Chemist
Work out how to use chemicals and materials to make new medicines, create better food and protect the environment.
Also known as: synthetic chemist, research chemist, industrial chemist, analytical chemist
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£500
Entry level
£769
Experienced
Monthly
£2,167
Entry level
£3,333
Experienced
Yearly
£26,000
Entry level
£40,000
Experienced
1,200
people are currently employed
Low growth
100 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
A day in the life — chemist
What it's like
You would work out how to use chemicals and materials to make new medicines, create better food and protect the environment.
You would 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
Hours
Environment
Travel
Explore more information about this job
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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.
Here are some of the 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 the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Chemistry
Environmental Science
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.
A degree (SCQF level 9/10) in a subject such as chemistry, applied or analytical chemistry, biochemistry or a related scientific subject.
Most undergraduate courses ask for at least four Highers at B or above (SCQF level 6). Some universities may require AABB (first sitting) for entry.
You may be able to gain advanced entry to the second year of some degrees with Advanced Highers (SCQF level 7), a relevant Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), or a Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8).
Many people who do this job also have postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Science (MSc) (SCQF level 11) or a doctoral degree (SCQF level 12) in relevant subjects.
Some universities offer an Integrated Masters (SCFQ level 11) combining a degree and masters course over five years.
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) or while in work through a Modern Apprenticeship in Life Sciences and the Related Science Industries (SCQF level 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.
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