Chemists

Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.

The occupation "Chemists" has an automation risk of 51.3%, which is slightly below the base risk of 52.1%. This figure reflects a balanced mix of tasks—some readily automatable, others instead requiring human oversight, judgment, or creativity. Chemists routinely rely on advanced tools and software for data collection and analysis, but their work involves a degree of scientific investigation and problem-solving that current automation cannot fully replicate. The moderate risk indicates that while numerous routine operations and analytical techniques could be replaced or supplemented by algorithms and robotic systems, the entirety of the chemist’s role cannot yet be automated away. Among the tasks most susceptible to automation are those involving systematic, repeatable actions, particularly in controlled laboratory environments. For example, developing or customizing products, equipment, or analytical methods is increasingly automatable as artificial intelligence and machine learning improve formula optimization and process refinement. Similarly, chemical analysis using instruments like chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry—traditionally performed manually—can be handled by sophisticated machines capable of high-throughput, reproducible results. Inducing chemical changes by manipulating heat, light, energy, or catalysts for analysis is also a task well-suited to automation, as robots can perform many laboratory experiments with high precision, minimizing human error and increasing efficiency. Conversely, some tasks remain resistant to automation due to their dependence on judgment, interpersonal skills, or safety oversight. Purchasing laboratory supplies when stocks are low, for instance, often requires nuanced decision-making based on research needs, budgets, and supplier reliability. Directing or advising personnel in testing procedures involves leadership and adaptability, which are difficult for automation to match. Evaluating laboratory safety procedures and ensuring compliance also demand a high level of responsibility and situational awareness, particularly for recognizing hazards or improving protocols. Bottleneck skills such as originality (rated at levels of 3.0% and 3.4%) play a crucial role in these resistant tasks; creativity, problem-solving, and innovation are areas where humans currently outperform machines, further grounding chemists’ positions against total automation.