What does a chemist do?
As a chemist, you can work in a variety of fields, both in the private and public sectors. Below, you will find examples of companies and industries you can work in as well as duties and responsibilities that may be part of your future job. You will also find a list of possible professional titles.
A career in chemistry
What companies and industries can a chemist work in?
Examples of workplaces in the private sector:
- Analysis and synthesis laboratories
- Biotechnology companies
- Energy companies that work with, for example, the development of batteries, biofuel, or nuclear power
- Mining industry
- Agriculture
- Chemical companies
- Consulting companies
- Life science companies
- Food companies
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Environmental and sustainability companies that work with, for example, recycling or plastic technology
- Petroleum and paper industry
- Forest industry.
Examples of workplaces in the public sector:
- Clinical laboratories
- Government agencies and authorities
- Universities and colleges
- Schools if you have a teaching qualification.
What kind of job duties and responsibilities can a chemist have?
As a chemist, you can work with, for example:
- Laboratory and research work
- Development of medicines, (smart) materials and products
- Quality and safety work
- Project management
- Business management
- Handling and administration
- Service, information, and advice
- Investigation
- Marketing and sales
- Education and teaching
- Supervision
Professional titles for chemists
Examples of professional titles that our former students have:
Chemists
- Analytical Chemist
- Environmental Chemist
- Hospital Chemist
- Manufacturing Chemist
- Medicinal Chemist
Scientists
- Associate Principal Scientist
- Polymer Scientist
- Research and Development Scientist
- Senior Research Scientist
Managers
- Chief Sales Officer (CSO)
- Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
- Engagement Manager
- Sales & Product Manager Clinical Diagnostics
Specialists
- Global Product Safety Specialist
- Process Technology Specialist
- Product Specialist
- Senior Technology Specialist
Other titles
- Entrepreneur
- Laboratory Analyst
- Researcher
- Research Engineer
- Senior Consultant
Your education – starting point for your career
Tailor your education and create a unique profile on the job market
At the University of Gothenburg, you can tailor your education in chemistry or organic and medicinal chemistry according to your own interests and ambitions. You can either deepen your knowledge in your field or broaden your knowledge by adding other natural science subjects to your curriculum. You can also choose to study any other subject taught at the University of Gothenburg. This enables you to create a unique interdisciplinary degree, letting you stand out on the job market.
Some examples:
- You can combine your chemistry studies with molecular biology or neurosciences and create a unique profile in life science.
- You can combine your chemistry studies with other subjects such as communication, law, economics, leadership, or entrepreneurship. With your unique interdisciplinary profile, you can, for example, work as a science journalist or with development and management of companies.
In demand skills for the job market
During your education, you will develop many skills that are attractive to future employers.
Some examples:
- Adaptability - ability to embrace change and adapt to new situations
- Ability to assimilate information - effectively gathering and processing information
- Ability to critically analyze and effectively solve problems
- Ability to carry out risk and impact analyses
- Ability to clearly present and communicate plans and results
- Ability to write scientifically
- Ability to work in projects, both in group and individually
- Ability to collaborate - effective teamwork
- Accuracy - executing calculations and procedures with precision.
