Chemist
Chemists investigate the chemical make up of substances and work out how they behave under different conditions.
Also known as: Analytical chemist
- Starter salary£26,000 a year
- Experienced£40,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 42 a week
- Green jobPotential
What you'll do
Your tasks will depend on the sector you work in.
As a chemist, you could:
- research and develop new medicines and products
- diagnose and treat illness and disease
- analyse forensic evidence
- investigate how chemical processes work in space
- teach, lecture or carry out academic research
- supervise the work of other team members, such as laboratory technicians
Working environment
You could work at a research facility or in a laboratory.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
- maths knowledge
- science skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- complex problem-solving skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- analytical thinking skills
- the ability to work well with others
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become a chemist
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You can study for a degree to become a chemist.
Degree subjects include:
- chemistry
- applied or analytical chemistry
- medicinal chemistry
- biochemistry
As well as a degree, many employers will also want you to have a relevant postgraduate qualification.
Some universities offer an extended degree which leads directly to a postgraduate qualification like an MChem or MSci. These courses have more independent research and can lead into a job or further postgraduate study.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including chemistry
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
Apprenticeship
You can apply for a Higher or Degree Apprenticeship to get into this role, for example:
- Technician Scientist Level 5
- Scientist Level 6
- Research Scientist Level 7
These apprenticeships can take between 3 and 5 years to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
Work
You could start your career as a laboratory technician, then do further training on the job to qualify as a chemist.
Career path and progression
You'll find opportunities with a wide range of employers including:
- the NHS
- public health laboratories
- research institutes
- government agencies
- commercial industries
You could be involved in research and development, patent work, health and safety or forensic science. You could also move into teaching, lecturing, or science writing and communication.
As an experienced chemist you could work towards chartered status like Chartered Chemist (CChem) and Chartered Scientist (CSci).
Career tips
Laboratory experience would be useful for this career.
Professional and industry bodies
Some degrees and apprenticeships may allow you to apply for registered Scientist or Chartered Chemist status.
You can find out more from:
- your university or training provider
- the Science Council
- Royal Society of Chemistry
Guides for this industry
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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0