Chemist

As a chemist you could work with a huge variety of everyday products, from clothing dyes and perfumes to the plastic in our phones or the paint on our walls!

You'll play a crucial role in science, discovering and using different chemicals and materials. You'll help to make new products, improve the way we do things and protect the environment.

You'll study the make-up of chemicals and materials. You’ll investigate how chemicals interact and behave under different conditions. You'll use lots of data, complex procedures and hi-tech equipment to work at the cutting edge of science!

For example, a chemist could create new medicines or products to be used in food. Or you could come up with new ways to:

• diagnose diseases and treat them with new drugs

• analyse climate change

• keep water supplies clean

• safely get rid of industrial waste

• analyse forensic evidence for criminal investigations

• invent new artificial fibres and plastics

Your tasks might include:

• developing new products such as food, clothing, candles, fragrances, paints, fertilisers or medicines

• designing and conducting laboratory experiments

• making observations and recording the results

• writing reports

• presenting your findings

• supervising support staff, such as laboratory technicians

Your work could range from small-scale projects in a laboratory to larger projects in manufacturing. You'll often work with other scientists and technicians. You might also do teaching, lecturing and academic research.

Green job 

In this job, you'll do work that helps the environment as we transition from fossil fuels to new sustainable chemicals and materials. Find out more about green jobs.

• Royal Society of Chemistry – explore chemistry careers advice, guidance and information

• Not Just Lab Coats – discover a career in the chemical sector