Chemist IV

Summary

Master chemist.  May provide consultation on complex projects and is considered the top-level contributor/specialist.  Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.  Defines goals for given research projects.  Demonstrates expertise in a variety of the field’s concepts, practices, and procedures.  May serve as a consultant.  A very wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.  Highly knowledgeable with a variety of the field’s concepts, practices, and procedures.  Analyzes existing methodologies, formulates hypotheses, modifies existing procedures, and develops novel procedures.  Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department.  Leads and directs the work of others.  May train others.  Spends less than 80% of work time on supervisory/managerial duties.  Performs a variety of complicated tasks.

Studies substances at the atomic and molecular levels and the ways in which substances react with each other.  Evaluates the chemical and physical properties of various organic and inorganic substances in order to investigate their applications to medicine and other industries.  Conducts qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new and improved products or knowledge.

Examples of Work

Job functions are specific duties that would be included in the essential functions of the job description.  These functions are not all-inclusive nor do they cover the full extent of the duties performed.

• Plan and carry out complex research projects, such as the development of new products and testing methods
• Coordinates scientific services for clients
• Analyze organic or inorganic compounds or substances to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, concentration of elements, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques
• Conduct quality control tests on materials and other substances, to ensure that safety and quality standards are met
• Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed
• Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests
• Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis
• Evaluate laboratory safety procedures to ensure compliance with standards or to make improvements as needed
• Compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions
• Evaluates data accumulated in ongoing research and prepares statistical analysis
• Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests
• Write technical reports that detail methods and findings; prepares reports for publication in coordination with faculty
• Present research findings to scientists, engineers, and other colleagues
• Confer with scientists or engineers to conduct analyses of research projects, interpret test results, or develop nonstandard tests
• Reviews literature pertinent to the research area
• Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods
• Direct, coordinate, or advise technicians and other workers in test procedures for analyzing components or physical properties of materials
• Instruct scientists and technicians on proper chemical processing and testing procedures, such as ingredients, mixing times, and operating temperatures
• Purchase laboratory supplies, such as chemicals, when supplies are low or near their expiration date
• Study effects of various methods of processing, preserving, or packaging on composition or properties of foods

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a closely related field and thirteen years of experience in the field or in a related area; or master’s degree in chemistry or a closely related field and eleven years of experience in the field or in a related area; or Doctoral degree in chemistry or a closely related field and eight years of experience in the field or in a related area.

Licensure and Certification

N/A

Supervision

This position may include supervisory responsibility.

Competencies

• Accuracy And Attention To Detail
• Oral Communications
• Managing Multiple Priorities
• Taking Ownership
• Active Learning
• Initiative
• Office Support Tools
• Research Analysis
• Product Development Best Practices: Research, Identification, And Application
• Flexibility And Adaptability

To see common career pathways for each position at the University of Florida please visit the Career Paths section of the UFHR website.