chemical+technicians

Chemical technicians use the principles and theories of chemistry and mathematics to solve problems in research and development, and to help invent and improve products and processes. Chemical technicians work with chemists and chemical engineers, developing and using chemicals and related products and equipment. However, their jobs are more practical than those of chemists and chemical engineers. Generally, there are two types of chemical technicians: research technicians who work in experimental laboratories and process control technicians who work in manufacturing or other industrial plants. Many chemical technicians working in research and development conduct a variety of laboratory procedures, from routine process control to complex research projects. For example, they might collect and analyze samples of air and water to monitor pollution levels, or they might produce compounds through complex organic synthesis. Often, chemical technicians who work in plants focus on quality assurance, monitoring product quality or production processes, and developing new production techniques. A few work in shipping to provide technical support and expertise. As laboratory instrumentation and procedures have become more complex, the role of chemical technicians in research and development has expanded. In addition to performing routine tasks, many technicians, under the direction of scientists, now develop and adapt laboratory procedures to achieve the best results, interpret data, and devise solutions to problems. Chemical technicians must develop expert knowledge of laboratory equipment so that they can adjust settings when necessary and recognize when equipment is malfunctioning.