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Chemists

Industries: Government and Public Administration
Related Titles: Food Chemists, Inorganic Chemists, Medicinal Chemists, Organic Chemists, Physical Chemists, Theoretical Chemists

Descriptions & Duties

  • Chemists conduct research and develop concepts, theories and operational methods relating to chemistry. They may apply scientific knowledge to develop new and improved products, or test the quality of manufactured goods. They are also responsible for writing technical reports that explain methods and findings, preparing and presenting research findings, evaluating laboratory safety procedures; and directing, instructing and coordinating technicians when handling components or physical properties of materials.

Generic Competencies

Physical abilities

Technology
skills

Cognitive
abilities

Comprehension and expression

Social skills

Organisation and execution skills

Problem
solving skills

Management
skills

Physical Abilities

Physical abilities

  • Physical strength
  • Eye hand coordination / precision / dexterity

 

Importance:1 (Max:5) 

Skill is rarely required

 

Technology Skills

Technology skills

  • Computer literacy
  • Application of technology

 

Importance:5 (Max:5) 

Skill is required all the time

 

Cognitive Abilities

Cognitive abilities

  • Creativity
  • Visualisation
  • Logical thinking

 

Importance:4 (Max:5) 

Skill is frequently required

 

Comprehension And Expression

Comprehension and expression skills

  • Reading comprehension
  • Oral / written expression

 

Importance:4 (Max:5) 

Skill is frequently required

 

Social Skills

Social skills

  • Communication
  • Negotiation
  • Persuasion

 

Importance:3 (Max:5) 

Skill is basically required

 

Organisation And Execution Skills

Organisation and execution skills

  • Planning
  • Organising
  • Judgement
  • Decision making

 

Importance:5 (Max:5) 

Skill is required all the time

 

Problem Solving Skills

Problem solving skills

  • Ability to solve simple and complex problems effectively and efficiently

 

Importance:5 (Max:5) 

Skill is required all the time

 

Management Skills

Management skills

  • Leadership
  • Management of finance / time / people / other resources

 

Importance:4 (Max:5) 

Skill is frequently required

 

Trade Specific Competencies

Chemistry knowledge

Chemists must have the knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo; including uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Science skills

Chemists have to apply scientific rules and methods in carrying out scientific experiments and studies. They must be precise and accurate in their analyses, because errors could invalidate their research.

Mathematical skills

Chemists regularly use complex mathematical equations and formulas, and they need a broad understanding of mathematics, including calculus, algebra, and statistics.

General Requirements

Academic qualification

  • A recognised bachelor's degree or a master's degree in chemistry or related field

Career Path & Salary

Private Sector

Monthly Salary $10,000-$40,000

Monthly Salary $20,000-$50,000

Monthly Salary $30,000-$70,000

Government Sector

Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 27-44

Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 45-49

Monthly Salary Directorate Pay Scale Point 1

Monthly Salary Directorate Pay Scale Point 2

Monthly Salary Directorate Pay Scale Point 3

Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 27-44

Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 45-49

Monthly Salary Directorate Pay Scale Point 1

Monthly Salary Directorate Pay Scale Point 2

Monthly Salary Directorate Pay Scale Point 3

*For more details on Civil Service Pay Scales, please visit website of the Civil Service Bureau.
http://www.csb.gov.hk/english/admin/pay/952.html

Related Education & Training

Higher Diploma

Work Environment

  • Chemists generally work in laboratories and offices, where they conduct experiments and analyse their results. They may work outdoors to collect samples and conduct onsite analysis of air, soil, or water.

Tools

  • Electrogravimetry analysers - Electrochemical analysers
  • Fluorescent microscopes
  • Freezedryers or lyophilizers - Benchtop lyophilizers
  • Fume hoods
  • Galvanometers - Galvanostats
  • Gas burners - Bunsen burners
  • Gas chromatographs
  • Liquid chromatographs
  • Liquid chromatography fittings - Photochemical reactors
  • Multipurpose or general test tubes
  • Spectrofluorimeters or fluorimeters
  • Spectrometers - Luminescence spectrometers; Ultraviolet-visible spectrometers
  • Spectrophotometers - Microplate spectrophotometers
  • Tube furnaces - Split-hinge furnaces; Tubular furnaces
  • Ultrasonic disintegrators - Sonicators

Related Occupations

Chemical Engineers

Chemical Engineers
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Medical Laboratory Technologists
Medical Technology Consultants

Medical Technology Consultants
Laboratory Managers

Laboratory Managers