Chemist
Work with chemicals and materials. You'd use these to make new medicines, create sustainable food and protect the environment.
Also known as: synthetic chemist, research chemist, industrial chemist, analytical chemist
About the job
A day in the life – Chemist
What it's like
You'd work out how to use chemicals and materials to make new medicines, create better food and protect the environment.
You'd study the make-up of chemicals and materials. You’d investigate how they interact and behave under different conditions, using complex procedures and hi-tech equipment.
You’d use your findings to find better ways to do things and create new products in a wide range of industries.
For example, you could create new medicines or products to be used in food. Or you could come up with new ways to:
diagnose and treat disease
analyse climate change
keep water supplies clean
safely get rid of industrial waste
analyse forensic evidence for criminal investigations
make sure food is good quality
invent new artificial fibres and plastics
You would:
design and conduct laboratory experiments
make observations and record the results
write reports
present your findings
You might do teaching, lecturing and academic research.
You might also supervise support staff, such as laboratory technicians.
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
You'd usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends. Depending on where you work, you may need to work shifts or be on an on-call rota.
Environment
Much of your work will take place in a laboratory in sterile conditions.
Travel
Some travelling may be involved, for example, when carrying out fieldwork or going to scientific meetings and conferences.
Explore more information about this job
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Life sciences Chemical sciences
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
- analytical chemistry
- high-performance liquid chromatography
- analytical techniques
- laboratory testing
- transfer station
- shrink wrapping
- artificial intelligence
- generative artificial intelligence
- pharmaceuticals
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- developing a plan
- filtering
- attention to detail
- researching
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- evaluating
- working with technology
- verbal communication
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
Environmental Science
Maths (Mathematics)
Skills for Work: Laboratory Science
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 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.
A degree (SCQF Level 9/10) in a subject such as chemistry, applied or analytical chemistry, biochemistry or a related scientific subject.
Most undergraduate courses ask for at least four Highers at B or above (SCQF Level 6). 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 (SCQF Level 7), a relevant Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7), or a Higher National Diploma (SCQF Level 8).
Many people who do this job also have postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Science (MSc) (SCQF Level 11) or a doctoral degree (SCQF Level 12) in relevant subjects.
Some universities offer an Integrated Masters (SCFQ Level 11) combining a degree and masters course over five years.
Experience in a practical laboratory and science setting is useful.
You can gain experience through:
Skills for Work Laboratory Science (SCQF Level 5)
Foundation Apprenticeship in Laboratory Science (SCQF Level 6)
Modern Apprenticeship jobs in Life Sciences and the Related Science Industries (SCQF Levels 5/7/8)
These qualifications can lead to technician jobs, but you are still likely to need a degree or postgraduate qualification (can be taken part-time while in work) as this is a very competitive industry.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Chemist'
