A Chemistry Technician

A Chemistry Technician plays a vital role in supporting scientific research, product development, quality control, and production processes in industries that rely on chemical processes. They are primarily responsible for conducting laboratory tests, preparing chemical solutions, and assisting scientists or engineers in their work. The role is technical and hands-on, requiring a good understanding of chemistry, safety procedures, and laboratory equipment.

Job Scope for a Chemistry Technician:1. Laboratory Testing and Analysis

• Conduct experiments: Perform routine chemical tests and experiments under the guidance of senior chemists, scientists, or engineers to gather data and analyze results.
• Chemical analysis: Use techniques such as spectroscopy, chromatography, titration, and other analytical methods to identify the composition of substances or monitor chemical reactions.
• Quality control testing: Test raw materials, in-process samples, or finished products to ensure they meet quality and regulatory standards.

2. Preparation of Solutions and Reagents

• Prepare chemical solutions: Accurately mix and prepare chemical solutions, reagents, and standards required for experiments or production processes.
• Maintain stock: Ensure that laboratory supplies, chemicals, and reagents are properly stocked, labeled, and stored in accordance with safety protocols.
• Clean and maintain equipment: Regularly clean and calibrate laboratory equipment such as pH meters, balances, and chromatography systems to ensure they function correctly.

3. Data Collection and Reporting

• Record experimental data: Maintain accurate and detailed records of experimental procedures, test results, and observations, often in laboratory notebooks or electronic databases.
• Data analysis: Assist in analyzing experimental data, drawing conclusions, and generating reports for senior scientists or other stakeholders.
• Documentation: Prepare and maintain documentation in compliance with regulatory requirements, including safety data sheets (SDS) and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

4. Laboratory Maintenance and Safety

• Safety protocols: Adhere to all safety guidelines and regulations to ensure a safe working environment. This includes wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), handling hazardous chemicals correctly, and disposing of waste according to environmental and safety standards.
• Maintain lab equipment: Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of laboratory instruments and equipment. Report any issues or malfunctions to supervisors for repair.
• Cleanliness and organization: Ensure the laboratory is well-organized, clean, and free of any potential hazards by following cleaning schedules and properly storing chemicals and materials.

5. Support Research and Development (R&D)

• Assist with experiments: Help senior chemists or researchers with developing new products, materials, or chemical processes by preparing materials, running tests, and compiling results.
• Assist in formulation development: In some industries (e.g., pharmaceuticals, cosmetics), chemistry technicians may help in the formulation and testing of new products, ensuring they meet specifications.

6. Inventory and Supply Management

• Monitor inventory: Keep track of laboratory supplies, chemicals, and consumables, ensuring that stock levels are maintained to avoid disruption to ongoing experiments.
• Order materials: Assist in ordering chemicals and other materials required for ongoing experiments or production.

7. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

• Regulatory compliance: Ensure all laboratory activities are conducted in accordance with relevant regulations, including OSHA standards, environmental laws, and industry-specific guidelines (e.g., FDA, EPA).
• Waste disposal: Safely dispose of chemical waste following legal and environmental guidelines, and maintain records of waste disposal practices.

8. Troubleshooting and Problem Solving

• Address technical issues: Identify and help resolve technical issues during experiments, production runs, or quality control processes, often by troubleshooting equipment or procedural challenges.
• Continuous improvement: Suggest improvements to laboratory practices, methods, or safety protocols based on observations or feedback from experiments.

Skills and Qualifications for a Chemistry Technician:Technical Skills:

• Chemical knowledge: A strong understanding of chemistry, including organic, inorganic, and analytical chemistry, and how these apply to laboratory and production environments.
• Analytical techniques: Proficiency in using laboratory techniques and instruments such as spectroscopy (UV-Vis, IR), chromatography (HPLC, GC), titration, and pH measurement.
• Laboratory techniques: Ability to safely handle chemicals, prepare solutions, and carry out experimental procedures in a precise manner.
• Data analysis: Competence in recording, analyzing, and interpreting experimental data, often using software like Excel, ChemStation, or other laboratory data systems.

Soft Skills:

• Attention to detail: High level of precision when measuring chemicals, conducting tests, and recording data.
• Problem-solving skills: Ability to troubleshoot equipment issues or resolve discrepancies in experimental results.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills to accurately document findings and interact with colleagues, supervisors, and other departments.
• Time management: Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced laboratory setting.

Education and Experience:

• Education: Typically, a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field is preferred, although some positions may require only an Associate’s degree or a high school diploma with relevant certification or experience.
• Experience: Prior laboratory or technical experience, including internships, part-time roles, or hands-on coursework in chemistry, is often required or preferred.
• Certifications: Some employers may require certifications such as a Certified Chemical Technician (CCT) from a professional body (e.g., the American Chemical Society).

Working Environment:

• Laboratory setting: Chemistry Technicians typically work in clean, controlled laboratory environments, which may include research labs, production facilities, or quality control labs in industries such as:
• Pharmaceuticals (formulation and testing of drugs)
• Food and beverages (quality control, testing additives, ingredients)
• Environmental science (testing water, soil, or air samples)
• Chemical manufacturing (production and analysis of chemical products)
• Biotechnology (assisting in research and product development)
• Safety: They work with chemicals and potentially hazardous substances, so strict adherence to safety protocols, including the use of PPE (lab coats, gloves, goggles), is required.

Career Path and Advancement:

• Growth Opportunities: With additional education and experience, a Chemistry Technician may advance to roles such as Laboratory Supervisor, Senior Chemist, or Quality Control Manager.
• Specialization: Technicians may specialize in specific areas such as analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, or materials science, which could lead to roles in higher research or product development.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: RM4,000.00 - RM10,000.00 per month