Research chemist: job description

Research chemists work in a range of industries on products including cosmetics, electronics and pharmaceuticals.

What does a research chemist do?Typical employers|Qualifications and training|Key skills

Research chemists study chemical compounds and use this research to create and improve processes and products, from new drugs and medical treatments to manufactured goods such as cosmetics, electrical goods and food and drink. Research chemists will mainly be laboratory-based. Possible research themes include: chemical biology, computational chemistry, green chemistry, materials chemistry, medicinal chemistry and synthesis.

你也可以成为一个科学家在其他区域s, such as biology and physics. Take a look at ourresearch scientistjob description for more information.

A research chemist’s typical day-to-day tasks include:

working as part of a team in a research laboratory
setting up laboratory equipment and conducting tests and experiments
recording and analysing data
presenting results to senior research staff
researching and writing papers, reports and reviews
preparing funding applications
supervising junior staff, including laboratory technicians
keeping up to date with relevant scientific and technical developments

If you’re a research chemist in an academic setting, you can also expect to get involved in the teaching side, giving lectures to chemistry students at your university.

Typical employers of research chemists

Chemical companies
Government and private laboratories
Environmental agencies
Public funded research councils
Universities
Food and drink manufacturers
Materials companies
Consumer goods manufacturers
Pharmaceutical companies

Research posts, particularly those with permanent contracts, attract strong competition from job applicants.Science graduate jobsare advertised online, by careers services, in national newspapers, in relevant scientific publications such asNew Scientist,Science, andChemistry World, and in journals published by professional institutions.Speculative applicationsare advisable, for which directories such asCurrent Research in Britainmay be useful.

The recruitment process is likely to involve a technical interview. Read our article ontechnical interviewsto find out what these involve and how you can tackle them.
If you'd like to find out what your salary might look like, take a look at our article onhow much you might earn in scienceon our TARGETcareers website.

Qualifications and training required

You can only become a research chemist if you have a good degree (a 2.1 or above) in a relevant science subject such as chemistry or biochemistry.

A relevant postgraduate qualification such as a research-based masters or a PhD is also normally required, particularly for permanent positions or senior research positions. Read our article onscientific postgraduate studyto explore your different options.

Postdoctoral research, practical research and laboratory work experience are all beneficial, and frequently required, for academic posts.

A school leaver could get into the science industry through an apprenticeship as a laboratory technician, which may involve being supervised by, and supporting the work of, a research chemist. However, it’s not possible to progress to a research chemist role without getting a degree. To find out more about getting into science via a school leaver route, visit thescience sectionTARGETcareers,我们的网站aimed at school leavers.