NSXNational Skills ExchangeSign in
Back to Framework

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.

A 4-level framework describing how a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline. Subscribe for $19.99/mo to read the full framework — or sign in if you have a subscription.

  1. Emerging
  2. Developing
  3. Proficient
  4. Advanced
Monthly subscription · Stripe-hosted · unlocks AI-at-Work and Pathsmith™ Durable Skills across the full library

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 levels for this occupation. Subscribe to unlock the full Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework across all 1,016 occupations.

Monthly subscription · Stripe-hosted · unlocks AI-at-Work and Pathsmith™ Durable Skills across the full library
Show O*NET source anchors62 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

Suggest an O*NET correction

Source anchors that ground each statement

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
—
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.