries an LLM to surface relevant prior research on compound properties or reaction mechanisms, then cross-checks summaries against primary sources before incorporating findings into lab planning Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Spectral interpretation support — submits raw chromatography or spectroscopy output to an AI tool for preliminary pattern identification, treating results as a starting hypothesis rather than a confirmed assignment Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Technical report drafting — delegates first-draft preparation of method sections, quality control summaries, and standards documents to an AI assistant, then revises for scientific accuracy and regulatory compliance Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Reaction pathway exploration — uses an AI model to enumerate candidate synthetic routes or degradation pathways for a target compound, applying domain judgment to prune chemically implausible suggestions Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Quality control protocol generation — directs an AI assistant to draft test specifications and acceptance criteria from a product brief, verifying every threshold against empirical calibration data before sign-off Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Compound property prediction — integrates AI-generated physicochemical property estimates into experimental design workflows, reserving final formulation decisions for bench-validated data Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Analytical method optimization — orchestrates an AI tool to propose modifications to chromatographic or spectrophotometric parameters, then runs targeted confirmation experiments to accept or reject each recommendation Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Multi-source data synthesis — directs an AI assistant to aggregate and cross-tabulate experimental datasets from multiple analytical runs, auditing statistical summaries for instrument artifacts before reporting Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  4. Technical communication refinement — uses an AI editor to improve clarity, structure, and precision of technical papers and regulatory submissions, retaining authorship of all scientific conclusions Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. Autonomous workflow scoping — evaluates which segments of a compound development or QC pipeline carry sufficient task structure for AI delegation versus which require expert chemist oversight, calibrating handoff boundaries as project complexity shifts Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. AI capability benchmarking — designs internal validation studies that quantify where AI-generated spectral assignments, property predictions, or synthetic proposals diverge from ground-truth measurements, feeding results back into team usage guidelines Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Cross-functional AI integration — leads adoption of AI-assisted data analysis and reporting tools across a chemistry team, establishing citation standards, uncertainty flagging conventions, and peer-review checkpoints that preserve scientific rigor at scale Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 11
Augment share: 73.8%
Time saved: 48.9%
AI autonomy: 0.30
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Science
Score: 53.1 / 100
precision: category_estimate
WEF cluster
Data Science and Analysis
data_science_and_analysis
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication10 statements
Emerging
  1. Laboratory observation reporting — documents preliminary experimental observations using standard laboratory notation and basic scientific terminology Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Peer communication — describes chemical procedures and reagent preparation steps to laboratory colleagues using clear verbal instructions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Technical report drafting — writes structured technical reports summarizing chromatography or spectroscopy results with appropriate data tables and interpretive narrative Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-functional briefing — explains analytical findings and quality control outcomes to non-chemistry stakeholders using accessible language without sacrificing scientific accuracy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Literature synthesis communication — summarizes relevant chemical literature to inform team decisions on formula development or process improvement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Standards documentation — authors detailed specifications and standard operating procedures for chemical processes, facility protocols, and analytical test methods meeting regulatory expectations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Data presentation — presents compiled instrument data and malfunction diagnoses to management and engineering teams through structured briefings with visual data support Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Active listening in review — elicits precise feedback from quality assurance reviewers and integrates corrections into revised technical documents Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Publication-level writing — produces peer-reviewed technical papers describing novel compounds, analytical methods, or process innovations suitable for journal submission Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-disciplinary translation — translates complex organic or inorganic chemistry findings into actionable recommendations for production, regulatory, and business leadership audiences Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
2Leadership8 statements
Emerging
  1. Task ownership — takes independent responsibility for preparing test solutions, compounds, and reagents accurately and on schedule without requiring repeated supervision Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Initiative in troubleshooting — identifies and reports laboratory instrument malfunctions proactively rather than waiting for supervisory direction Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Project coordination — organizes personal workload across multiple simultaneous analytical studies, sequencing experiments to meet project milestones Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Mentorship contribution — guides junior laboratory personnel through reagent preparation protocols and safe instrument operation procedures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Laboratory team leadership — directs daily workflow of a chemistry laboratory team, assigning analytical tasks and ensuring quality control standards are consistently met Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Process improvement initiative — leads the customization or development of analytical methods, driving projects from experimental design through final validation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Strategic research direction — sets long-term research and development priorities for chemical product lines or analytical capabilities, aligning laboratory goals with organizational strategy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Organizational standard-setting — establishes laboratory-wide standards and specifications that become adopted institutional benchmarks across departments or regulatory submissions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition8 statements
Emerging
  1. Procedural self-monitoring — checks own reagent preparation steps and instrument setup against written protocols before initiating experiments to catch pre-analytical errors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Knowledge gap identification — recognizes limits of personal chemistry knowledge when encountering unfamiliar compound classes and seeks appropriate references or mentorship Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Experimental planning reflection — evaluates the reasoning behind chosen analytical techniques such as chromatography versus spectrophotometry before committing to a methodology Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Error source analysis — systematically reviews own analytical results to distinguish instrument error, sample preparation error, and true chemical variation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Method critique — critically examines own analytical methods against published standards, identifying assumptions that may affect result validity or reproducibility Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning strategy calibration — adjusts approach to mastering new instrumentation or chemical techniques based on deliberate assessment of prior learning effectiveness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Research design metacognition — evaluates the cognitive frameworks underlying experimental design choices and articulates those assumptions explicitly in technical documentation to strengthen reproducibility Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Mentored reflection facilitation — coaches colleagues to examine their own analytical reasoning processes, improving team-wide awareness of systematic bias in chemical measurement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking10 statements
Emerging
  1. Data validity assessment — applies basic checks to instrument readouts during quality control tests to identify obviously anomalous values before reporting results Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Literature evaluation — assesses whether published chemical data sources are peer-reviewed and methodologically sound before using them to inform experiments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Structural analysis — evaluates spectroscopy and spectrophotometry data to reason systematically about compound composition and molecular structure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Competing hypothesis evaluation — considers multiple explanations for unexpected reaction outcomes before concluding on the most evidence-supported interpretation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Process malfunction diagnosis — compiles and analyzes instrument and process test data to distinguish equipment failure from chemical process deviation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Complex problem-solving in formulation — integrates chemistry knowledge, experimental data, and production constraints to develop or improve chemical products and processes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Quality control reasoning — applies inferential analysis to quality control test results to determine whether process operating efficiency meets specifications or requires corrective action Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Assumption identification — surfaces hidden assumptions in proposed analytical methods and evaluates their impact on result accuracy before method adoption Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Evidence-based innovation — synthesizes findings across multiple experimental datasets, literature sources, and domain knowledge to generate and rigorously evaluate novel chemical approaches Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Systemic root cause analysis — diagnoses recurring process or product failures at the systemic level, distinguishing proximal instrument causes from upstream chemical or procedural root causes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration8 statements
Emerging
  1. Laboratory team contribution — fulfills assigned reagent and solution preparation tasks reliably, enabling downstream analysts to conduct their tests without interruption Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Peer knowledge sharing — shares observations about instrument behavior or reaction outcomes with team members to build collective situational awareness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Cross-functional coordination — collaborates with production and processing personnel to align chemical formulation work with manufacturing constraints and timelines Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Shared goal navigation — works within multidisciplinary project teams to develop or customize products, reconciling chemistry priorities with engineering and business requirements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Interdepartmental quality collaboration — partners with quality assurance, regulatory, and production teams to compile test data and co-develop corrective process actions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Diverse perspective integration — incorporates input from chemists with different specializations such as organic, inorganic, and analytical chemistry into unified experimental designs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Research consortium leadership — leads collaborative research efforts spanning multiple laboratories or organizations, managing shared data, divided responsibilities, and co-authored publications Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Conflict resolution in technical teams — mediates disagreements among chemists and engineers over methodology or data interpretation to reach scientifically sound and organizationally viable decisions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character8 statements
Emerging
  1. Laboratory integrity — records raw experimental data accurately without alteration, maintaining a reliable laboratory notebook that reflects actual observations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Safety compliance — follows all chemical handling, storage, and disposal regulations consistently as a non-negotiable professional standard Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Result accountability — owns and reports quality control failures or anomalous analytical results transparently rather than omitting or minimizing unfavorable data Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional reliability — meets commitments for reagent preparation, instrument maintenance, and data submission deadlines, supporting team workflow integrity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Ethical reporting — produces technical papers, standards, and specifications that accurately represent findings without selective omission of contradictory data Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Regulatory ethics — conducts quality control tests and documents results in full compliance with applicable regulatory and institutional standards, resisting pressure to falsify outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Institutional integrity modeling — establishes and champions laboratory-wide norms for data integrity, ethical reporting, and professional conduct that influence organizational culture Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Whistleblower courage — raises concerns about data falsification, unsafe chemical handling, or regulatory non-compliance through appropriate channels despite potential professional risk Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
7Creativity9 statements
Emerging
  1. Experimental variation — proposes minor modifications to established analytical procedures to improve efficiency or sensitivity within supervised laboratory settings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Reagent substitution ideation — identifies alternative reagent options when standard materials are unavailable, evaluating feasibility before presenting to supervisors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Method adaptation — adapts chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry methods to novel compound classes not explicitly covered by existing standard protocols Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Formula iteration — generates and tests multiple chemical formulation variants during product development, using divergent thinking to expand the solution space Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Novel method development — designs original analytical methods for compounds or matrices lacking established procedures, validating performance against accuracy and precision benchmarks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Process innovation — develops improved chemical processes or equipment configurations that increase yield, purity, or efficiency beyond existing operational baselines Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Catalyst experimentation — introduces and evaluates novel heat, light, energy, or catalytic conditions to induce previously unexplored chemical transformations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Breakthrough formulation — creates entirely new chemical products or compound classes with properties not previously achievable, establishing new technological or commercial possibilities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Analytical paradigm innovation — develops novel instrumental or computational analytical frameworks that redefine measurement capabilities within a chemical subdiscipline Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset8 statements
Emerging
  1. Feedback receptivity — incorporates supervisor corrections to laboratory technique or data recording practices without defensiveness and applies changes in subsequent experiments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. New technique openness — approaches unfamiliar analytical instruments or chemical methods with willingness to invest effort in learning rather than defaulting to familiar procedures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Failure-driven learning — treats unexpected reaction outcomes or failed quality control tests as diagnostic information and systematically investigates causes to improve future performance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Skill expansion — deliberately pursues proficiency in additional analytical techniques such as new spectroscopic methods to broaden laboratory contributions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Challenge seeking — volunteers for complex or ambiguous research problems such as developing methods for poorly characterized compound classes rather than limiting work to routine analyses Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Iterative mastery — refines analytical and formulation skills through repeated experimental cycles, treating each iteration as an opportunity for incremental improvement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Field-level learning leadership — models continuous learning for laboratory teams by engaging with emerging chemical literature, attending technical conferences, and integrating new knowledge into laboratory practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Setback reframing — responds to significant project failures such as invalidated multi-year formulation programs by extracting transferable insights and redirecting team energy productively Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness8 statements
Emerging
  1. Attentional precision — maintains focused attention during repetitive analytical tasks such as solution preparation to prevent measurement and contamination errors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Hazard awareness — sustains present-moment awareness of chemical hazards and laboratory safety conditions throughout all experimental activities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Emotional regulation under pressure — manages frustration or uncertainty during prolonged troubleshooting of instrument malfunctions without displacing stress onto colleagues or compromising data quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Deliberate procedure execution — performs each step of multi-stage analytical protocols with intentional attention rather than automatic execution to reduce procedural error Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Cognitive load management — monitors own mental state during complex simultaneous experimental runs and implements structured checkpoints to maintain accuracy across all active analyses Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Interpersonal intentionality — approaches collaborative data review and peer critique with deliberate openness, regulating defensive reactions to maintain productive scientific dialogue Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Team attentiveness — models and cultivates a mindful laboratory culture where team members notice and report subtle instrument anomalies, unexpected reaction signals, and emerging safety concerns as standard practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Reflective leadership presence — leads research team meetings with structured reflection pauses that surface unexamined assumptions in experimental design before resources are committed Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude8 statements
Emerging
  1. Persistence through repetition — repeats analytical measurements and quality control tests the required number of times to achieve statistical validity even when initial results are inconclusive Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Ambiguity tolerance — continues working on compound characterization problems where structure or composition is initially unclear without premature abandonment of the investigation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Sustained experimental effort — maintains rigorous experimental discipline across lengthy research projects spanning weeks or months without degradation of data quality standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Setback recovery — resumes productive analytical work after equipment failure, contaminated samples, or invalidated experimental batches without extended productivity loss Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. High-stakes perseverance — sustains scientific rigor and thoroughness during product development projects under intense deadline or commercial pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Uncertainty navigation — continues advancing research in poorly defined chemical problem spaces where methodologies and expected outcomes lack established precedent Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Long-duration research endurance — leads multi-year chemical research programs through repeated experimental failures, funding challenges, and evolving scope while maintaining team motivation and scientific integrity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Courageous scientific dissent — defends evidence-based conclusions that contradict organizational preferences or prevailing scientific consensus when data clearly supports the position Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Related titles
Agricultural Chemist · Air Quality Chemist · Analytical Chemist · Analytical Scientist · Assay Development Scientist · Astrochemist · Bench Chemist · Bench Scientist · Ceramic Chemist · Cereal Chemist · Chemical Analyst · Chemical Lab Scientist (Chemical Laboratory Scientist)
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
ScienceCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionSpeakingActive ListeningWritingMathematicsComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningMonitoringQuality Control AnalysisJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisSystems EvaluationCoordinationInstructingOperations MonitoringTime ManagementLearning StrategiesSocial Perceptiveness
Knowledge domains
ChemistryEnglish LanguageMathematicsProduction and ProcessingComputers and ElectronicsAdministration and ManagementAdministrativePhysics
Abilities
Oral ExpressionWritten ComprehensionOral ComprehensionInductive ReasoningWritten ExpressionDeductive ReasoningInformation OrderingProblem SensitivityCategory FlexibilityNear Vision
Work styles
Intellectual CuriosityAttention to DetailDependabilityInnovationCautiousnessAchievement Orientation
Technology
Analytical or scientific softwareOffice suite softwarePresentation softwareSpreadsheet softwareWord processing softwareDevelopment environment softwareObject or component oriented development softwareData base user interface and query softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareInventory management software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.
  2. Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.
  3. Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.
  4. Conduct quality control tests.
  5. Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.
  6. Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.
  7. Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests.
  8. Compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions.
CIP education codes
40.050140.050240.050340.050440.050640.050740.050840.050940.051040.051140.051240.059940.100251.2004

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.