Chemistry Graduate Jobs

Studying chemistry can offer graduates a whole host of job opportunities. So, if you’re interested in chemistry graduate jobs, read on to find out more.

What Can You Do With A Degree in Chemistry?

Chemistry graduates most often work in laboratories in the fields of science and research. There are also a number of roles outside the laboratory.

There’s no shortage of possible career paths for chemistry graduates. To help you make an informed decision, here are some of the most popular graduate jobs in chemistry:

Pharmacologist

Pharmacologists work with medicines and other drugs to ensure they are safe and effective for the human body. They will generally specialise in an area of pharmacology. These are most often grouped according to body systems, from neuropharmacology to cardiovascular pharmacology among others. 

Postdoctoral positions in academia typically range from £28,000 to £40,000. However, if you work in industry rather than academia, you’ll likely earn more.

Academic Researcher

Academic research involves a thorough investigation into a given topic. This research helps to generate new knowledge and broaden our understanding of the chosen subject. This is done by publishing peer-reviewed papers in journals and writing reports or books on your specialist area.

As with all STEM-related positions, salaries tend to increase based on the level of study. Postdoctoral academic researchers’ salaries can range from £27,000 to £39,000. However, senior lecturers can go on to earn over £100,000 per year.

Forensic Scientist (Chemistry)

As a forensic scientist of chemistry, you’ll aid criminal investigations by collecting and analysing contact trace materials associated with crimes. Your findings will be used as scientific evidence in courts of law during criminal and civil investigations. Your work will mainly focus on crimes against property. You’ll examine substances such as paint or chemicals, including fire investigation and accident reconstruction.

Salaries for forensic scientists can range from £20,000 to over £45,000 depending on the level of study and experience.

Medicinal Chemists

Medicinal chemists are at the forefront of discovering new medicines and drugs. You’ll employ a variety of chemistry techniques, primarily synthetic organic chemistry and data analysis tools. Using these, you’ll work to create and test new medicines to combat specific conditions or diseases.

As a medicinal chemist, you can expect to start on a salary of around £22,000. With experience, you could earn an average of £56,000.

Biotechnologist

Using biological knowledge and techniques, biotechnologists create and develop innovative products that are designed to improve the quality of human life. By manipulating living organisms or their components, you’ll design or improve vaccines, medicines, energy efficiency or food productivity and safety. Biotechnologists tend to specialise in one area of biotechnology, such as:

• biochemistry
• cancer studies
• genetics
• molecular biology
• microbial sciences
• pharmacology
• stem cell research
• virology

Starting salaries for graduates are in the range of £19,000 to £24,000. With experience and additional responsibilities, you can earn as much as £60,000.

Finding Chemistry Graduate Jobs

These are just a handful of the many available job titles for chemistry graduates. For all the latest chemistry jobs for graduates, be sure to check out Developing a Student’s graduate jobs board. 

We’ve also got help and advice for chemistry graduates looking for work, including information on internships and work placements.

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