Chemists and materials scientists

Write technical reports that detail methods and findings

AI can draft technical reports from experimental data, following standard formats for methods and results sections. Large language models can structure findings, generate appropriate technical language, and create tables/figures, though scientists typically review and refine conclusions and implications.

BLS evidence: The duties section states they 'Write technical reports that detail methods and findings.'

Use computers and laboratory equipment for modeling, simulation, and analysis

AI excels at molecular modeling, simulation of chemical reactions, and data analysis from laboratory instruments. Modern computational chemistry tools with AI can autonomously run simulations and analyze results, though scientists still define parameters and interpret implications for research direction.

BLS evidence: The page states 'Chemists and materials scientists use computers and other laboratory equipment for modeling, simulation, and analysis,' including three-dimensional modeling software.

Analyze substances to determine their composition and concentration of elements

Modern analytical instruments increasingly incorporate AI for spectral interpretation, peak identification, and compositional analysis. AI can process chromatography, mass spec, and elemental analysis data with high accuracy, though human review remains standard for novel compounds or ambiguous results.

BLS evidence: The duties section explicitly lists 'Analyze substances to determine their composition and concentration of elements' as a primary task.

Conduct tests on materials and substances to ensure safety and quality standards are met

AI can automate much of the data collection from testing equipment and flag deviations from standards, but physical sample handling, instrument calibration, and judgment calls on borderline results still require substantial human involvement in most laboratory settings.

BLS evidence: The duties section states they 'Conduct tests on materials and other substances to ensure that safety and quality standards are met.'

Present research findings to scientists, engineers, and other colleagues

AI can generate slide decks and visualizations from data, but presenting research requires real-time audience engagement, answering technical questions, defending methodology, and adapting explanations based on listener expertise—skills that remain predominantly human.

BLS evidence: The duties section explicitly lists 'Present research findings to scientists, engineers, and other colleagues.'

Direct technicians and other staff in chemical processing and testing procedures

Directing staff involves real-time supervision, training, safety oversight, and adaptive problem-solving in a physical laboratory. AI can provide scheduling and procedural guidance, but the interpersonal coordination and on-the-spot technical judgment remain predominantly human tasks.

BLS evidence: The duties section states they 'Direct technicians and other staff in chemical processing and testing, including for ingredients, mixing times, and operating temperatures.'

Plan and carry out research projects on product development and testing methods

AI can assist with literature review, experimental design suggestions, and protocol generation, but the creative hypothesis formation, resource allocation decisions, and adaptation to unexpected results require human scientific judgment that AI cannot yet replicate autonomously.

BLS evidence: The duties section states chemists and materials scientists 'Plan and carry out research projects, such as development of products and of testing methods.'

Collaborate with engineers and other scientists on experiments and product development

Collaboration requires iterative discussion, negotiation of experimental approaches, integration of cross-disciplinary constraints, and relationship management. AI can facilitate information sharing and suggest approaches, but the creative synthesis and interpersonal dynamics are fundamentally human.

BLS evidence: The duties section lists 'Collaborate with engineers and other scientists on experiments, product development, and production processes' and notes they 'work usually work as part of a team.'

Prepare solutions, compounds, and reagents used in laboratory procedures

This task requires precise physical manipulation of chemicals, weighing, mixing, and handling hazardous materials in a laboratory environment. While robotic systems exist in high-throughput settings, typical lab preparation demands manual dexterity and real-time safety judgment that current automation cannot match affordably.

BLS evidence: The duties section lists 'Prepare solutions, compounds, and reagents used in laboratory procedures' as a typical task.