An Analytical Chemist uses scientific methods to study and analyse materials and substances to understand their composition, properties, and behaviour.
They use a variety of techniques and equipment to extract information from samples, such as chemicals, drugs, or other materials in the pharmaceutical manufacturing process.
They then interpret the data they collect to draw conclusions and make recommendations, leading to any changes deemed necessary.
For example, an Analytical Chemist might test the purity and strength of medications to ensure they are safe and effective for patients. They may analyse medication to check for contaminants. Analytical Chemist work is critical in helping medication develop and improve.
As an Analytical Chemist in a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plant you will need to:
You’ll need to show you:
Salaries in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry this can vary depending on the size of the employer, experience, qualifications and location.
The employer may also have further benefits, for example free medical insurance or other incentives.
Initially the salary for an Analytical Chemist is approximately £22000 to £34000.
As more experience is gained salaries can range from £30000 to £45000.
When you take on a leadership and management role you can earn over £50000
Most pharmaceutical manufacturing companies work 9.00am to 5.00pm. However, this can change depending on your workload and schedule.
An example of this is during COVID when vaccinations were being developed, and most Analytical Chemists were working above their normal hours.
There are sometimes opportunities for part-time work.
It is beneficial to have practical research or laboratory experience which can be gained from local pharmaceutical manufacturing. Some larger companies, like GSK, offer placements, summer work and internships.
Some smaller companies offer summer projects.
Work experience helps you to develop the practical skills required in the industry and also gives you the opportunity to work alongside individuals who can support you in your future plans.
You will usually work in a team with different scientists within the company you are working for.
You will mainly be working in a laboratory setting and with computers in an office.
You will work to tight deadlines and some of the routine tasks will be repetitive.
The career progression of an Analytical Chemist can vary depending on your education, experience, and professional goals. Generally, an Analytical Chemist’s career can progress as follows:
It is worth noting that the above career progressions are not always linear, and an Analytical Chemist may choose to specialise in a particular area of analytical chemistry, which may lead to different career paths. This will depend on their skills, experience, education, and professional goals.
You may find opportunities with a wide range of employers including:
As an experienced Analytical Chemist you could work towards your chartered status, like Chartered Chemist (CChem) and Chartered Scientist (CSci).
School leavers need to have minimum 5 GCSEs at grade 4-9 including English and maths to enter into this field.
There are two routes, the technical route and the education route.
Level 3 T Level in Science followed either by university or a Degree Level Apprenticeship.
A Levels followed by university or a Degree Level Apprenticeship.
Advanced Level Apprenticeship followed by university or a Degree Level Apprenticeship.
Undertake a Lab Technician (Level 3 Apprenticeship) followed by a Technical Scientist (Level 5 Apprenticeship) and finally a Laboratory Scientist (Degree Apprenticeship) –
Leads to work as an Analytical Chemist.
Example
A Level or T Level followed by Laboratory Scientist (Degree Apprenticeship) could then lead to work as an Analytical Chemist.
Example
Lab Technician (Level 3 Apprenticeship) followed by a university degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry. Some universities offer an extended degree which leads directly to a postgraduate degree, for example MChem or MSci. These courses have more independent research and can lead directly into employment.
You will need a University Degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry. Applications via this route would be submitted online through UCAS.
Some universities offer an extended degree which leads directly to a postgraduate degree, for example MChem or MSci. These courses have more independent research and can lead directly into employment.
Typical offers are 112 UCAS Tariff points, from a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A Levels, T Levels or BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas.
A Levels should include sciences, individual university entry requirements need to be checked for which sciences, generally Chemistry or Physics.
Some universities offer an extended degree which leads directly to a postgraduate degree, for example MChem or MSci. These courses have more independent research and can lead directly into employment.
You could take the apprenticeship route from school, starting with a Lab Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship, followed by a Technical Scientist Level 5 Apprenticeship, which could then lead to a Laboratory Scientist (Degree Apprenticeship) and becoming an Analytical Chemist.
