Job Description

Analytical Chemist Job Description

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Job Description

Analytical Chemist Job Description

Introduction

An analytical chemist job description typically focuses on the application of chemical, instrumental and data analysis techniques to identify, quantify and characterise substances in a wide range of materials. Analytical chemists support sectors such as pharmaceuticals, mining, water treatment, manufacturing and environmental management, ensuring that products and processes meet quality, safety and regulatory standards. In South Africa, this work is shaped by national and international regulations, including Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), as highlighted by the South African Chemical Institute’s professional guidelines for chemists in industry and research settings (SACI).

Overview of the Analytical Chemist Role

Analytical chemists are scientists who develop, validate and apply analytical methods to measure the chemical composition of samples. According to the career profile for analytical chemists on the South African career information portal Oxbridge Academy, professionals in this role typically work in laboratories using advanced instrumentation to test raw materials, intermediates and finished products in areas like pharmaceuticals, food, environmental monitoring and petrochemicals (Oxbridge Academy – Analytical Chemist Career Information).

The South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) notes that chemists, including analytical chemists, function as registered natural scientists when they engage in research, quality control, method development and compliance-related activities in industry and government laboratories (SACNASP – Chemistry Field of Practice). This underscores the professional and regulatory environment within which many analytical chemists operate.

Analytical chemists can be employed in:

  • Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
  • Food and beverage manufacturers
  • Mining and metals industries
  • Environmental laboratories and water utilities
  • Academic and government research institutions
    (as outlined in the Oxbridge Academy career overview for analytical chemists).

Key Responsibilities in an Analytical Chemist Job Description

While exact duties differ by sector and employer, several core responsibilities appear consistently in analytical chemist job profiles.

1. Sample Preparation and Testing

Analytical chemists prepare and analyse samples to determine their chemical composition and properties. According to Oxbridge Academy’s description of the role, this includes preparing samples, selecting appropriate analytical methods and operating laboratory instruments to generate reliable data for research, quality control and regulatory compliance purposes (Oxbridge Academy – Analytical Chemist Duties).

Typical tasks include:

  • Receiving, labelling and storing samples according to laboratory procedures
  • Preparing solutions, standards and reagents
  • Applying techniques such as titration, chromatography and spectroscopy for qualitative and quantitative analysis.

2. Use and Maintenance of Analytical Instruments

Analytical chemists use a range of specialised instruments to separate, identify and quantify chemical components. The general skills and tools associated with analytical chemistry, as described in University of Pretoria chemistry course outlines and laboratory training materials, include operation of instruments like high‑performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC) and ultraviolet–visible (UV‑Vis) spectrophotometers (University of Pretoria – Chemistry Department Overview).

Core responsibilities around instrumentation include:

  • Setting up analytical runs and calibrating instruments
  • Running routine and non‑routine analyses
  • Performing basic troubleshooting and arranging maintenance when needed
  • Ensuring instruments are used in line with safety and quality procedures.

3. Method Development and Validation

In many laboratories, analytical chemists develop or refine analytical methods to improve sensitivity, speed or cost‑effectiveness. The University of Cape Town’s postgraduate analytical chemistry programmes emphasise method development, validation and implementation in accordance with international guidelines such as those from the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) and ISO standards (University of Cape Town – Analytical Chemistry Research and Training).

Job duties in this area can include:

  • Designing experiments to evaluate analytical methods
  • Establishing parameters such as accuracy, precision, detection limits and robustness
  • Documenting validation protocols and reports for internal and regulatory review.

4. Data Analysis, Interpretation and Reporting

Analytical chemists are responsible for interpreting their results and presenting them clearly. Oxbridge Academy notes that data analysis and reporting are central to the analytical chemist role, with professionals expected to process numerical data, evaluate trends and communicate findings to colleagues, management and clients (Oxbridge Academy – Analytical Chemist Career Information).

Typical tasks include:

  • Processing instrument outputs and performing calculations
  • Assessing data quality, identifying anomalies and determining if results meet specifications
  • Preparing technical reports, certificates of analysis and summaries for audits or regulatory submissions.

5. Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance

In regulated sectors such as pharmaceuticals, water and food, analytical chemists work under quality management systems. Guidance on Good Laboratory Practice from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) highlights the importance of validated methods, controlled documentation and traceable records when testing health products and related materials (SAHPRA – Good Laboratory Practice Guidance).

Within that framework, analytical chemists may:

  • Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all analytical work
  • Participate in internal quality audits and proficiency testing schemes
  • Help maintain laboratory accreditation under standards such as ISO/IEC 17025, as supported by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) for testing laboratories (SANAS – Testing Laboratory Accreditation Overview).

6. Health, Safety and Environmental Responsibility

Chemical handling and waste management are integral to analytical chemistry practice. The University of Johannesburg’s laboratory safety guidelines for chemistry students and staff stress adherence to chemical safety protocols, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and compliant disposal of hazardous waste (University of Johannesburg – Chemistry Laboratory Safety).

Analytical chemists are typically expected to:

  • Work in accordance with laboratory health and safety policies and national occupational health legislation
  • Manage chemical waste following environmental regulations and internal procedures
  • Contribute to risk assessments and continuous safety improvements.

Skills, Qualifications and Requirements

Educational Requirements

Analytical chemist job descriptions usually require at least a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a closely related field. The University of Pretoria’s Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and related programmes state that graduates gain grounding in analytical, organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, with practical exposure to modern instrumentation and data analysis (University of Pretoria – Undergraduate Chemistry Programmes).

For research, method development or specialist roles, employers may prefer candidates with:

  • An Honours or Master’s degree in chemistry, analytical chemistry or a related discipline
  • Postgraduate research experience in analytical techniques or applied fields.

In South Africa, chemists who provide professional natural scientific services to the public may need to register with SACNASP, which requires recognised qualifications and relevant experience (SACNASP – Registration Requirements).

Technical Skills

Analytical chemist job descriptions commonly highlight:

  • Proficiency with instrumentation such as HPLC, GC, UV‑Vis spectroscopy, and, in many laboratories, techniques like infrared (IR) spectroscopy and atomic absorption spectroscopy, as reflected in the instrumentation focus of analytical chemistry courses at South African universities (University of Cape Town – Analytical Chemistry Research and Training).
  • Competence in wet chemistry techniques including titration, gravimetric analysis and sample digestion, which form part of standard undergraduate laboratory training (University of Pretoria – Chemistry Laboratory Training).
  • Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or electronic data systems used to record, manage and retrieve analytical results, as noted in modern quality-controlled laboratory environments through SANAS-accredited testing practices (SANAS – Testing Laboratory Accreditation Overview).

Analytical and Professional Competencies

Oxbridge Academy’s profile of analytical chemists emphasises a combination of scientific and general professional skills that employers value, including:

  • Strong numerical and analytical thinking skills
  • Attention to detail and accurate record‑keeping
  • Problem‑solving ability in troubleshooting methods and instruments
  • Effective communication for writing reports and explaining results to non‑specialists
  • Teamwork and the ability to collaborate across disciplines in production, quality and research environments
    (Oxbridge Academy – Analytical Chemist Career Information).

Experience Requirements

Specific experience requirements differ by employer and sector, but job advertisements and career guidance sources commonly mention:

Conclusion

An analytical chemist job description centres on scientifically rigorous testing, method development and data interpretation that support quality, safety and regulatory compliance across multiple industries. In the South African context, analytical chemists operate within a structured professional and regulatory framework, as outlined by bodies such as SACNASP, SAHPRA and SANAS, while drawing on the technical training provided by universities and specialist programmes in analytical chemistry (SACNASP – Chemistry Field of Practice; University of Cape Town – Analytical Chemistry Research and Training).

For employers, a clear and comprehensive analytical chemist job description helps attract candidates with the right blend of education, technical expertise and professional skills. For aspiring professionals, understanding these responsibilities and requirements provides a roadmap for developing the competencies needed to build a successful career in analytical chemistry.

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