It might also involve testing of the product to insure that it has the characteristics identified as important. Research level bench chemistry positions are more likely to be concerned with the development of new products or with the modification of existing products to perform new tasks. Compared with quality control work, research is more open ended but equally focused on the need for results. Relatively few chemists remain at these entry level bench jobs for their entire careers, and many make the transition to other activities within a few years. The next level of position might be in sales, customer service, instrument support, or some related field.
Many companies support and encourage employees who wish to go on for further education as they work.
If this possibility is important to you, be sure to discuss company policy during your job interview. It is also helpful to check the area around where you would be working to discover what institutions are nearby that would offer graduate work in chemistry. It is difficult to hold down a full-time job while going to graduate school, and so before you decide that this is a viable career path for you, think carefully about your own motivation and ability. A summer research position or internship can be extremely valuable in preparing you for the job market. Be sure to look at the listing of summer chemistry positions on this site.