A research chemist experiments with different chemical compounds to discover new applications for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, electronics, and products in several different industries. In your career as a research chemist, must of your work will focus on specific scientific procedures. Your job duties include examining how chemical compounds interact, applying your findings to consumer products, and experimenting with improvements and innovations to products and scientific methods. The qualifications for this job include a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and at least one year of laboratory work experience. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills are essential.