Chemical Sciences
Scotland is a pioneer in chemical sciences. We create new, innovative medicines and explore alternative fuels to make our environment greener.
What impact could you make?
I feel like I'm making a real impact on the world. I get so excited to tell everyone about what I'm doing.Jessica AtkinsonLab Trainee, IBioIC
Chemical sciences at a glance
There are many things you could be working on – from developing and manufacturing cosmetics or soaps to turning waste into products, chemicals or energy. Chemical sciences has endless opportunities.
Employment
In 2024, there were 8,700 people working in the chemical sciences industry.
Job availability
Between 2024 and 2027, it's expected there will be 600 people needed to fill job openings in Scotland.
Job diversity
You could work in a diverse range of places including laboratories, processing or manufacturing plants, offices, hospitals and outdoor environments doing fieldwork.
Be part of an experimental future
We’ve pulled out some of the most popular chemical science job profiles for you to explore.
Things you may not know about chemical sciences
Scotland's chemical sciences research and development is consistently ranked among the world's top three!
Scotland is also home to the UK's number one chemistry department in EaStCHEM. This is the joint chemistry research school of the Universities of Edinburgh and St Andrews.
The chemical sciences sector is Scotland's second top exporter, making around £4.4 billion each year.
Source: ScotChem
What subjects you could take in school
We've pulled together some examples of subjects and Foundation Apprenticeships (FAs) that could be useful for getting into a chemical sciences career.
science
maths
English
Engineering FA
Scientific Technologies FA
physics
chemistry
biology
data science
computing
Leaders in chemical sciences
Discover some of the organisations within chemical sciences and how they’re making an impact on the industry.
IBioIC
IBioIC is a networking and support organisation that connects industry, academia and government. Its aim is to bring biotechnology processes and products to the global market.
Visit IBioIC
National Marketing Institute Scotland
National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) is a group of industry-led manufacturing research and development facilities. They work together to boost the manufacturing community.
Visit NMIS
Royal Society of Chemistry
The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) publish new research and develop, recognise and celebrate professional capabilities within chemistry.
Visit RSC
ScotCHEM
ScotCHEM promotes international research, networking, training and knowledge for Scottish chemistry.
Visit ScotCHEM