Some of the duties of a chemist could be:

• Analyze, synthesize, purify, modify and characterize chemical or biochemical compounds
• Develop and conduct programs of analysis to ensure quality control of raw materials, chemical intermediates or final products
• Conduct programs of sample and data collection and analysis to identify and quantify environmental toxicants
• Conduct research to develop new chemical formulations and processes and devise new technical applications of industrial chemicals and compounds
• Conduct research to discover, develop and refine, and evaluate new products
• Conduct fundamental and applied research into the synthesis and properties of chemical compounds and the mechanisms of chemical reactions
• Investigate chemical aspects of the mechanisms of drug action, the diagnosis and treatment of disease, organ function and the assessment of health
• Participate in interdisciplinary research and development projects working with chemical engineers, biologists, microbiologists, agronomists, geologists or other professionals
• Act as technical consultant in a particular field of expertise
• May participate in the commercialization of new products
• May supervise other chemists and chemical technicians and technologists.