Chemist Jobs in Tennessee
Chemist jobs in Tennessee are active across pharmaceutical manufacturing, agricultural chemistry, and materials science, with openings at every level from entry-level lab technician to senior research chemist. Nashville, Memphis, and Chattanooga are the state's largest hiring centers, anchored by employers such as Eastman Chemical, Pfizer, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The most in-demand specialties are analytical chemistry, process chemistry, and quality control. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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RSI provides full-service environmental solutions supporting clients through all phases of cleanup, with expertise in regulatory compliance, characterization, monitoring, renewable energy, and project management. Built on a strong foundation of collaboration and a people-first culture, RSI is known for being easy to work with and delivering results through long-term partnerships.
RSI is part of a family of companies unified by purpose to deliver safe, reliable solutions to our clients’ unique challenges. We are committed to providing technically superior service, adding value at every stage, and leaving things better than we found them.
Job Summary:
RSI is seeking a motivated chemist with at least 30 hours of chemistry to evaluate, select and apply standard scientific procedures and techniques and support analytical services on a variety of environmental projects. The person will work in accordance with Company standards, regulatory criteria, and contractual obligations to accomplish the required tasks. The role requires the ability to work independently on assignments or as part of a team and requires consistent exercise of discretion and judgment to analyze, interpret or make deductions based on varying facts or circumstances. The role requires the ability to assess data needs, data collection methodology, and field and laboratory analyses. Additionally, the person would possess skills to perform the following:
- Generate and format tables, charts and graphs in support of report preparation
- Generate chain-of-custody records (COCs) and bottle orders to the lab for field sampling programs
- Complete related documentation (field reports, logs, meeting minutes, online submittal sites), in a timely and accurate manner
- Understand technical documents including, but not limited to, Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs), Sampling and Analysis Plans (SAPs) and Quality Control Summary Reports (QCSRs)
- Perform functions in an environmental data management system
Requirements and Education:
- BS/BA in physical sciences, environmental science, biological sciences, or engineering with at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics.
- 2 to 4 years of progressively responsible experience conducting field sampling, laboratory analyses, data validation, or other environmental services.
- HAZWOPER 40 Hour Certification with current 8 Hour Refresher
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
- Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment
- Possess strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Possess strong interpersonal skills
- Able to meet deadlines
- Able to work without supervision and take direction without follow-up
- Understands appropriate protocols for the collection of samples and other field data
- Possess strong quantitative skills
- Able to use logical thought processes to analyze information and develop basic conclusions and recommendations using project data
- Understand industry standard principles, terms, procedures and practices of inorganic/organic chemistry and radiochemistry
- Familiar with environmental industry standard analytical methodologies for determining the presence of and concentration of chemicals/radionuclides
- Understand the applicable federal and state of Tennessee regulatory requirements relevant to projects
- Able to apply technical knowledge to multiple projects at same time
- Competent in using word processing, spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel), and portable document format (.pdf) programs
- Criminal Background Check
- Pre-placement Drug Screening
RSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, gender, color, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, national origin, religion, marital status, ancestry, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other factor prohibited by applicable law
RSI provides full-service environmental solutions supporting clients through all phases of cleanup, with expertise in regulatory compliance, characterization, monitoring, renewable energy, and project management. Built on a strong foundation of collaboration and a people-first culture, RSI is known for being easy to work with and delivering results through long-term partnerships.
RSI is part of a family of companies unified by purpose to deliver safe, reliable solutions to our clients’ unique challenges. We are committed to providing technically superior service, adding value at every stage, and leaving things better than we found them.
Job Summary:
RSI is seeking a motivated chemist with at least 30 hours of chemistry to evaluate, select and apply standard scientific procedures and techniques and support analytical services on a variety of environmental projects. The person will work in accordance with Company standards, regulatory criteria, and contractual obligations to accomplish the required tasks. The role requires the ability to work independently on assignments or as part of a team and requires consistent exercise of discretion and judgment to analyze, interpret or make deductions based on varying facts or circumstances. The role requires the ability to assess data needs, data collection methodology, and field and laboratory analyses. Additionally, the person would possess skills to perform the following:
- Generate and format tables, charts and graphs in support of report preparation
- Generate chain-of-custody records (COCs) and bottle orders to the lab for field sampling programs
- Complete related documentation (field reports, logs, meeting minutes, online submittal sites), in a timely and accurate manner
- Understand technical documents including, but not limited to, Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs), Sampling and Analysis Plans (SAPs) and Quality Control Summary Reports (QCSRs)
- Perform functions in an environmental data management system
Requirements and Education:
- BS/BA in physical sciences, environmental science, biological sciences, or engineering with at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics.
- 2 to 4 years of progressively responsible experience conducting field sampling, laboratory analyses, data validation, or other environmental services.
- HAZWOPER 40 Hour Certification with current 8 Hour Refresher
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
- Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment
- Possess strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Possess strong interpersonal skills
- Able to meet deadlines
- Able to work without supervision and take direction without follow-up
- Understands appropriate protocols for the collection of samples and other field data
- Possess strong quantitative skills
- Able to use logical thought processes to analyze information and develop basic conclusions and recommendations using project data
- Understand industry standard principles, terms, procedures and practices of inorganic/organic chemistry and radiochemistry
- Familiar with environmental industry standard analytical methodologies for determining the presence of and concentration of chemicals/radionuclides
- Understand the applicable federal and state of Tennessee regulatory requirements relevant to projects
- Able to apply technical knowledge to multiple projects at same time
- Competent in using word processing, spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel), and portable document format (.pdf) programs
- Criminal Background Check
- Pre-placement Drug Screening
RSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, gender, color, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, national origin, religion, marital status, ancestry, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other factor prohibited by applicable law
See All 9 Chemist Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Chemist JobsChemist Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Chemist Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in chemist jobs across Tennessee.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related scientific field
- Hands-on experience with analytical instruments such as HPLC, GC-MS, or NMR spectrometry
- Familiarity with GMP or GLP standards as required in pharmaceutical or regulated laboratory environments
- Proficiency in data analysis software and laboratory information management systems
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting procedures and reporting results
- Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams across R&D, QA, or manufacturing departments
Chemist Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a chemist in Tennessee?
Tennessee does not require a state-issued license specifically for chemists, so the primary path is earning a bachelor's degree or higher in chemistry or a related field from an accredited institution. Many Tennessee employers, particularly in pharmaceutical manufacturing and industrial chemistry, expect coursework in analytical or organic chemistry backed by laboratory experience. Professional certification through the American Chemical Society, such as the Certified Chemist designation, strengthens a candidate's profile and is recognized by major Tennessee employers.
How much do chemists make in Tennessee?
Chemists in Tennessee earn a median of about $87,930 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $48,530 for the lowest 10% to over $132,630 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire chemists in Tennessee?
Employers hiring chemists in Tennessee right now include Colgate-Palmolive, RSI, and LG Chem, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Tennessee's concentration of pharmaceutical plants, petrochemical facilities, and materials science companies means demand is consistent across both the private sector and research institutions throughout the state.
Which Tennessee cities have the most chemist jobs?
Millington, Morristown, and Tennessee are the Tennessee cities with the most chemist openings. Nashville's pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector, Memphis's logistics-connected manufacturing base, and Chattanooga's materials and specialty chemical industry, anchored by Eastman Chemical's regional footprint, together account for the large majority of postings across the state.
How can I get hired as a chemist in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to quality control technician or laboratory analyst roles, which Tennessee pharmaceutical and food manufacturing companies post frequently for candidates with a chemistry degree and limited work history. Eastman Chemical and other large Tennessee manufacturers run co-op and internship programs that convert to full-time hires. A strong undergraduate research portfolio, familiarity with GMP documentation, or an American Chemical Society student affiliate credential all give a first-time applicant a concrete edge over other new graduates.
Where can I find and apply to chemist jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to chemist jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current Tennessee openings from employers actively hiring in the state. Find roles that fit your experience and specialty and apply directly to each one.
See All 9 Chemist Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Chemist Jobs