Analytical chemistry is the science of obtaining, processing, and communicating information about the composition and structure of matter. In other words, it is the art
and science of determining what matter is and how much of it exists. In 2012 (salary survey data), analytical chemistry was the most popular field of work for ACS chemists.

What Do Analytical Chemists Do?
Analytical chemists use their knowledge of chemistry, instrumentation, computers, and statistics to solve problems in almost all areas of chemistry and for all kinds of industries.

For example, their measurements are used to assure the safety and quality of food, pharmaceuticals, and water; to assure compliance with environmental and other regulations; to support the legal process; to help physicians diagnose diseases; and to provide measurements and documentation essential to trade and commerce.

Analytical chemists often work in service-related jobs and are employed in industry, academia, and government.

They conduct basic laboratory research; perform process and product development; design instruments used in analytical analysis; teach; and work in marketing and law.

Analytical chemistry can be a challenging profession that makes significant contributions to many fields of science.

Typical Job Functions

Perform qualitative and quantitative analysis
Sample, define, isolate, concentrate, and preserve sample
Set error limits
Validate and verify results through calibration and standardization
Perform separations based on differential chemical properties
Create new ways to make measurements
Interpret data in proper context
Communicate their results and conclusions to other scientists

Specialized Knowledge
Automation has decreased the demand for analytical chemists to conduct repeated routine analysis—robots can prepare and analyze many samples, while advances in computer power allow the development of increasingly sophisticated algorithms to analyze and interpret analytical results.

Though high-volume routine instrumental analyses using well-defined procedures are automated, knowledge of the organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry of the sample and the measurement is valuable, particularly when troubleshooting.

These increasingly sophisticated analytical methods and instrumentation as well as increasing regulatory requirements have opened new opportunities for analytical chemists in a variety of areas.

For example, quality assurance specialists help to guarantee that analytical laboratories follow documented and approved procedures, and chemists with solid technical and computer skills are needed to develop and use complex analytical techniques.

Government agencies need analytical chemists to verify compliance with regulatory requirements.

Finally, corporate downsizing and outsourcing have provided the impetus for many entrepreneurial analytical chemists to start their own businesses, specializing in particular kinds of analyses or classes of compounds.


Work Settings
Workplaces for analytical chemists are as varied as their job responsibilities and the sophistication of the laboratories they work in.

The fact that a lab may not be equipped with the state-of-the-art instrumentation does not mean its chemical measurements are any less sophisticated.

It may just mean that the measurements and techniques are cost-effective and sufficient for their intended purpose.

Depending on the industry and job responsibilities, analytical chemists may also work in manufacturing areas or as applications or sales and marketing chemists for vendors of instrumentation and apparatuses.

Employers tend to recruit analytical chemists with experience operating different and increasingly sophisticated instruments that are used for routine measurements.

In addition, they often seek analytical chemists with experience in specific types of analysis—for example, the analysis of samples unique to pharmaceuticals, food, environmental samples, polymers, or minerals.

Much of forensic chemistry is analytical chemistry applied to evidence of potential crimes.


Analytical chemists are generally involved with making measurements by using sophisticated state-of-the-art computer controlled instrumentation in government laboratories and laboratories in all areas of the chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and food industries.

They may also be involved in developing techniques within these laboratories as well as in the laboratories of instrumentation vendors.

Analytical chemists are also suited for positions as quality assurance specialists to guarantee that procedures and protocols are followed and in quality control where they ensure the quality of products being produced. Continue at link http://insidechemistry..com.ng/2016/10/analytical-chemist-science-is-dynamic.html