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Useful experience for chemists includes laboratory work as a technician, or other scientific research work.

Chemists may do some or all of the following:

• develop methods and equipment to study chemical compounds
• test chemical samples to determine their make-up and properties
• think of ways to make new chemical compounds
• work with industries to develop chemical processes
• carry out experiments and write up the results
• publish articles in scientific journals
• teach and supervise students and/or staff.

Chemists who work with industries that manufacture chemicals may also do some or all of the following:

• manage and monitor chemical manufacturing processes
  
• carry out environmental monitoring
• carry out analytical testing to check the quality and safety of products or materials
• design and carry out experiments to develop improved chemical processes. 

Growing demand for analytical chemists 

Analytical chemists are in high demand in industries such as health and wellness to test raw materials and finished products before they are produced on a large scale.

There are fewer positions for research chemists because more new product research is being done overseas.  

According to the Census, 615 chemists worked in New Zealand in 2018. 

Industry experience as an assistant chemist improves your chances 

You can increase your chances of getting work as an analytical chemist if you have experience as an assistant chemist:

• working in industry and using a variety of testing equipment
• using specific analytical instruments and techniques
• working within Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) production standards.    

Types of employers varied

Chemists work for a variety of employers including:

• Crown research institutes (CRIs) or Crown entities such as Callaghan Innovation, which is the largest employer of research chemists in New Zealand
• universities
• private research and development companies. 

National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA)

0800 746 464 - enquiries@niwa.co.nz - www.niwa.co.nz

Royal Society of New Zealand

(04) 472 7421 - www.royalsociety.org.nz

Chemists may progress to jobs in areas such as: 

• senior roles in an analytical laboratory
• management  
• research science
• lecturing in universities 
• advising on policy and funding for government organisations, including councils
• patent law for legal firms. 

Chemists can specialise in a number of roles, including:

Analytical Chemist

Analytical chemists determine the structure, composition and nature of substances. They help pharmaceutical industries identify compounds that can be used in drugs, and also identify chemical pollutants in air, water and soil.

Biochemist

Biochemists study biology and chemistry.

Inorganic Chemist

Inorganic chemists study chemical compounds other than those in living things.

Materials Chemist

Materials chemists study, develop and improve materials such as plastic.

Organic Chemist

Organic chemists study the chemical compounds that make up living things. They mix these chemicals to create new compounds, which are used to develop products such as drugs or plastics.

Physical Chemist

Physical chemists study the physical characteristics of atoms and molecules in chemicals. Their research may result in new and better energy sources.

• Biochemist job information
• Science technician job information

Chemists need to be:

• accurate and observant, with an eye for detail
• patient and persistent
• enquiring, creative and motivated
• good at problem solving
  
• good written and verbal communicators
• well organised, with good planning skills.