Chemist
Work with chemicals and materials. You'd use these to make new medicines, create sustainable food and protect the environment.
Also known as: synthetic chemist, research chemist, industrial chemist, analytical chemist
About the job
A day in the life – Chemist
What it's like
You'd work out how to use chemicals and materials to make new medicines, create better food and protect the environment.
You'd study the make-up of chemicals and materials. You’d investigate how they interact and behave under different conditions, using complex procedures and hi-tech equipment.
You’d use your findings to find better ways to do things and create new products in a wide range of industries.
For example, you could create new medicines or products to be used in food. Or you could come up with new ways to:
diagnose and treat disease
analyse climate change
keep water supplies clean
safely get rid of industrial waste
analyse forensic evidence for criminal investigations
make sure food is good quality
invent new artificial fibres and plastics
You would:
design and conduct laboratory experiments
make observations and record the results
write reports
present your findings
You might do teaching, lecturing and academic research.
You might also supervise support staff, such as laboratory technicians.
Green jobÂ
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
You'd usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends. Depending on where you work, you may need to work shifts or be on an on-call rota.
Environment
Much of your work will take place in a laboratory in sterile conditions.
Travel
Some travelling may be involved, for example, when carrying out fieldwork or going to scientific meetings and conferences.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Life sciences Chemical sciences
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- developing a plan
- filtering
- attention to detail
- researching
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- evaluating
- working with technology
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Maths (Mathematics)
Skills for Work: Laboratory Science
Foundation Apprenticeship: Scientific Technologies (Laboratory Skills)
Applications of Mathematics
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
University
You’ll need a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject, such as:
Chemistry
Applied Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry
Biochemistry
Chemical Engineering
Environmental Chemistry
Forensic Science
Pharmacology
Materials Science
Medicinal Chemistry
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you get a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Applied Sciences
Chemistry
Chemical Process Technology
Laboratory Science
Biomedical Science
Environmental Science
Pharmaceutical Science
Apprenticeship
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Life Sciences
Chemical Process Industries
Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities
Discover MAs on Apprenticeships.scot.
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry and you'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in areas such as:
Applied Chemical Sciences
Laboratory Science
Discover GAs on Apprenticeships.scot.
Experience in a practical laboratory and science setting is useful.
You can gain experience through:
Skills for Work Laboratory Science (SCQF Level 5)
Foundation Apprenticeship in Laboratory Science (SCQF Level 6)
Modern Apprenticeship jobs in Life Sciences and the Related Science Industries (SCQF Levels 5/7/8)
These qualifications can lead to technician jobs, but you are still likely to need a degree or postgraduate qualification (can be taken part-time while in work) as this is a very competitive industry.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Chemist'
