Development chemist
Use your science skills and creative talents! You could make anything – from medicines to life-changing chemicals.
About the job
What it's like
Working as a development chemist brings you the best of both worlds. You’ll use your science skills and creative talents.
You’ll study chemical compounds and use research to develop innovative and sustainable products.
Your tasks might include:
designing products that help businesses improve their services, while minimising their environmental impact
sampling and testing new materials on a regular basis
presenting research findings to suppliers and identifying new product opportunities
designing and conducting laboratory experiment
making observations and recording the results
writing reports
presenting your findings
keeping up to date with industry developments, for example environmental regulations
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
You'll usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends. Depending on where you work, you may need to work occasional overtime.
Environment
Most of your work will take place in a laboratory in sterile conditions or an office environment.
Travel
Some travelling may be involved, for example, when carrying out fieldwork or going to scientific meetings and conferences.
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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.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- chemistry
- new product development
- cosmetic sciences
- project management
- production process
- continuous improvement process
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- time management
- researching
- problem solving
- innovative
- ethical
- attention to detail
- analysing
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 each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Chemistry
Maths (Mathematics)
Physics
Foundation Apprenticeship: Scientific Technologies (Laboratory Skills)
Foundation Apprenticeship: Food and Drink Technologies
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.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
chemistry
environmental science
mathematics
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 or 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 in a subject such as:
chemistry
applied or analytical chemistry
biochemistry
a related scientific subject
Most undergraduate courses ask for at least four Highers at B or above. 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, a relevant Higher National Certificate, or a Higher National Diploma.
Many people who do this job also have postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Science (MSc) or a doctoral degree in relevant subjects.
Some universities offer an Integrated Masters combining a degree and masters course over 5 years.
Experience in a practical laboratory and science setting is useful. You can gain experience through:
Skills for Work Laboratory Science
Foundation Apprenticeship in Laboratory Science
a Modern Apprenticeship in Life Sciences or the related science industries
These qualifications can lead to technician jobs, but you are still likely to need a degree or postgraduate qualification (which can be taken part-time while in work) as this is a very competitive industry.
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