Description
Apply experimental and computational methods to investigate the thermodynamics, kinetics, and molecular structure of chemical systems, generating data and models to advance product and process development and fundamental understanding.
- • Develop and validate physical models for reaction mechanisms, equilibria, phase behavior, and transport properties.
- • Perform computational chemistry or molecular simulations to interpret experiments and predict properties.
- • Design and optimize experiments to probe surfaces, interfaces, and condensed-phase phenomena relevant to products or processes.
- • Compile and analyze datasets to assess process efficiency, energy balances, and root causes of deviations.
- • Collaborate with chemists, materials scientists, and engineers to translate physical insights into improved formulations and unit operations.
- • Direct and train laboratory staff in advanced measurement techniques and nonstandard test procedures.
- • Induce and control chemical or physical changes using temperature, pressure, light, electric fields, or catalysts to study mechanisms.
- • Document methods and results; write technical reports, SOPs, and test specifications.
- • Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot spectrometers, calorimeters, electrochemical cells, and related instrumentation.
- • Ensure laboratory safety and quality control of physical measurements; prepare standards and manage reagent and equipment inventories.
- • Measure thermodynamic and kinetic parameters using calorimetry and rate studies across temperature and pressure ranges.
- • Characterize molecular structure, energy states, and interactions via spectroscopy and scattering methods.
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Advanced Manufacturing
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
