OCCUPATIONAL

PROFILE

Analytical chemist

Job Description
Analytical chemists typically use a diverse range of high tech methods to investigate the chemical nature of substances.
The aim of such work is to identify and understand the substance and how it behaves under different conditions.

In the pharmaceutical industry, for example, analytical chemists are involved throughout the drug development process;
they study the physical or chemical properties of drug substances and formulations, with a view to determining the quality
and stability of drug products.

Analytical chemists may be involved in work as diverse as:

• chemical or forensic analysis;

• process development;
• product validation;
• quality control;
• toxicology;
• drug formulation and development.

Typical Work Activities

Typical work activities include:

• analysing samples from various sources to provide information on compounds or quantities of compounds present;
• using analytical techniques and instrumentation, such as gas and high performance liquid chromatography
(HPLC), ion chromatography, electrochromatography and spectroscopy (infrared and ultraviolet, amongst others);
• interpreting data and adhering to strict guidelines on documentation when recording data;
• reporting scientific results;
• using a range of analytical techniques, instrumentation and software;
• developing new techniques for the analysis of drug products and chemicals;
• working collaboratively in cross-functional teams;
• liaising with customers, staff and suppliers;
• using the internet and email;
• being aware of, and keeping up to date with, health and safety issues in all aspects of the work undertaken.

More senior analysts are likely to be involved in:

• preparing the documentation for product licence applications, e.g. with the Medicines and Healthcare products
Regulatory Agency (MHRA) (www.mhra.gov.uk) or the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (www.fda.gov/);
• setting the specifications for finished products.

Work Conditions
• Range of typical starting salaries: £14,000 - £30,000. Those entering with a PhD start on higher salaries (salary
data collected March 08).
• Salaries at senior level/with experience (e.g. after 10-15 years in the role) vary, but typically range from £26,000 -
£50,000 (salary data collected March 08). Analytical chemists with management responsibilities tend to earn more.
• Salaries vary depending upon the employer, geographical location and the employer’s primary business. Benefits
also differ according to the employer, but free or subsidised medical insurance is common.
• The working hours are nine to five, possibly with some extra hours depending upon the workload and sample
schedule.
• Working in multidisciplinary teams is common, as is communicating with scientists and customers from both within
and outside the company.
• At more junior levels, staff are likely to be predominantly lab-based, whereas staff at more senior levels are
increasingly office-based.
• Self-employment is very unlikely due to the significant financial investment in equipment and staffing, plus the need
for accreditation. There are opportunities for freelance consultancy work, although large companies tend to have
their own experts.
• Part-time work and career breaks may be possible.
• Jobs are widely available throughout the country and tend to be in large, localised centres. Research and
development (R&D) work, however, is more common in the South.
• Work may occasionally be stressful due to tight deadlines and pressure to solve problems as quickly as possible.
Routine analysis may involve doing the same job for long periods of time, although this is less likely at more senior
levels.
• Typically, travel within a working day and absence from home overnight is not that common. Overseas travel is
rare, although secondments abroad may be possible at higher grades.

This Occupational Profile forms part of Prospects Planner www.prospects.ac.uk/links/occupations Page 1 of 4

Analytical chemist

Entry Requirements
Relevant degree subject areas include physical/mathematical/applied science, life sciences and medical science. In
particular, the following degree subjects may improve your chances:

• analytical chemistry;
• applied chemistry;
• biochemistry;
• chemistry;
• environmental science (physical);
• forensic science;
• geochemistry;
• marine sciences/marine biology/oceanography;
• materials sciences/technology.

The academic standards set are usually high; a 2:1 is typically required. Competition for jobs with many of the major
companies may be high.

Entry with a foundation degree or HND is possible. In some cases employers may take into account previous experience
or offer training schemes. However, there may be restrictions on the laboratory functions that these employees can
participate in.

A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not a requirement, although having an MSc or PhD in analytical chemistry or a
related subject may be an advantage for longer-term promotion and professional development. PhD holders are likely to
be recruited into more senior posts.

Practical experience of working in a laboratory environment is desirable, although graduates with little or no experience
in this area should still be encouraged to apply, as full training is often available.

Candidates need to show evidence of the following:

• self-confidence and motivation to investigate and solve complex problems;

• the ability to prioritise and schedule work to meet demands set by the department, company or external customer;
• presentation skills and the ability to convey technical information to non-technical people;
• a good standard of numeracy and skills in data analysis;
• IT skills;
• creativity, and the ability to use initiative;
• effective teamworking skills;
• a flexible and methodical approach to work.

Analytical chemists also need to be skilled in good laboratory practice (GLP) and have a theoretical knowledge, although
not necessarily practical experience, of a range of analytical techniques and instrumentation. Being able to perform tasks
to quality standards in a safe environment is also a requirement.

It is illegal for employers to discriminate against candidates on the grounds of age, gender, race, disability, sexual
orientation or religious faith. For more information on equality and diversity in the job market see Handling Discrimination
(www.prospects.ac.uk/links/discrimination).

Training
Most training is on the job, delivered by responsible personnel, and may be supported by short courses. All entrants
receive documented training procedures in the techniques they will use. Suppliers of technical equipment or specialist
software may also provide training.

In addition, training may be delivered through a programme of continuing professional development (CPD). For example,
the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) (www.rsc.org) has information on Analytical Chemistry by Open Learning (ACOL).
This is a flexible-learning course aimed primarily at lab technicians wishing to update their knowledge of analytical
chemistry techniques. The RSC’s Industry and Technology Forum has also developed a series of courses entitled ‘4
Chemists’ to help broaden the skills, experience and employability of chemical scientists. These courses offer an
introduction to emerging technologies or core disciplines related to chemistry, and are aimed at chemical scientists who
may require an understanding of the principles and working language of the subject in question.

The Analytical Science Network (www.asnetwork.org) is a group of analytical scientists from industry and academia
working together to promote analytical science. They organise and/or participate in informal regional update meetings
and networking opportunities, to help scientists working in the industry to:

• broaden their existing knowledge and skills;

• make an impact on their profession and enhance their professional status;
• improve job-related skills such as presentation and report writing;
• make contact and establish links with like-minded peers.

Larger companies may provide opportunities for further academic study, for example to upgrade an HND to a degree, or
to undertake a relevant Masters or a PhD.

Page 2 of 4 See also AGCAS Sector Briefings for an overview of job sectors - www.prospects.ac.uk/links/sectorbs
 Analytical chemist

Career Development
The role of analytical chemist offers great opportunities for career progression, with employment in a wide range of
industries calling for similar skills being possible.

Progression to more senior grades will involve undertaking increasing responsibility, and promotion will depend upon
ability and experience. Obtaining a higher qualification, such as a PhD, is a common route into senior roles.

The careers service of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) (www.rsc.org) offers support to its members throughout
their career, providing information, advice and guidance on all aspects of career planning and the job seeking process,
including developing or changing careers. Members can also receive advice and guidance via email, over the telephone
and through career consultations and surgeries held throughout the UK and Ireland.

Analytical chemists can also develop skills and gain professional recognition by achieving Chartered status as a
Chartered Chemist (CChem) or a Chartered Scientist (CSci). Further information is available on the RSC website.

The RSC also runs a mentoring scheme, through which members can receive help from, or offer help to, other members.

Typical Employers
Analytical chemists work in a diverse range of scientific industries. Typical employers include:

• agrochemical companies;
• biotechnology or contract research organisations;
• chemical and polymer manufacturers;
• environmental agencies;
• food companies;
• government agencies;
• hospital laboratories;
• multidisciplinary consultancy or testing companies;
• petrochemical companies;
• pharmaceutical companies;
• public health laboratories.

Research and development (R&D) is carried out in a variety of organisations. Researchers work in both commercial
organisations and the public sector, for example, in higher education. The work may focus on:

• 'pure research', which tends to be conducted within universities and is primarily done to improve understanding,
without necessarily having an intended purpose;
• or 'applied research', which involves the development of a commercially viable product and tends to take place
within private industry and commercial organisations.

However, research is increasingly collaborative across all scientific fields, with many partnerships developing between
business and academia. There is also a large number of research institutions (the government and research council
laboratories and those affiliated with charities, foundations and museums) that have broader goals than industry, but are
working in focused areas.

Sources of Vacancies
• New Scientist (www.newscientist.com) and New Scientist Jobs (www.newscientistjobs.com);
• Chemistry World (www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/);
• Nature (www.nature.com/nature/index.html);
• The Guardian (www.guardian.co.uk) (Thursdays);

Many of the major companies will advertise jobs and graduate training schemes on their own corporate websites, so
check these regularly.

In addition, recruitment agencies commonly handle vacancies. These tend to be almost 100% lab based and require
practical experience, but may provide a first step into an organisation that you are interested in working for. Agencies you
may want to investigate include SRG Labstaff (www.srg.co.uk/), Jobs In Science (www.jobsinscience.com), Matchtech
Group plc (www.matchtech.com) or Cranleigh Scientific (www.cranleighscientific.co.uk/).

Related Occupations
• Food technologist
• Forensic scientist
• Pharmacologist
• Quality assurance manager
• Research scientist (life science)
• Research scientist (physical sciences)
• Scientific laboratory technician
• Secondary school teacher
• Teaching laboratory technician

Find comprehensive careers information on www.prospects.ac.uk and in your HE careers service Page 3 of 4
Analytical chemist

Information Sources
Bibliography
AGCAS and Graduate Prospects products are available from higher education careers services.
AGCAS Publications
Handling Discrimination, AGCAS Information Booklet
Health Sector, AGCAS Sector Briefing
Options with Biochemistry, AGCAS Options Series
Options with Chemistry, AGCAS Options Series
Options with Environmental Science, AGCAS Options Series
Science Sector, AGCAS Sector Briefing
Graduate Prospects Publications
Prospects Finalist
Prospects Graduate
Other Publications
Chemistry & Industry, Society of Chemical Industry (SCI), Fortnightly
Chemistry World, Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), Monthly
Got a degree? What next..., Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
The Guardian, Guardian Newspapers Ltd, Daily
The Hobsons GET Directory, Hobsons Plc (http://www.get.hobsons.co.uk), Annual
Nature, Nature Publishing Group (NPG), Weekly
New Scientist, Reed Business Information, Weekly

Websites
Analytical Science Network, www.asnetwork.org
Chemsoc, www.rsc.org/chemsoc/
Cranleigh Scientific, www.cranleighscientific.co.uk/
Jobs In Science, www.jobsinscience.com
Lab Support UK, www.labsupport.co.uk
Matchtech Group plc, www.matchtech.com
New Scientist Jobs, www.newscientistjobs.com
SRG Labstaff, www.srg.co.uk/
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), www.fda.gov/

Addresses
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), 10-2 Market Towers, 1 Nine Elms Lane, London
SW8 5NQ Tel: 020 7084 2000 URL: www.mhra.gov.uk
Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB), 1 Lambeth High Street, London SE1 7JN Tel: 020 7735 9141
URL: www.rpsgb.org.uk
Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BA Tel: 020 7437 8656 URL:
www.rsc.org
SEMTA: the Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, Head Office, 14 Upton
Road, Watford WD18 0JT Tel: 01923 238 441 URL: www.semta.org.uk

© Content copyright of or licensed to AGCAS (www.agcas.org.uk)

Written by Ivana Morton-Holmes, AGCAS, 25/03/2008

The work of writers, editors and other contributors is gratefully acknowledged - full details on www.prospects.ac.uk/links/occupations
To view the terms and conditions for the material provided in this publication, please see www.prospects.ac.uk/links/disclaimer

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