Overview

Analytical chemists study chemical compounds to determine what they are composed of and how they interact with other substances. For this reason, analytical chemists play an important role in looking at chemistry and how it might affect the environment, food, or how medicines may interact with other medicines or the body of an organism.

What responsibilities will I have?

• Provide solutions to support formulation, active ingredient and packaging development
• Conduct product chemistry studies that meet worldwide regulatory requirements which helps bring new products to market
• Provide analytical support to the supply chain through reliable data, efficient analytical methods and effective problem solving
• Support product registrations by providing priority analysis, methodology and expertise to regulatory authorities around the world in order to gain approval for products
• Represent analytical sciences at team meetings and provide analytical support
• Design and conduct laboratory experiments including analytical method development, validation and transfer
• Perform analytical methods necessary for the characterization of products
• Design, set up, and conduct stability studies
• Properly document and report lab results
• Troubleshoot and refine analytical processes
• Identify new analytical techniques to improve efficiency in testing
• Communication of results of studies and trials to leadership and to outside audiences as needed
• Work with other scientists across disciplines including synthetic chemistry, formulation development, quality assurance, discovery, and manufacturing
• Assist in the preparation and writing of regulatory filings
• Provide testimony to government agencies as needed

What education and training is required?

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemistry, laboratory science or a related field is required to become an analytical chemist.

To pursue a career as an analytical chemist:

The following high school courses are recommended: agricultural education, biology, chemistry, writing and computer courses.

Where can I work?

Agriculture companies that develop chemical and pharmaceutical solutions for farmers often hire analytical chemists. You may work in a variety of functions like formulating new herbicides or developing new medicines to treat animals.

Future Job Market / Outlook

The future outlook for an analytical chemist will be great over the next five years. 

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations

• American Chemical Society
• Association of Analytical Chemists
• Weed Science Society of America