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Industrial chemist
Industrial chemists apply chemical science to industrial processes. Research work ranges from bulk and fine chemicals to pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry. Industrial chemists work in a variety of roles including production and quality control. In many cases, they also work closely with chemical and control engineers.
Work activities
Industrial chemists are experts in the properties and chemical structure of different materials. Some work in research and development whereas others work in production. Between them, they create new materials, devise and control production processing methods, and ensure that the quality of products is maintained. The chemical industry makes a huge number of different products. Most of the things that we use on a daily basis have some sort of chemical in them. For example, chemicals are used to manufacture cleaning products, food packaging, dyes and pesticides. Some industrial chemists specialise in research and development work, which is carried out mainly in the laboratory. They do experiments to produce new materials that have particular properties. Then, the materials are made on a larger scale to see whether this can be done at a reasonable cost. Production chemists make sure that production processes run efficiently. For example, they work out how to produce large amounts of material as cheaply as possible. They are responsible for safety, quality control and staff training. They are also employed in marketing and other management functions in industry.
Personal qualities and skills
To do this job well, you should:
- Have an interest in science, especially chemistry.
- Enjoy solving problems.
- Be a responsible person as you may have to make decisions that affect other people.
- Have good people skills and the ability to work well in a team.
- Be an accurate worker.
- Have good planning skills to cope with the varied and sometimes heavy workloads.
The job might not be suitable for people who have skin conditions, such as eczema, or breathing complaints, such as asthma.
Pay and opportunities
Pay rates for industrial chemists depend on employer and responsibilities. Industrial chemists earn in the range of £26,000 - £40,000 a year.
Industrial chemists usually work around 37-42 hours, Monday to Friday.
Employers include firms in the food and drink, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, research consultancies, government departments, educational establishments and the NHS. Opportunities for industrial chemists occur with employers in towns and cities throughout the UK.
Where are vacancies advertised?
Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service. Vacancies are also advertised in science magazines such as the Royal Society of Chemistry’s publication and website Chemistry World.
Entry routes and training
Most new entrants are graduates. The most common way to become an industrial chemist is by studying for a degree in a subject related to chemistry or applied chemistry. There are a number of relevant HNCs, HNDs and foundation degrees available throughout the UK. People with foundation degrees, HNCs or HNDs are usually employed in a supporting role and may have to take further qualifications before moving into management positions.
A number of higher and degree apprenticeships are available:
- Technician scientist (level 5 / higher)
- Laboratory scientist (level 6 / degree)
- Research scientist (level 7 / higher)
Your training will be on-the-job. Many industrial chemists also have postgraduate qualifications.
Progression is often into supervisory or managerial positions. Chemistry is a large area so opportunities for progression are generally good.
Qualifications
For entry to a degree course in a relevant subject, the usual requirement is:
- Three A-levels, two of which should be in science subjects, including chemistry.
- GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
- A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English and maths.
Other qualifications are often acceptable as alternatives to A levels, for example:
- Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National qualifications.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.
There is quite a lot of variation across the UK regarding courses related to chemistry so it’s important to check prospectuses for details. The above minimum requirements are to give a rough guide.
To enter a relevant HNC, HND or foundation degree, you will usually need:
- One A-level, science subjects preferred.
- A GCSE at grade 9-4 in your A-level subject.
- A further three to four GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English, maths and a science subject.
For higher and degree apprenticeships, you will need two relevant A-levels/equivalent as well as GCSEs in maths and English. It would be useful to have an A-level in chemistry.
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.
Applicants need to have up-to-date scientific knowledge of research methods and technological developments. Relevant skills gained in industrial work are valued by employers. Working as a laboratory technician in research and development work, with part-time study, can lead to entry into scientific officer grades in certain circumstances.
If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.
Financial support for postgraduate courses is available, through universities, from UKRI (UK Research and Innovation).
