Analytical scientist

Analytical scientists test and analyse substances. They help to ensure the safety and quality of food and drink; protect public safety and the environment; diagnose disease; create pharmaceutical products; and increase the safety and efficiency of manufacturing processes. Analytical science is a combination of chemistry, physics, biology, maths and engineering.

Also known as:

Analytical chemist

Work activities

Analytical scientists usually work on samples that have been collected and brought to the laboratory by others, for example, water samplers in the water industry. However, some analytical scientists leave the laboratory to collect samples themselves. They often lead teams of technicians who collect the data and look after the day-to-day running of the laboratory. Analytical scientists use a wide variety of methods and sophisticated technology in their analyses. The methods and equipment they choose will depend on the complexity and size of the task.

Some tests are intricate and time-consuming, involving sophisticated techniques such as gas chromatography to separate compounds in a sample. They can also link testing equipment to computers to monitor, display and interpret the results. Analytical scientists work in a wide variety of settings. For example, in the food and drink industry, they ensure quality and safety by analysing raw materials. They investigate samples taken during the production process and also test finished food and drink products. Their work also involves analysing and working out the nutritional content of food and drink products. This information appears as nutritional labelling on the product’s packaging. Analytical scientists also work for government agencies such as the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Here, their work includes testing the safety of pesticides and monitoring their residues in food, making sure food does contain the advertised ingredients (‘food authenticity’) and investigating the possible poisoning of wildlife by chemicals used in farming. In the water industry, analytical scientists monitor the safety and efficiency of processes.

They regularly monitor water samples for pesticides and other harmful compounds, and ensure that sewage has been properly treated. A related area is environmental analysis and monitoring. This is divided into three main areas: air, water and soil. For example, analytical scientists monitor the air for pollutants such as sulphur dioxide. When a disused industrial site is developed for other uses, they need to ensure that the soil is free from toxic substances. Analytical scientists play an important part in manufacturing industries, including chemicals, polymers and pharmaceuticals. For example, in pharmaceutical research and development, their tests help to establish the quality, effectiveness, stability and safety of new drugs and medicines. In other industries, they play a vital role in quality control, routinely checking the standard of raw materials and making sure chemical products are being developed as they should be. Other areas of work include forensic science, biomedical science, consultancy, university lecturing and research. There is always a need to develop new analytical technologies and methods. This is the role of the analytical researcher, working in industrial research laboratories, and university and government laboratories. While a large part of an analytical scientist’s work might be taken up with routine testing and analyses, perhaps working on their own, they are also likely to have contact with many other specialists. For example, they might need to discuss their findings with toxicologists, pharmacologists, quality managers, equipment manufacturers, regulatory bodies and journalists. Analytical scientists often have to wear protective clothing such as laboratory coats, gloves and safety glasses, because they can be working with dangerous chemicals.

Personal qualities and skills

You’ll need:

To be curious and have an enquiring mind.
The ability to think logically.
A thorough, patient and methodical approach to your work.
Good organisational skills to plan and carry out experiments.
Practical laboratory skills.
Observation skills, accuracy and attention to detail.
Maths, statistics and computer skills.
The ability to explain results clearly and concisely, including in written reports.
Teamwork skills.

Pay and opportunities

The job site Talent estimates that analytical scientists earn an average of £33,000 a year (based on 2,072 salaries, January 2024).

Analytical scientists work a typical full-time week, Monday to Friday.

Employers include a wide range of companies, especially in the food and drink, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Analytical scientists also work in hospitals, central and local government departments and water companies. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) employ analytical scientists to promote the safe and efficient production of food, and to protect the environment. Opportunities for analytical scientists are in laboratories in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in science magazines such as New Scientist (which also posts jobs on its website), on job boards, on the Civil Service Jobs website and in national/local newspapers.

Entry routes and training

Typically, you will need a degree in analytical chemistry or analytical science. Chemistry or other subjects may be acceptable, as long as it has adequate analytical chemistry content. There are a number of specialist BSc (Hons), MChem and MSci degrees in analytical chemistry, usually in combination with chemistry.

Some employers might prefer you to have a postgraduate qualification, such as an MSc or PhD in analytical chemistry. In general, relevant postgraduate qualifications can help to enhance your career development. Entry to a research position, for example, at a university or research centre, is usually with a postgraduate research qualification such as a PhD.

Training is often on-the-job, for example, in new types of equipment or laboratory procedures. You might also go on short courses to develop your skills and knowledge. Some employers enable analytical scientists to gain relevant qualifications, such as an MSc or PhD.

You could progress into a supervisory or management-level role, perhaps with responsibility for training other analytical scientists and technicians. You can work towards chartered chemist (CChem) or chartered scientist (CSci) status, which demonstrate an advanced level of professional knowledge and competence.

Qualifications

For entry to a degree in analytical chemistry/analytical science, the usual minimum requirement is:

Two to three A-levels. Chemistry is usually essential. You may also need another science subject or maths.
GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English and maths.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have developed laboratory skills during industrial work placements.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter a degree, foundation degree or HND course, you might be able to start one after completing an Access course, for example, Access to Science. You don’t usually need any qualifications to enter an Access course, although you should check this with the course provider. A foundation year before the start of a science degree or HND is available at some universities and higher education colleges for students who don’t have the science A levels usually needed for entry.

Sponsorship for higher education study is sometimes available from the utilities companies, as well as food and drink manufacturing and processing companies. Funding for postgraduate study and research can be available, through universities, from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

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