Analytical chemist : Employers and vacancy sources

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. Analytical chemists can be involved in 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.

Research is, however, 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

• Search graduate jobs on this site.
• New Scientist Jobs
• Chemistry World Jobs
• Nature Jobs
• Guardian Jobs

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% laboratory 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
• Jobs in Science
• Matchtech
• Cranleigh Scientific

Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.