What impact could you make?
I feel like I'm making a real impact on the world. I get so excited to tell everyone about what I'm doing. There’s so much involved with biotechnology, like the food we eat, the beer that we drink.Jessica AtkinsonLab Trainee, IBioIC
Chemical sciences at a glance
There are many things you could be working on – from developing and manufacturing cosmetics or soaps to turning waste into products, chemicals or energy. Chemical sciences has endless opportunities.
Employment
In 2024, there were 8,700 people working in the chemical sciences industry across Scotland.
Future demand
Between 2024 and 2027, it's expected there will be 600 people needed to fill job openings in Scotland.
Job diversity
You could work in a diverse range of places including laboratories, processing or manufacturing plants, offices, hospitals and outdoor environments doing fieldwork.
Be part of an experimental future
We’ve pulled out some of the most popular chemical science job profiles for you to explore.
Things you may not know about chemical sciences
The 'Chemifarm' in Glasgow is regarded as the world’s most advanced laboratory for molecular design. The facility brings together chemistry, robotics, computation and AI to create molecules.
Source: Scottish Enterprise
Scotland is also home to the UK's number one chemistry department in EaStCHEM. This is the joint chemistry research school of the Universities of Edinburgh and St Andrews.
Chemistry processes are involved in a range of sectors, such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS). So they're a vital part of the technologies that help reduce carbon emissions.
What subjects you could take in school
We've pulled together some examples of subjects and Foundation Apprenticeships (FAs) that could be useful for getting into a chemical sciences career.
English
Engineering FA
Scientific Technologies FA
Science
Maths
Physics
Chemistry
Data Science
Biology
Computing
Leaders in chemical sciences
Discover some of the organisations within chemical sciences and how they’re making an impact on the industry.
IBioIC
IBioIC is a networking and support organisation that connects industry, academia and government. Its aim is to bring biotechnology processes and products to the global market.
Visit IBioIC
National Manufacturing Institute Scotland
National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) is a group of industry-led manufacturing research and development facilities. They work together to boost the manufacturing community.
Visit NMIS
Royal Society of Chemistry
The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) publishes new research and develops, recognises and celebrates professional capabilities within chemistry.
Visit Royal Society of Chemistry
ScotCHEM
ScotCHEM promotes international research, networking, training and knowledge for Scottish chemistry.
Visit ScotCHEM