Chemists

Air Quality Chemist
Analytical Chemist
Chemical Lab Scientist (Chemical Laboratory Scientist)
Chemist
Forensic Chemist
Product Development Chemist
QC Chemist (Quality Control Chemist)
R and D Chemist (Research and Development Chemist)
Research Chemist
Scientist

What is a Chemist?

A chemist is a scientific professional who specializes in the study of matter, its properties, composition, structure, and changes it undergoes during chemical reactions. Chemists play a vital role in understanding and manipulating the interactions of various substances at the molecular and atomic levels, which enables them to develop new materials, pharmaceuticals, and chemical processes. They work in diverse fields such as laboratories, industry, academia, and government institutions, conducting experiments, analyzing results, and contributing to innovation in areas like environmental science, health care, and materials science. Their work not only advances scientific knowledge but also has practical applications that impact everyday life, from improving food safety to developing sustainable energy solutions.

Career Assessment
Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$52950.0 - $149550.0

This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

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Assessment

Related assessments and tests

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Career Assessment

Tasks

  • Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.
  • Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.
  • Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.
  • Conduct quality control tests.
  • Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.

Technology Skills

Knowledge

  • Chemistry

    Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

  • English Language

    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

  • Mathematics

    Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

  • Production and Processing

    Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

  • Administration and Management

    Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

18 Active Jobs in South Africa
Avg Salary: R29,833pm

How to Know if You Are Ready to be a Chemist in South Africa

Choosing a career in Chemistry is a commitment to understanding the very fabric of our world. In the current South African landscape, the demand for skilled scientists remains robust, particularly within the pharmaceutical, mining, and manufacturing sectors. Currently, there are 23 active job openings in the market, with an average monthly salary of R29,833pm. Notably, the industry is seeing a steady upward trend in compensation, with entry-to-mid-level salaries rising from R26,253 in early 2024 to a projected R32,816 by December 2024, reflecting the increasing value placed on technical expertise.

Is Chemistry Right for Me? (Psychometric Checklist)

Success in the laboratory requires a unique blend of cognitive abilities and personality traits. Reflect on the following to see if you possess the "Chemistry DNA":

  • Analytical Mindset: Do you have a natural inclination to break down complex problems into manageable parts?
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: Are you the type of person who notices even the smallest discrepancies in data or physical samples?
  • Safety-Conscious Attitude: Can you disciplinedly follow strict safety protocols and "Standard Operating Procedures" (SOPs) without cutting corners?
  • Patience and Persistence: Are you prepared for experiments that may take days or weeks to yield results, and the resilience to handle failed hypotheses?
  • Mathematical Proficiency: Are you comfortable with the high-level calculations required for stoichiometry, thermodynamics, and data modelling?
  • Ethical Integrity: Do you value accuracy and honesty in reporting results, even when they do not align with expectations?

A Day in the Life of a South African Chemist

In South Africa, your daily environment can vary from the high-tech laboratories of SASOL in Secunda to the quality control floors of pharmaceutical giants in Port Elizabeth or the research hubs of Cape Town. Your day usually begins with a safety briefing and the donning of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). You might spend your morning calibrating sensitive equipment like HPLC or GC-MS machines, ensuring they meet the stringent requirements of the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).

The afternoon is often dedicated to "wet chemistry"—mixing reagents, monitoring reactions, and meticulously documenting observations in a laboratory notebook. Collaboration is key; you will likely work alongside Chemical Engineers and Lab Technicians to scale up production or troubleshoot a batch of product that doesn't meet specifications. It is a career that balances quiet, focused independent work with high-stakes team problem-solving.

Education & Upskilling: The Path to Professionalism

Ready to start your career as a Chemists?

Explore Top-Rated Chemists Courses on Udemy

To practice as a Chemist in South Africa, a solid educational foundation is non-negotiable. Most professionals begin with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Chemistry or a National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry from a University of Technology or TVET college. These programmes provide the theoretical grounding and hands-on laboratory hours required to enter the workforce.

However, a degree is merely the starting point. The chemical industry evolves rapidly with new technologies and environmental regulations. To remain competitive, you must embrace continuous learning through:

  • Short Courses: Specialising in Laboratory Management, ISO 17025 accreditation, or Advanced Instrumental Analysis.
  • Professional Registration: Seeking membership with the South African Chemical Institute (SACI) to stay connected with industry advancements.
  • Postgraduate Specialisation: Honours, Masters, or PhD degrees are often required for those looking to move into high-level Research and Development (R&D) or specialized forensic chemistry.

Next Steps

Deciding to become a Chemist is a significant step toward a rewarding and intellectually stimulating career. The growth in South African salaries and the consistent demand for technical talent make this an opportune time to enter the field. However, technical knowledge is only half the battle—you must ensure your personality and work ethic align with the rigours of the lab. Test your readiness now by taking our comprehensive career assessment to see if you have what it takes to thrive in the world of South African Chemistry.

Skills

  • Science

    Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

  • Critical Thinking

    Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

  • Reading Comprehension

    Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

  • Speaking

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Active Listening

    Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Abilities

  • Deductive Reasoning

    The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

  • Inductive Reasoning

    The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

  • Oral Comprehension

    The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

  • Oral Expression

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

  • Written Comprehension

    The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

  • Bachelor's degree
    56 %
  • Doctoral degree
    30 %
  • Master's degree
    10 %

Work Activities

  • Documenting/Recording Information

    Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

  • Analyzing Data or Information

    Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

  • Getting Information

    Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

    Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems

    Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Develop new or advanced products or production methods.
  • Analyze chemical compounds or substances.
  • Establish standards for products, processes, or procedures.
  • Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.
  • Prepare compounds or solutions for products or testing.

Work Interests

  • Investigative

    Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

  • Realistic

    Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

  • Conventional

    Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

This page incorporates data from O_NET OnLine, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), under the CC BY 4.0 license. O_NET is a registered trademark of USDOL/ETA. Assessify has adapted and modified the original content. Please note that USDOL/ETA has neither reviewed nor endorsed these changes.