Chemist

Chemists are immersed in the world of Chemical substances, exploring their properties, compositions, and reactions. It involves conducting experiments, analysing substances, and developing or improving new and existing products.

Chemist Job Description

Analyse and assess the Chemical components of substances such as solids, liquids, and gases.

Record assessment results from experiments.

Create synthetic (man-made) versions of new substances such as new plastic or pills etc.

Participate in analytical method development and analytical method transfer.

Maintain experiment instruments in the laboratory.

Note

Chemists have made the progressive development of substances such as drugs, plastics, and fibres possible! They also innovated oil refining and Petrochemical processing to reduce energy use and pollution.

What you should know about Chemist jobs in Singapore

Nature of Work

You will analyse substances to understand their composition and properties, utilising various techniques such as Spectroscopy and Chromatography.

Key Advice

You must be precise as human error leads to inaccurate results. Proper measurements ensure that experiments are carried out accurately.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements
Minimally a diploma or bachelor’s degree in the Chemistry field, including Applied Chemistry, is required.

Attention to detail and analytical and research skills are a must to ensure experiments are being conducted correctly.

Have prior hands-on experience with lab equipment such as Spectrometry and Chromatography instruments and techniques.
Possible Pathway

Possible Pathway

Skills you need to pursue a Chemist career in Singapore

Hard Skills

Scientific and Numerical Skills

A strong foundation in scientific principles to perform precise calculations for data analysis.

Excellent Analytical Skills

Crucial for interpreting complex data, and identifying substances, and chemical reactions.

Excellent IT skills

Proficiency with various software and laboratory technology for data analysis, modelling, and simulation.

Soft Skills

Patience

Essential for conducting long and repetitive experiments, ensuring accuracy and reliability in scientific research.

Adaptability

Adjust to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected research outcomes.

Collaboration

Working effectively with others, including cross-disciplinary teamwork, is key for successful research projects.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What can Chemists specialise in?

Chemists can specialise in areas such as Analytical, Organic, Inorganic, Physical and Theoretical, Macromolecular, Medical, and Materials Chemistry.
Does Chemists need to be good at Mathematics?

Not necessarily. However, they will need knowledge of basic Mathematics to carry out measurements and calculations in laboratories.
What kind of research do Chemists do?

Some common areas of research include Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Medicinal Chemistry.
Why are Chemists important?

There are many reasons why Chemists are important, one of them is that they are involved in the discovery and development of new drugs and medicines.
What do Chemists have to take note of when experimenting?

Chemists must prioritise safety at all times. They should be familiar with the potential hazards of the chemicals they are working with and follow proper safety protocols.