Chemists.

This job has 12 core tasks. We went through 11 of them, one at a time.

Task by task, from the work Chemists actually do. How we describe AI use in each task is our own read of it, not a measurement of whether AI can replace the job.

1. TASK 01

   Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.

   AI DOES

   Drafts outlines, polishes language, formats references, and suggests standard report sections

   YOU DO

   Supply original data, interpret results, and validate all technical and safety claims

2. TASK 02

   Compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions.

   AI DOES

   Sorts through large datasets, finds trends, and flags unusual readings automatically

   YOU DO

   Apply real-world chemical knowledge and equipment experience to interpret results and decide next steps

3. TASK 03

   Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.

   AI DOES

   Searches chemical databases, suggests starting formulas, flags known reactions, and drafts experimental plans

   YOU DO

   Run the actual experiments, trust your lab instincts, and judge what the data really means

4. TASK 04

   Evaluate laboratory safety procedures to ensure compliance with standards or to make improvements as needed.

   AI DOES

   Scans safety documents, checks them against regulatory standards, and flags potential gaps or outdated procedures

   YOU DO

   Walk the lab in person, observe actual conditions, and own the final safety judgment

5. TASK 05

   Direct, coordinate, or advise personnel in test procedures for analyzing components or physical properties of materials.

   AI DOES

   Suggests test procedures, summarizes data, and drafts step-by-step protocols

   YOU DO

   Stay present in the lab to guide, adapt, and keep people safe in real time

6. TASK 06

   Purchase laboratory supplies, such as chemicals, when supplies are low or near their expiration date.

   AI DOES

   Tracks inventory levels, spots expiring items, and drafts purchase orders

   YOU DO

   Verify lab needs and approve final orders

7. TASK 07

   Conduct quality control tests.

   AI DOES

   Analyzes test data, spots patterns, and flags results that fall outside spec

   YOU DO

   Run the physical tests, handle samples, and make final pass/fail calls

8. TASK 08

   Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests.

   AI DOES

   Suggests formulas, checks concentration math, and pulls up safety data sheets

   YOU DO

   Measure, mix, and physically handle chemicals with precision and safety judgment

9. TASK 09SOURCE-BACKED TASK

   Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.

   AI DOES

   Processes spectral data and suggests compound structures

   YOU DO

   Interpret results and validate findings

   About this analysis +

   34% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium

10. TASK 10SOURCE-BACKED TASK

    Confer with scientists or engineers to conduct analyses of research projects, interpret test results, or develop nonstandard tests.

    AI DOES

    Analyzes data and suggests test approaches

    YOU DO

    Interpret what results mean for the project

    About this analysis +

    30% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium

11. TASK 11SOURCE-BACKED TASK

    Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.

    AI DOES

    Suggests optimal conditions and predicts reaction outcomes

    YOU DO

    Design the experiment and interpret results

    About this analysis +

    0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium