Your task as a chemical technician will involve using lab equipment and techniques to support chemists and chemical engineers conduct research, designing, producing, and test chemical products and processes. To produce items or to carry out research into strategies that make handling and disposing of chemicals safe for everyone, you might work with industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or agricultural products.
Chemical technicians are responsible for applying, assessing, and improving chemical processes, scrupulously recording the outcomes, and reporting any deviations from the ideal.
Additionally, they are in charge of setting up, running, and maintaining the machinery to produce, distribute, utilise, or apply chemicals, conducting quality control and safety surveys and logging results over time for various sites.
Many companies have started accepting individuals with a two-year degree in chemical technology or applied sciences. Additionally, the finest work opportunities will go to students who are skilled in using laboratory equipment.
What Does a Chemical Technician Do
The duties of a chemical technician include helping chemists and laboratory personnel as they perform laboratory research and examine chemical elements and structures. Chemical technicians carry out appropriate sterilization and segregation of disposable materials, maintain adequate inventory, and assure the stability of laboratory tools and equipment.
Also, they track the research process and scientific techniques and produce observation reports for later use. To prevent potential risks and complexities during chemical operations, a chemical technician maintains the facility’s cleanliness and order.
They maintain the daily production schedule, keep an eye on machine performance, and address any etching equipment errors. They also Maintain, organize, and update the MSDS database for the entire company.
Types of Chemical Technicians:
Laboratory technicians- help scientists conduct experiments and analyses, set up and maintain lab equipment and instruments, prepare chemical solutions, test goods for quality and performance, and analyse compounds created by intricate chemical reactions as well as analyse samples of air and water to measure pollution levels.
Processing technicians- By making equipment modifications to enhance production efficiency and output, processing experts at chemical manufacturing plants keep an eye on the quality of the products and processes. They take samples from production batches, examine them for impurities and other flaws, and check the product packaging to make sure it is attractive, durable, and has a minimal environmental impact.
Skills Required for Chemical Technician
Ability to use technology- Complex equipment and instruments must be configured, used, troubleshot, and repaired by chemical technicians. They also may require adjusting the tool to make sure that experiments and processes are functioning smoothly and safely.
Analytical skills- Scientific investigations must be carried out by chemical technicians precisely and accurately.
Communication skills- Chemical technicians really have to describe their activity to scientists, engineers, and to employees who may not have a piece of technical knowledge. To convey their reports, they frequently produce reports.
Critical-thinking skills- Chemical technicians make decisions based on sound judgement and reasoning.
Interpersonal skills- Chemical technicians frequently collaborate with scientists, engineers, and other technicians, thus they must be able to work well in a team.
Observation skills- Chemical technicians must keep a close eye on chemical procedures and experiments to document any strange or unexpected outcomes. They must maintain thorough records of all aspects of their work, including conditions and policies.
Time-management skills- Chemical technicians must prioritize their assignments because they typically work on many tasks and projects at once.
How to Become a Chemical Technician?
One of the first things to think about if you wish to pursue a career as a chemical technician is how much education you’ll require. A bachelor’s degree is obtained by 49.6% of chemical technicians, according to the data. In terms of higher education levels, 2.9% of chemical technicians possess master’s degrees. Even though a college degree is typically required for chemical technicians, it’s feasible to work as a chemical technician with only a high school degree or GED.
Before applying for a job, it will be a good idea to acquire some chemical technician skills. Here, we have mentioned skills commonly requested in chemical technician jobs. Some of my Crucial skills include operating Lab Equipment, maintaining Safety Procedures, Math etc.
On-the-job training for chemical technicians lasts, on average, 1-3 months after they are hired. New chemical technicians acquire the information and abilities necessary for their specific position and employer throughout this time.
Salary of a Chemical Technician
The average annual salary for chemical laboratory technicians in India is 6,78,694 INR or 326 per hour. They also receive an average bonus of 12,624. Wage estimates are based on data from anonymous Indian employees and employers via salary surveys.
A chemical laboratory technician having 1-3 years of experience at entry level can expect to receive an annual wage of INR 4,99,885. The average pay for a senior-level chemical laboratory technician (8+ years of experience) is INR 8,46,230.
Work Environment of a Chemical Technician?
Chemical technicians frequently perform in labs or industrial environments, such as chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, and they may collect samples from alternative data or from within the many industries in which they are employed.
Pharmaceutical, mining, food, consumer products, and environmental organisations are among the industries that employ chemical technologists. Chemists or chemical engineers monitor and evaluate the work of the majority of chemical technicians as they work in teams under their direction.
Although most chemical technicians work full-time, they frequently have to spend additional time to finish projects on schedule or troubleshoot issues. To monitor lab experiments or plant activities, some individuals might throw in unusual shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions on Chemical Technician
Ans: The duties of a chemical technician include helping chemists and laboratory personnel as they perform laboratory research and examine chemical elements and structures.
Ans: Some of the important skills to be a chemical technician include Analytical skills, Communication skills, Critical-thinking skills, and Interpersonal skills.
Ans: A college degree is typically required for chemical technicians, it’s feasible to work as a chemical technician with only a high school degree or GED.
Ans: Chemical engineering technicians work under the supervision of chemical engineers.