Chemists use computers to monitor research experiments, do math computations, and collect and store data. Many chemists work in research and development. In basic research, chemists investigate the properties, structures, and composition of matter. In applied research, they create new or improved existing products and processes. For example, applied research created the process to make synthetic rubber and plastics.
Chemists also work in chemical manufacturing plants.
They give instructions, keep watch over automated processes, and test samples. They also must record and report on test results. Others are marketing or sales representatives. They sell or provide technical information on chemical products. Chemists often specialize in a subfield.