1.3 Careers with a Chemistry Degree

Careers after a Chemistry degree can be incredibly fulfilling and diverse. If you wish to remain in Chemistry after your degree, your career focus will generally be on research in academia or industry. Beyond this Chemistry allows you to pursue a whole range of careers not directly related to Chemistry.

A career in academia is a rewarding path for those who are passionate about advancing knowledge in Chemistry and inspiring the next generation of scientists. This route typically involves a combination of teaching, research, and scholarly activities such as managing outreach or seminars within universities or research institutions. To pursue a career in academia, you will need to follow a structured path that builds on your education, research experience, and academic achievements.

Generally a career in academia requires you to pursue Chemistry up until the completion of your PhD. After your undergraduate degree you can focus on specific areas of Chemistry that are of interest to you in the form of doctoral research. PhDs are research focused qualifications concentrating on independent and novel research in your chosen field. This can be incredibly rewarding but also requires a passion for your selected subject area beyond that of an undergraduate or masters degree. During your PhD you will learn advanced research skills, publish scientific papers, and begin to establish a professional network within the academic community.

After your PhD you can continue to work in academia, conducting post-doctoral (postdoc) research. This research allows you to learn new skills, while publishing your research, and deepening your professional network. After your postdoc, fellowships allow you to gain funding to start your own research within an academic organisation. You will also take on teaching responsibilities at university. If you have built up a strong portfolio of research output (publications, conferences etc.) you may apply for a permanent academic position such as lecturer, after which you will focus on building your own research group consisting primarily of PhD students and postdocs.

Your teaching commitments will continue to grow while your research shifts from conducting your own research to managing your students' research. If successful you can climb through the ranks of permanent academic positions to the position of Professor in your area of expertise .

Teaching Fellow positions are becoming increasingly popular within academia. These are academics primarily focused on teaching and the research of teaching (pedagogy) in your chosen field. For those primarily interested in teaching this could be a good opportunity after your PhD or postdoc.

A career in academia requires dedication, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning. It offers the opportunity to explore fascinating scientific questions, collaborate with researchers worldwide, and play a vital role in the education of future chemists. However, it is also a competitive field, requiring persistence and a strong track record of academic achievements to succeed. If you are passionate about discovery and eager to share your knowledge, academia can be an immensely fulfilling career path.