ChemCareers 2021: Careers in environmental materials webinar

On 21 April 2021, Dr David Megson, ESED Council member and representative of the RSC’s Interest Group International Network of Environmental Forensics, joined the panel of the ChemCareers 2021: Careers in environmental materials webinar, one of a series of career talks and panel discussions providing support, advice and inspiration for chemical scientists.

At this event, attendees were invited to learn more about how the wide variety of careers available within the exciting area of environmental materials. The session was chaired by Laura Woodward BSc, Chartered MCIPD and Career and Professional Development Adviser at the RSC, and attendees posed the panel questions such as "what route did you take to get to your current role?" and "what particular skills do you feel are important to undertake a role in your field?".

David, a Senior Lecturer in Chemistry and Environmental Forensics and the Associate Director of the Ecology and Environmental Research Centre at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK, also works on pollution litigation cases as a Senior Environmental Consultant at Chemistry Matters, Canada.

It was great to have the chance to share my experience with Early Career Researchers and discuss my own personal career progression. It was also really interesting listening to the stories and opinions from other chemists on the panel.

David also noted "There are so many different ways to have a career in chemistry and I found it really positive to hear how things are improving from an inclusion and diversity perspective. It can be daunting for Early Career Researchers trying to find that first chemistry job, but there are a wide range of available opportunities, and lots of people that want to support you to succeed."

David was also joined by fellow panellist Celine Moreira, Commercial Testing Coordinator at Polymateria, a company that provides a tailored biodegradable solution for conventional plastic packaging, aiming to stem the global plastic pollution endemic.

The RSC’s ChemCareers team invites you to join future instalments of this event series, all of which are relevant to all chemical scientists, particularly undergraduate students.

Find out more and register for future webinars on our ChemCareers webpage.

Watch the careers in environmental materials webinar and previous ChemCareers webinars on the RSC’s YouTube channel.

By Ross Jaggers, Programme Manager

June 2021