Chemical industry
The chemical industry is responsible for researching, developing and manufacturing the chemicals and chemical products that are found in many of the items we all use on a day-to-day basis, from perfumes to paints and fuel additives to plastics.
The products of the chemical industry are used in sectors as diverse as energy, construction, automotive and pharmaceuticals, and indeed the pharmaceutical sector is often seen as part of the broader chemical industry.
The sector provides opportunities for global graduate employment. The global chemical sector is is dominated by China, followed by the USA, Germany, Japan and South Korea. The UK is the eleventh-largest chemical and pharmaceuticals producer in the world.
Science roles
In these roles you could use your chemistry skills to research, develop, analyse and test chemicals and chemical products.
Roles include: R&D chemist, formulations chemist, analytical chemist, synthetic organic chemist, medicinal chemist, polymer chemist, quality control chemist and environmental scientist.
Engineering roles
In these roles you could use your engineering skills in the chemical production process.
Roles include: chemical engineer, process engineer, mechanical engineer, electrical and electronic engineer and maintenance engineer.
IT roles
In these roles you could use your IT skills to support the scientific production and business functions of the sector.
Roles include: laboratory information management support, IT support, system administration and software engineer.
Other roles:
There are also a range of more general roles for any graduate with the right set of skills such as project management, business analyst, sales and marketing, supply chain, logistics, finance and other corporate roles.
Employers and job vacancies
Graduate training programmes
Many of the larger chemical companies offer graduate programmes across a range of roles.For example:
- (speciality chemicals and sustainable technology)
- (speciality and intermediate chemicals)
- (chemicals – PhD required)
- (pharmaceutical)
- (pharmaceutical)
- (agrochemicals)
- (petrochemical)
- (petrochemical)
- (petrochemical)
Graduate roles
Many other employers offer graduate-level roles on a regular basis, although not always as part of a structured scheme or programme.
There are around 3,000 chemical companies in the UK, the majority of which are small and medium enterprises (SMEs) employing less than 250 people.
Within the East Midlands, there are a range of SMEs in the pharmaceutical sector such as , as well as some larger companies such as in Derby. Smaller companies can be found on science parks such as Nottingham's Biocity, and other which can be found on the .
To search for vacancies offered by these companies, use the following membership directories:
Sources of vacancies
Further study opportunities
Thinking about a PhD? How to get started and how to apply
In these two videos, Dr Judith Wayte from the 糖心原创 provides clear and wide-ranging advice on:
- how to get started: what to take into account, and how to gather relevant information
- on the application process and how to prepare for interviews
- Alumni: Email us to gain access to the webinar
Get involved at Nottingham to enhance your job prospects
There's lots that you can do at Nottingham to develop the experience and skills that employers in this sector are interested in, for example:
- Societies. Join the Students' Union's societies like the , and the
- Nottingham Advantage Award. Enhance your skills and employability with Nottingham Advantage Award modules
- Internships. Use , our jobs board, to find internships and work placements, offering real-world experience and networking opportunities
- Events: Attend university and society-organised events to learn more about the industry and connect with professionals
- Careers fairs. Attend our careers fairs where you will have the opportunity to network with a range of employers, the Stay Local Careers Fair and the Science, Engineering and Technology Careers Fair may be of particular interest to you.