Chemist
Job Description:Chemists study chemicals and materials and how they behave under different conditions.
Job Category:What you will do:
Depending on your role, you could be:
- inventing and developing new medicines and products
- investigating environmental issues
- diagnosing and treating illness and disease
- analysing forensic evidence
- teaching, lecturing and carrying out academic research
Your day-to-day tasks may include:
- designing and conducting laboratory experiments
- making observations and noting results
- writing reports and presenting your findings (organisational skills)
You may also supervise the work of support staff such as laboratory technicians, and carry out other administrative work.
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
- maths knowledge
- science skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- scientific, numerical and technical skills
- excellent spoken and written communication skills
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork)
- complex problem-solving skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail – analytical
- a logical approach to solving problems
- the ability to analyse data
- the ability to make decisions
Entry Requirements:
To become a chemist, you typically need to follow a specific educational path and gain expertise in various subjects related to chemistry. Here are the key subjects you should focus on:
- Chemistry: This is the core subject, and you’ll need a strong foundation in general chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and physical chemistry. These courses will cover the fundamental principles of chemistry.
- Mathematics: Mathematics is crucial for solving complex chemical equations, performing quantitative analysis, and understanding physical chemistry concepts. You should study mathematics through at least calculus.
- Physics: Physics provides a basis for understanding physical phenomena at the atomic and molecular levels, which is essential in chemistry. Focus on topics like classical mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics.
- Biology: Some branches of chemistry, such as biochemistry and medicinal chemistry, have strong ties to biology. Understanding biological concepts can be valuable for certain chemistry careers.
- Analytical Chemistry: Analytical chemistry deals with techniques and methods for analyzing chemical substances. This subject is important for laboratory work and quality control.
Post School
You’ll usually need a degree accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry in the UK (or equally relevant association in the country in which you want to practise in) in:
- chemistry
- applied or analytical chemistry
- biochemistry
Many employers will also want you to have a relevant postgraduate qualification.
Most universities now offer both BSc (Bachelor of Science) and MChem/MSci (Master of Chemistry/Science) degree programmes. The entry requirements for the MChem/MSci courses are usually a little higher.
You may also be able to get into this career through a foundation degree, HNC/HND or higher apprenticeship.
You could also start your career as a laboratory technician and study for a relevant qualification part-time.
Working Hours and Environment:
You’ll usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends. You may need to work shifts or be on an on-call rota.
Much of your work will take place in a laboratory.
Some travelling may be involved, for fieldwork or going to meetings and conferences.
Career Path & Progression:
You’ll usually be able to find work with a wide range of employers including the hospitals, public health laboratories, research institutes and government agencies.
As a chemist working in industry, you could be involved in research and development, patent work, health and safety or forensic science.
You could also move into teaching or a career in the media.
As an experienced chemist in the UK, you could work towards chartered status like Chartered Chemist (CChem) and Chartered Scientist (CSci).