Job profiles

Real-life stories from real-life chemical scientists. Find out what jobs in chemistry can involve and the qualifications that will get you there

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Browse all job profiles below or drill down by minimum qualification or starting salary

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From secondary education to PhD, explore profiles for jobs requiring different qualifications

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Explore profiles for jobs starting from under £25k to over £40k

A to Z

Careers in chemistry A to Z

Looking for inspiration or ideas for your future? Browse our directory of profiles for roles and careers using chemistry to get started.

Latest job profiles

Latest job profiles

Photograph of Gary Thorpe, Quality Officer, Wellcome Sanger

Quality officer, genomics research

Gary helps scientists make breakthroughs by ensuring the data they use is accurate and reliable.  

Boris is in the laboratory, smiling at the camera.

Chief scientist at agritech company, Lambda Energy

Boris’ technology delivers a larger crop of fruits and vegetables while cutting carbon emissions

Photograph of Scientist, Taryn from RSSL

Scientist, food and pharmaceuticals

Taryn uses scientific instruments to test our food and medicines and make sure they are safe

Explore profiles

Browse all job profiles below or drill down by minimum qualification or starting salary

A group of students are looking at their qualifications.

Job profiles by qualification

From secondary education to PhD, explore profiles for jobs requiring different qualifications

Someone looking into their earnings on a computer.

Job profiles by starting salary

Explore profiles for jobs starting from under £25k to over £40k

A to Z

Careers in chemistry A to Z

Looking for inspiration or ideas for your future? Browse our directory of profiles for roles and careers using chemistry to get started.

Browse all job profiles

  • Photo of computational chemist, Richard Lonsdale

    Scientific leader

    Richard uses digital technologies to design and select compounds for new medicines

  • Photograph of Misbah Sarwar, Computational chemist, Johnson Matthey

    Senior principal scientist

    Misbah uses computers to predict which catalysts will be best at removing harmful pollutants from road-using vehicles

  • Photo of Aruna Nelson, Senior software developer, CCDC

    Senior software developer

    Aruna develops the search capability of a crystal structure database used by scientists to make new discoveries

  • Photo of Paul Wrathmall, Senior Science Manager, British Sugar

    Senior science manager

    Paul’s circular approach to manufacturing sugar means there is virtually zero waste and other useful products like bioethanol

  • Ian is smiling at the camera with a tree in the background.

    Professor and enterprise, partnerships and innovation lead

    Ian’s research mitigates climate change and has led to the production of energy-generating coatings for buildings

  • Daniel Stewart in the lab

    Chief executive officer

    Daniel is helping the world to reach net-zero carbon emissions by creating a way to turn manufacturers’ waste carbon dioxide into chemicals that can be used in everyday products

  • Photograph of section lead, Maria Conway

    Section leader, wind

    Maria develops new and innovative coatings for wind turbines so that they can generate more renewable energy for longer

  • Photograph of Vikki, marketing development manager

    Market development manager

    Vikki helps develop sustainable packaging with less carbon dioxide impact and the ability to reduce food waste

  • Head of research and sustainability, Ananas Anam

    Head of research and sustainability

    Raquel develops a sustainable fabric called Piñatex that comes from pineapple leaves that would otherwise be burnt

  • Photo of Dr Iqbal, Research Fellow, the University of Birmingham

    Research fellow, battery recycling

    Zubera is discovering ways to recycle precious materials from electric car batteries

  • Ben Fisher

    Marine biogeochemist

    Ben’s research focuses on how the biology and chemistry of our oceans are responding to climate change in order to learn how we can protect our marine environments and ecosystems

  • Giorgia Raci

    Research & development team leader - smart food labels

    Giorgia leads a team at a small company that is helping to fight food waste by developing smart labels technology

  • Celine_still

    Analytical technician, plastics

    Celine modifies the molecular structure of plastics so they can biodegrade in the natural environment

  • Layla is smiling and there are trees in the background.

    Co-founder and machine learning lead of tech startup Ignota Labs

    Layla builds cutting-edge AI algorithms that improve the drug discovery process by exposing unsafe medicines early on

  • Sam Lawton smiling.

    Scientific consultant

    Sam provides advice on batteries and energy storage devices to customers across the world 

  • Photo of Research and Development chemist Oceane Gaudinet

    R&D chemist

    Océane researches ways to make packaging biodegradable

  • Michael Hughes

    Teaching technical specialist

    Mike ensures that chemistry practicals run smoothly for everyone using the lab. He’s also involved in Manchester University’s apprenticeship scheme and attracting future technicians

  • University of Nottingham, Tyler Harvey-Cowlishaw

    University laboratory technician apprentice

    Tyler carries out experiments linked to covid-19 reseach and lung diseases

  • Image of Ryley

    Solar technology engineer

    Ryley develops cutting-edge solar cell technology to make solar power cheaper and more efficient so that this renewable source of energy can become more mainstream

  • A close-up photograph of a mobile phone and a lithium ion battery

    PhD researcher

    Lizzie investigates new battery materials for lithium-ion batteries which power devices such as smart phones, laptops and electric vehicles

  • Florence Gschwend, CTO of Lixea

    Chief technology officer and co-founder of Lixea, a sustainable solutions company

    Florence is developing a way to produce raw materials that are renewable, reusable, recyclable and toxic free

  • Professor Herbert Sixta

    Professor of biorefineries

    Professor Sixta converts cellulose, a renewable resource found in wood or plants, into products like yarn for making clothes

  • Photo of Professor Patricia Forbes

    Professor of environmental chemistry

    Patricia uses chemistry to develop new ways of detecting, monitoring and analysing quantities of environmental pollutants

  • Margot still 3

    Research innovations manager

    Margot is at the cutting-edge of science developing ways to make plastic biodegrade quickly and explaining this to others

  • Boris is in the laboratory, smiling at the camera.

    Chief scientist at agritech company, Lambda Energy

    Boris’ technology delivers a larger crop of fruits and vegetables while cutting carbon emissions

  • Kasia is in a lab, pipetting a solution into a beaker.

    Laboratory scientist apprentice

    Kasia makes lubricants to improve the performance of metal-cutting tools while also studying towards a degree in chemical science

  • Emma working at a computer in the laboratory.

    Bioleaching lab technician

    Emma collects and processes precious metals that are extracted from electronic waste products

  • Ian McKinley standing upright on a site.

    Radioactive waste consultant

    Ian ensures radioactive waste is handled safely and also applies waste management techniques to technology that reduces risks of climate change

  • claire4

    Bioanalytical scientist

    Claire’s work involves stress testing new medicines in various stages of drug development to ensure they are robust and reliable before being released onto the consumer market

  • Tilly_still2

    Analytical chemist

    Tilly does research on human breath samples to potentially diagnose conditions like asthma and infectious diseases including cancer

  • Holly_2

    Associate scientist, pharmaceuticals

    Holly develops new medicines at a global pharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca alongside completing her degree apprenticeship

  • Mariam Khalfey

    Development chemist, printing and inks

    Mariam shares how she makes custom inks for their customers so they can safely print on food (like eggs) and food packaging providing vital information to the public 

  • Lewis_still

    Research assistant

    Lewis contributes to cutting-edge scientific research using specialist equipment to potentially diagnose diseases like cancer sooner

  • charley renney

    Patent attorney

    Charley explains how he makes an impact by helping inventors get legal protection for their new inventions and medicines

  • Photo of a scientist taking a soil sample

    Environmental chemist

    James helps protect the environment by assessing the risks to life from certain chemicals in soil, water and air

  • Chemical plant_sustainability manager

    Sustainability manager

    Mike discusses his vital role in advising businesses and chemists about how to be more green and sustainable

  • Lewis smiling at the camera.

    Bionanotechnology PhD student

    Lewis is researching cutting edge ways to improve the treatment of diseases of the colon

  • Erin Maciejewski working in a lab.

    Process chemist – higher apprentice, pharmaceuticals

    Erin helps turn new medicines into finished products so that they can be mass-produced for patients.

  • Katie Lim

    Executive editor, scientific publishing

    Katie uses her chemistry background and works with scientists around the world to advance the chemical sciences by publishing the latest leading research in scientific journals

  • Katty O'Brien-Quilty

    Analyst – higher apprentice, organic chemistry

    Katty monitors the levels of organic materials in drinking and wastewater to ensure it is safe to drink

  • Sandrine Bouchelkia school science technician

    School science technician

    Sandrine works with teachers to design and safely prepare exciting classroom chemistry experiments

  • Forensic toxicologist

    Forensic toxicologist

    Calum helps ensure public safety through the toxicological testing of everyday items like food, cosmetics, electronics, medicines and textiles to ensure they are safe to use and consume

  • Robert still 2

    Associate principal scientist, food

    Robert builds computer models to predict how different food chemicals will enhance the taste and texture of chocolate, biscuits and other snacks

  • Joe still 2

    Laboratory analyst and higher degree apprentice, water

    Joseph helps ensure there is clean, safe, water for 15 million people in the UK whilst studying towards his chemistry degree

  • shutterstock_713386330

    Policy adviser, UK government

    Tom works for the UK government and briefs ministers and politicians about the latest scientific research to inform their policies

  • Food testing

    Flavourist and innovation director

    Claire creates new flavour combinations to improve the taste of everyday food products

  • A view of Earth from space

    Atmospheric chemist

    Zoë’s role involves finding ways to minimise the impact of humans on the natural world

  • Secondary school children in the laboratory

    Head of chemistry and teacher

    Kay teaches and oversees the work that goes on in a secondary school chemistry department

  • Side view of Andrew Hallett smiling with a green background.

    Senior research and development scientist

    Andrew develops emergency exit marking for aircraft, helping to keep passengers safe

  • Dr Geertje Van Keulen is smiling in a laboratory filled with equipment and items, including petri dishes and pipettes.

    Associate professor

    Geertje teaches university students and leads the development of materials made from bacteria

  • Tom is inside a cave wearing a protective helmet.

    Senior curator

    Tom identifies and unravels the mystery behind the rocks and minerals of Wales

  • Stephen and his son, Michael, are giving the thumbs up at the camera. Both are wearing London Marathon finisher T-shirts and medals.

    Director

    Stephen supports several businesses to become sustainable including using organic materials for wastewater treatment

  • Jill is sitting on some rocks, wearing sunglasses and smiling. There are hills in the background.

    Qualified Person, pharmaceuticals

    Jill ensures that the medicines her client companies provide to the public comply with quality and safety standards and are fit for purpose

  • Jamie smiling with rocks and a stream in the background.

    Environmental process specialist

    Jamie improves steelmaking processes to reduce their impact on the environment

  • Gemma smiling at the camera.

    Product and process development manager

    Gemma manages the production of high-quality tin and chromium coated steels for everyday items found in a kitchen and bathroom

  • Emma is standing in an outdoor office with equipment inside.

    Pollution control officer

    Emma protects our health and the environment by monitoring levels of environmental pollutants in the land, air and water. She sets the conditions on industrial processes to minimise their release of pollutants

  • Emma Withers in a laboratory smiling.

    Soil scientist

    Emma investigates the link between climate change and increased greenhouse gas emissions from the soil

  • Hilde Kneblewski in a laboratory smiling at the camera.

    Scientist, Incident Management & Crisis Resolution

    Hilde investigates consumer complaints for beverage company, Coca-Cola

  • Photo of Harsh Shar and Michael Wevil who are chemists at ThamesWater

    Analytical chemists, Thames Water

    Harsh and Michael describe their vital work keeping the region’s water and sewage systems safe and operational at all times

  • Nanotoxicologist

    Nanotoxicologist

    Vicki examines how tiny nanomaterials present in everyday products such as medicine, electronics and clothing interact with our bodies to ensure they are safe to use or consume

  • shutterstock_130293152

    Computational toxicologist

    Tim works in this rapidly expanding area of toxicology using computer modeling to more efficiently assess the risk of chemicals to people to keep the public safe

  • Plastic-eating-bacteria_shutterstock_152688404_300tb

    Microplastics toxicologist

    Stephanie leads the Microplastics Team at Imperial College London, where they investigate the potential toxicity of plastic fragments smaller than 5mm when they are present in the air, as well as understanding their impact on human health

  • Olivia smiling at the camera.

    Senior laboratory technician

    Olivia uses analytical techniques to ensure that food products meet legislative requirements for consumers

  • Andy Kowalski in front of white, patterned wallpaper.

    Science careers coach and mentor

    Andy supports chemistry students to make good career decisions 

  • John Woodland sitting at his desk with surrounding equipment

    Medicinal chemist

    John explains how he’s changing lives by designing and synthesising potential medicine for infectious diseases like malaria

  • MediSieve’s Chief Technology Officer, Dr Cristina Blanco-Andujar

    Chief technology officer

    Cristina helps develop technology that could change lives by extracting disease from the body

  • Fernando Gomollón-Bel _science communicator

    Science communicator

    Fernando uses his scientific knowledge to explain complex science to the public so they can understand and appreciate the value of these discoveries that are important to their everyday lives

  • 0712CW-FEATURE-Olympics_Fig1_630

    Sports scientist, British Olympic Association

    Brian talks about his exciting role working with Team GB athletes and his part in the 2012 London Olympics

  • Photo of robot scientist creator, Benjamin Burger with robot in the background

    Chief technology officer and co-founder of a robotic chemists’ company

    Benjamin explains how he’s innovating industry by creating robotic chemists who can speed up new discoveries

  • Head and shoulders photo of secondary science teacher, Alice Parr

    Secondary school science teacher

    Alice teaches in a secondary school chemistry department helping her students thrive in the future

  • Conservation scientist sitting in her laboratory

    Museum scientist

    Lucia analyses museum objects to help the Victoria and Albert Museum curators understand, date and authenticate them

  • Toxicologist chemical

    Toxicologist, chemical company

    Nicholas discusses his challenging work bringing together scientific fields to ensure that their company’s chemicals are used safely and comply with strict rules and regulations

  • A picture showing solar panels with blue sky and white colours top left corner to illustrate an article about fuelling the future with hydrogen, solar and wind power

    Laboratory technician and higher apprentice, solar

    Rebekka tests and finds ways to improve solar panels whilst balancing her studies towards her Foundation Degree apprenticeship

  • Autosampler of NMR spectrometer loaded with samples for analysis. Institute of Organic and Biochemistry Academy of Sciences the Czech Republic

    Scientific associate, NMR spectroscopy

    Christopher uses NMR to identify the structure of new and unknown chemical compounds to support the development of new medicines

  • Houses of parliament

    Senior committee specialist, UK government

    Xameerah talks about her important role in providing specialist advice on science and science policy to inform the work and policies of the UK government

  • Generic software programming language

    Research fellow

    Lynne shares how her PhD led to a university research career working with large pieces of equipment and computer programs to understand how chemical structures work

  • Image of cleaning products in a basket

    Senior scientist, household goods

    Phillip leads a small team of researchers who improve the performance of household products such as toothpaste and shampoo

  • A picture of cosmetics

    Consumer products technician

    Robert develops materials to improve the properties of consumer products from cosmetics to chewing gum

  • High voltage power lines

    Chief chemist

    Stephen oversees the ways in which chemistry can be used to improve a power station’s performance

  • shutterstock_1382559569

    Investor relations manager

    Marcia updates shareholders, managers, staff and external market analysts with Unilever’s financial performance and strategy

  • shutterstock_1529869946

    Senior analytical systems technician

    Christopher describes how his love of science and understanding how things work led him to his role as a systems technician

  • Emma Sargent

    Senior picture editor

    Emma communicates science to the public by sourcing or commissioning engaging and accurate scientific photographs, illustrations and videos for publications

  • Cancer research UK

    Policy researcher, cancer research UK

    Harriet works at the world’s largest independent funder of cancer research where she helps researchers get support from the UK government and other research bodies

  • X-ray crystallography equipment at Diamond Light Source

    Postdoctoral research associate

    Anna explains how she carries out her own cutting-edge scientific research at the UK’s national synchrotron science facility

  • Man fills up the petrol tank in a car

    Project leader in enhanced experimentation, oil & gas

    Stuart brings good ideas to business faster by finding better tools and methods for researchers.

  • Gold bars

    Project manager, world gold council

    Trevor discusses his unique role of promoting the uses of gold to companies across different industries

  • Press conference_Freelance science publicist

    Freelance science publicist

    Sallie develops creative ideas to get good media coverage for science organisations and events

  • old fashioned perfume bottle

    Fine fragrance evaluator

    Sophie helps improve and perfect fragrances created by perfumers. She also gets to travel regularly to Paris, Cologne and Grasse

  • A conceptual image showing evidence for a case

    Forensic scientist

    Joni investigates biological samples for the presence of drugs and alcohol and also examines evidence seized by the police

  • Image of a woman working with smartphone and laptop

    Finance and planning manager

    Lorna’s role in finance gives her an overview of the household, healthcare and personal care products developed at her company

  • Photo of white powder spilling out of a drug capsule

    Advanced apprentice, forensics

    Jamie describes what it’s like to work alongside scientists to deliver a service that supports the criminal justice system

  • hi res shutterstock_526761331

    Astrochemist

    John investigates the chemistry and physics of the regions of space between the stars

  • Coloured pills and capsules

    Associate researcher, pharmaceuticals

    Discover how you can change people’s lives as a chemist supervising the making of active ingredients in medicines

  • Illustration of a sample of blood, labelled 'doping'

    Assistant analyst, drug control centre

    Nicola describes how chemistry enabled her to play a vital part as an assistant analyst in the anti-doping laboratory for the Olympic Games

  • Lecture capture shutterstock 346398389 300tb[1]

    Head of toxicology

    Fiona leads research and development efforts to explore and validate non-animal testing approaches and advocates for the adoption of these alternatives while ensuring safety evaluations are accurate and reliable

  • pipette

    Dermal toxicologist

    Hazem examines how toxic substances can harm the skin and potentially enter the body. He evaluates the effects of chemicals and other agents on the skin and their capacity to cause harm

  • organic molecule being observed on a computer

    Head of computational toxicology

    George uses computer modelling to make sure products such as food and drink, medicines, pesticides, cosmetics and household products don’t cause harm and haven’t been contaminated by toxic materials

  • TaxAccountant

    Tax accountant

    Georgina discusses why she enjoys working in tax and legislation to ensures companies stay compliant and on the right side of the law

  • Medical research board_image

    Medical research council board secretary

    Hazel discusses her vital part in funding groundbreaking scientific research through the medical research council by assessing and discussing funding proposals with the council

  • EiC317 - Feature - New Drugs - Hero

    Director of medicinal chemistry

    Find out what’s involved in leading a team of 30 scientists who are researching new medicines

  • Image of Jason Hyde

    Senior director of chip research

    Jason talks about his team’s important work on a platform that allows scientists to sequence DNA wherever they are and uncover viral outbreaks, or identify new species.

  • glucose-biosensor-275

    Director of IRC in biomedical materials

    Professor Vadgama researches biosensors which monitor changes inside the bodies of patients and athletes

Plastic-eating-bacteria_shutterstock_152688404_300tb

Microplastics toxicologist

Stephanie leads the Microplastics Team at Imperial College London, where they investigate the potential toxicity of plastic fragments smaller than 5mm when they are present in the air, as well as understanding their impact on human health

Lecture capture shutterstock 346398389 300tb[1]

Head of toxicology

Fiona leads research and development efforts to explore and validate non-animal testing approaches and advocates for the adoption of these alternatives while ensuring safety evaluations are accurate and reliable

pipette

Dermal toxicologist

Hazem examines how toxic substances can harm the skin and potentially enter the body. He evaluates the effects of chemicals and other agents on the skin and their capacity to cause harm

organic molecule being observed on a computer

Head of computational toxicology

George uses computer modelling to make sure products such as food and drink, medicines, pesticides, cosmetics and household products don’t cause harm and haven’t been contaminated by toxic materials

Layla is smiling and there are trees in the background.

Co-founder and machine learning lead of tech startup Ignota Labs

Layla builds cutting-edge AI algorithms that improve the drug discovery process by exposing unsafe medicines early on

Photograph taken outdoors of Saba Manzoor, Air Quality Consultant

Principal air quality consultant

Saba’s air quality assessments help clients worldwide to minimise their air pollution

Kasia is in a lab, pipetting a solution into a beaker.

Laboratory scientist apprentice

Kasia makes lubricants to improve the performance of metal-cutting tools while also studying towards a degree in chemical science

Photo of computational chemist, Richard Lonsdale

Scientific leader

Richard uses digital technologies to design and select compounds for new medicines

Lewis smiling at the camera.

Bionanotechnology PhD student

Lewis is researching cutting edge ways to improve the treatment of diseases of the colon

Olivia smiling at the camera.

Senior laboratory technician

Olivia uses analytical techniques to ensure that food products meet legislative requirements for consumers

Photograph of Misbah Sarwar, Computational chemist, Johnson Matthey

Senior principal scientist

Misbah uses computers to predict which catalysts will be best at removing harmful pollutants from road-using vehicles

Photo of Aruna Nelson, Senior software developer, CCDC

Senior software developer

Aruna develops the search capability of a crystal structure database used by scientists to make new discoveries

Photo of Paul Wrathmall, Senior Science Manager, British Sugar

Senior science manager

Paul’s circular approach to manufacturing sugar means there is virtually zero waste and other useful products like bioethanol

Ian is smiling at the camera with a tree in the background.

Professor and enterprise, partnerships and innovation lead

Ian’s research mitigates climate change and has led to the production of energy-generating coatings for buildings

Side view of Andrew Hallett smiling with a green background.

Senior research and development scientist

Andrew develops emergency exit marking for aircraft, helping to keep passengers safe

Dr Geertje Van Keulen is smiling in a laboratory filled with equipment and items, including petri dishes and pipettes.

Associate professor

Geertje teaches university students and leads the development of materials made from bacteria

Tom is inside a cave wearing a protective helmet.

Senior curator

Tom identifies and unravels the mystery behind the rocks and minerals of Wales

Stephen and his son, Michael, are giving the thumbs up at the camera. Both are wearing London Marathon finisher T-shirts and medals.

Director

Stephen supports several businesses to become sustainable including using organic materials for wastewater treatment

Jill is sitting on some rocks, wearing sunglasses and smiling. There are hills in the background.

Qualified Person, pharmaceuticals

Jill ensures that the medicines her client companies provide to the public comply with quality and safety standards and are fit for purpose

Jamie smiling with rocks and a stream in the background.

Environmental process specialist

Jamie improves steelmaking processes to reduce their impact on the environment

Gemma smiling at the camera.

Product and process development manager

Gemma manages the production of high-quality tin and chromium coated steels for everyday items found in a kitchen and bathroom

Emma is standing in an outdoor office with equipment inside.

Pollution control officer

Emma protects our health and the environment by monitoring levels of environmental pollutants in the land, air and water. She sets the conditions on industrial processes to minimise their release of pollutants

Emma Withers in a laboratory smiling.

Soil scientist

Emma investigates the link between climate change and increased greenhouse gas emissions from the soil

Andy Kowalski in front of white, patterned wallpaper.

Science careers coach and mentor

Andy supports chemistry students to make good career decisions 

Hilde Kneblewski in a laboratory smiling at the camera.

Scientist, Incident Management & Crisis Resolution

Hilde investigates consumer complaints for beverage company, Coca-Cola

Sam Lawton smiling.

Scientific consultant

Sam provides advice on batteries and energy storage devices to customers across the world 

Photo of Research and Development chemist Oceane Gaudinet

R&D chemist

Océane researches ways to make packaging biodegradable

Daniel Stewart in the lab

Chief executive officer

Daniel is helping the world to reach net-zero carbon emissions by creating a way to turn manufacturers’ waste carbon dioxide into chemicals that can be used in everyday products

Emma working at a computer in the laboratory.

Bioleaching lab technician

Emma collects and processes precious metals that are extracted from electronic waste products

Michael Hughes

Teaching technical specialist

Mike ensures that chemistry practicals run smoothly for everyone using the lab. He’s also involved in Manchester University’s apprenticeship scheme and attracting future technicians

University of Nottingham, Tyler Harvey-Cowlishaw

University laboratory technician apprentice

Tyler carries out experiments linked to covid-19 reseach and lung diseases

Photograph of section lead, Maria Conway

Section leader, wind

Maria develops new and innovative coatings for wind turbines so that they can generate more renewable energy for longer

Photograph of Vikki, marketing development manager

Market development manager

Vikki helps develop sustainable packaging with less carbon dioxide impact and the ability to reduce food waste

Head of research and sustainability, Ananas Anam

Head of research and sustainability

Raquel develops a sustainable fabric called Piñatex that comes from pineapple leaves that would otherwise be burnt

Photo of Dr Iqbal, Research Fellow, the University of Birmingham

Research fellow, battery recycling

Zubera is discovering ways to recycle precious materials from electric car batteries

Image of Ryley

Solar technology engineer

Ryley develops cutting-edge solar cell technology to make solar power cheaper and more efficient so that this renewable source of energy can become more mainstream

A close-up photograph of a mobile phone and a lithium ion battery

PhD researcher

Lizzie investigates new battery materials for lithium-ion batteries which power devices such as smart phones, laptops and electric vehicles

Florence Gschwend, CTO of Lixea

Chief technology officer and co-founder of Lixea, a sustainable solutions company

Florence is developing a way to produce raw materials that are renewable, reusable, recyclable and toxic free

Professor Herbert Sixta

Professor of biorefineries

Professor Sixta converts cellulose, a renewable resource found in wood or plants, into products like yarn for making clothes

Photo of Professor Patricia Forbes

Professor of environmental chemistry

Patricia uses chemistry to develop new ways of detecting, monitoring and analysing quantities of environmental pollutants

Erin Maciejewski working in a lab.

Process chemist – higher apprentice, pharmaceuticals

Erin helps turn new medicines into finished products so that they can be mass-produced for patients.

Ian McKinley standing upright on a site.

Radioactive waste consultant

Ian ensures radioactive waste is handled safely and also applies waste management techniques to technology that reduces risks of climate change

Image of Jason Hyde

Senior director of chip research

Jason talks about his team’s important work on a platform that allows scientists to sequence DNA wherever they are and uncover viral outbreaks, or identify new species.

Ben Fisher

Marine biogeochemist

Ben’s research focuses on how the biology and chemistry of our oceans are responding to climate change in order to learn how we can protect our marine environments and ecosystems

Giorgia Raci

Research & development team leader - smart food labels

Giorgia leads a team at a small company that is helping to fight food waste by developing smart labels technology

Katie Lim

Executive editor, scientific publishing

Katie uses her chemistry background and works with scientists around the world to advance the chemical sciences by publishing the latest leading research in scientific journals

Photo of robot scientist creator, Benjamin Burger with robot in the background

Chief technology officer and co-founder of a robotic chemists’ company

Benjamin explains how he’s innovating industry by creating robotic chemists who can speed up new discoveries

Head and shoulders photo of secondary science teacher, Alice Parr

Secondary school science teacher

Alice teaches in a secondary school chemistry department helping her students thrive in the future

Katty O'Brien-Quilty

Analyst – higher apprentice, organic chemistry

Katty monitors the levels of organic materials in drinking and wastewater to ensure it is safe to drink

John Woodland sitting at his desk with surrounding equipment

Medicinal chemist

John explains how he’s changing lives by designing and synthesising potential medicine for infectious diseases like malaria

Conservation scientist sitting in her laboratory

Museum scientist

Lucia analyses museum objects to help the Victoria and Albert Museum curators understand, date and authenticate them

Sandrine Bouchelkia school science technician

School science technician

Sandrine works with teachers to design and safely prepare exciting classroom chemistry experiments

MediSieve’s Chief Technology Officer, Dr Cristina Blanco-Andujar

Chief technology officer

Cristina helps develop technology that could change lives by extracting disease from the body

Photo of Harsh Shar and Michael Wevil who are chemists at ThamesWater

Analytical chemists, Thames Water

Harsh and Michael describe their vital work keeping the region’s water and sewage systems safe and operational at all times

Forensic toxicologist

Forensic toxicologist

Calum helps ensure public safety through the toxicological testing of everyday items like food, cosmetics, electronics, medicines and textiles to ensure they are safe to use and consume

Nanotoxicologist

Nanotoxicologist

Vicki examines how tiny nanomaterials present in everyday products such as medicine, electronics and clothing interact with our bodies to ensure they are safe to use or consume

Toxicologist chemical

Toxicologist, chemical company

Nicholas discusses his challenging work bringing together scientific fields to ensure that their company’s chemicals are used safely and comply with strict rules and regulations

shutterstock_130293152

Computational toxicologist

Tim works in this rapidly expanding area of toxicology using computer modeling to more efficiently assess the risk of chemicals to people to keep the public safe

Celine_still

Analytical technician, plastics

Celine modifies the molecular structure of plastics so they can biodegrade in the natural environment

claire4

Bioanalytical scientist

Claire’s work involves stress testing new medicines in various stages of drug development to ensure they are robust and reliable before being released onto the consumer market

Tilly_still2

Analytical chemist

Tilly does research on human breath samples to potentially diagnose conditions like asthma and infectious diseases including cancer

Holly_2

Associate scientist, pharmaceuticals

Holly develops new medicines at a global pharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca alongside completing her degree apprenticeship

Mariam Khalfey

Development chemist, printing and inks

Mariam shares how she makes custom inks for their customers so they can safely print on food (like eggs) and food packaging providing vital information to the public 

Lewis_still

Research assistant

Lewis contributes to cutting-edge scientific research using specialist equipment to potentially diagnose diseases like cancer sooner

Robert still 2

Associate principal scientist, food

Robert builds computer models to predict how different food chemicals will enhance the taste and texture of chocolate, biscuits and other snacks

Joe still 2

Laboratory analyst and higher degree apprentice, water

Joseph helps ensure there is clean, safe, water for 15 million people in the UK whilst studying towards his chemistry degree

Fernando Gomollón-Bel _science communicator

Science communicator

Fernando uses his scientific knowledge to explain complex science to the public so they can understand and appreciate the value of these discoveries that are important to their everyday lives

Margot still 3

Research innovations manager

Margot is at the cutting-edge of science developing ways to make plastic biodegrade quickly and explaining this to others

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Patent attorney

Charley explains how he makes an impact by helping inventors get legal protection for their new inventions and medicines

A picture showing solar panels with blue sky and white colours top left corner to illustrate an article about fuelling the future with hydrogen, solar and wind power

Laboratory technician and higher apprentice, solar

Rebekka tests and finds ways to improve solar panels whilst balancing her studies towards her Foundation Degree apprenticeship

Autosampler of NMR spectrometer loaded with samples for analysis. Institute of Organic and Biochemistry Academy of Sciences the Czech Republic

Scientific associate, NMR spectroscopy

Christopher uses NMR to identify the structure of new and unknown chemical compounds to support the development of new medicines

Houses of parliament

Senior committee specialist, UK government

Xameerah talks about her important role in providing specialist advice on science and science policy to inform the work and policies of the UK government

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Tax accountant

Georgina discusses why she enjoys working in tax and legislation to ensures companies stay compliant and on the right side of the law

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Research fellow

Lynne shares how her PhD led to a university research career working with large pieces of equipment and computer programs to understand how chemical structures work

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Senior scientist, household goods

Phillip leads a small team of researchers who improve the performance of household products such as toothpaste and shampoo

A picture of cosmetics

Consumer products technician

Robert develops materials to improve the properties of consumer products from cosmetics to chewing gum

High voltage power lines

Chief chemist

Stephen oversees the ways in which chemistry can be used to improve a power station’s performance

Photo of a scientist taking a soil sample

Environmental chemist

James helps protect the environment by assessing the risks to life from certain chemicals in soil, water and air

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Policy adviser, UK government

Tom works for the UK government and briefs ministers and politicians about the latest scientific research to inform their policies

Food testing

Flavourist and innovation director

Claire creates new flavour combinations to improve the taste of everyday food products

A view of Earth from space

Atmospheric chemist

Zoë’s role involves finding ways to minimise the impact of humans on the natural world

Secondary school children in the laboratory

Head of chemistry and teacher

Kay teaches and oversees the work that goes on in a secondary school chemistry department

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Investor relations manager

Marcia updates shareholders, managers, staff and external market analysts with Unilever’s financial performance and strategy

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Senior analytical systems technician

Christopher describes how his love of science and understanding how things work led him to his role as a systems technician

Emma Sargent

Senior picture editor

Emma communicates science to the public by sourcing or commissioning engaging and accurate scientific photographs, illustrations and videos for publications

Cancer research UK

Policy researcher, cancer research UK

Harriet works at the world’s largest independent funder of cancer research where she helps researchers get support from the UK government and other research bodies

X-ray crystallography equipment at Diamond Light Source

Postdoctoral research associate

Anna explains how she carries out her own cutting-edge scientific research at the UK’s national synchrotron science facility

Man fills up the petrol tank in a car

Project leader in enhanced experimentation, oil & gas

Stuart brings good ideas to business faster by finding better tools and methods for researchers.

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Project manager, world gold council

Trevor discusses his unique role of promoting the uses of gold to companies across different industries

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Freelance science publicist

Sallie develops creative ideas to get good media coverage for science organisations and events

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Fine fragrance evaluator

Sophie helps improve and perfect fragrances created by perfumers. She also gets to travel regularly to Paris, Cologne and Grasse

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Forensic scientist

Joni investigates biological samples for the presence of drugs and alcohol and also examines evidence seized by the police

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Finance and planning manager

Lorna’s role in finance gives her an overview of the household, healthcare and personal care products developed at her company

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Medical research council board secretary

Hazel discusses her vital part in funding groundbreaking scientific research through the medical research council by assessing and discussing funding proposals with the council

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Director of medicinal chemistry

Find out what’s involved in leading a team of 30 scientists who are researching new medicines

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Director of IRC in biomedical materials

Professor Vadgama researches biosensors which monitor changes inside the bodies of patients and athletes

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Sustainability manager

Mike discusses his vital role in advising businesses and chemists about how to be more green and sustainable

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Sports scientist, British Olympic Association

Brian talks about his exciting role working with Team GB athletes and his part in the 2012 London Olympics

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Advanced apprentice, forensics

Jamie describes what it’s like to work alongside scientists to deliver a service that supports the criminal justice system

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Astrochemist

John investigates the chemistry and physics of the regions of space between the stars

Coloured pills and capsules

Associate researcher, pharmaceuticals

Discover how you can change people’s lives as a chemist supervising the making of active ingredients in medicines

Illustration of a sample of blood, labelled 'doping'

Assistant analyst, drug control centre

Nicola describes how chemistry enabled her to play a vital part as an assistant analyst in the anti-doping laboratory for the Olympic Games