Chemistry Career Options

JOBS DIRECTLY RELATED TO A CHEMISTRY QUALIFICATION:

Analytical chemist…

…uses a diverse range of methods to investigate the chemical nature of substances. The aim of such work is to identify and understand the substance and how it behaves in different conditions.

Clinical biochemist…
…analyses and interprets data relating to patients' samples to assist with the investigation, diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Forensic scientist…
…provides impartial scientific evidence for use in courts of law to support the prosecution or defence in criminal and civil investigations.

Research scientist (physical sciences)…
…studies non-living systems to increase our understanding of how the physical world works. Disciplines include astronomy, chemistry, earth science, materials science, meteorology and physics.

Chemical development engineer…
…involved in the development of industrial processes for the production of a diverse range of products, as well as in commodity and specialty chemicals.

Science writer…
…researches, writes and edits scientific news articles and features for business, trade and professional publications, specialist scientific and technical journals, and the general media.

Toxicologist…
…plans and carries out laboratory and field studies to identify, monitor and evaluate the impact of toxic materials and radiation on human and animal health, the environment, and the impact of future technology.

Process engineer…
...develops economical industrial processes to make the huge range of products on which modern society depends, including food and drink, fuel, artificial fibres, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, plastics, toiletries, energy and clean water.

JOBS WHERE YOUR DEGREE WOULD BE USEFUL:

Patent agent…
…obtains and enforces intellectual property rights on behalf of either individual inventors or organisations. Patents are granted by the government and give inventors the right to prevent the commercial use of inventions by other parties for a limited period. Chemists may tend to specialise in pharmaceutical patent law.

Environmental consultant…
…works on commercial or government contracts to address a variety of environmental issues for their clients. Covers a wide range of disciplines such as assessment of air, land and water contamination, environmental impact assessment, environmental audit, waste management and the development of environmental policy and environmental management systems.

Secondary school teacher or University lecturer…
…as well as teaching chemistry to students, lecturers in particular may also undertake academic or industry research and may be involved in school or departmental management.

Chartered certified accountant…
...responsible for developing and maintaining financial and accounting systems, financial forecasting, auditing financial records and investigating financial anomalies. May appeal to chemists because of the numerical and analytical content of their degree.

Although some of the jobs listed here might not be first jobs for many graduates, they are among the many realistic possibilities with a chemistry qualification, provided you can demonstrate you have the attributes employers are looking for. Bear in mind that it’s not just your degree discipline that determines your options. Remember that many graduate vacancies don't specify particular degree disciplines, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.