According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods. | 83% |
| Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques. | 81% |
| Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis. | 79% |
| Conduct quality control tests. | 78% |
| Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests. | 78% |
| Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests. | 78% |
| Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed. | 78% |
| Study effects of various methods of processing, preserving, or packaging on composition or properties of foods. | 77% |
| Compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions. | 77% |
| Confer with scientists or engineers to conduct analyses of research projects, interpret test results, or develop nonstandard tests. | 76% |
| Evaluate laboratory safety procedures to ensure compliance with standards or to make improvements as needed. | 73% |
| Direct, coordinate, or advise personnel in test procedures for analyzing components or physical properties of materials. | 72% |
| Purchase laboratory supplies, such as chemicals, when supplies are low or near their expiration date. | 68% |
