At the Royal Society of Chemistry, we want to support our members throughout their careers, and at transition points. Whether you are looking to take your next step, facing redundancy, or planning for retirement, there’s advice available to you at every stage of your career in the chemical sciences.
These resources are designed to help you make informed decisions about your professional development, as well as highlight some of your possible career options.
Find resources, tips and video advice tailored to your career stage. We’re here to help you make choices with confidence.
Explore your next step
Recently qualified
Find out where your qualifications can take you and access the tools and support available to help you explore your career options, apply for new roles and develop professionally.
Who is it for?
Chemistry students who have recently achieved a vocational or academic qualification and want to understand their options
✓ Royal Society of Chemistry membership (any category)
Considering a PhD
Undertaking a PhD can be challenging, exciting and very rewarding but is it the right decision for your career? Access practical advice and tips.
Who is it for?
Aimed at all membership categories
✓ Royal Society of Chemistry membership (any category)
Forging a career in academic research
Pursuing an academic career in research after a PhD is a popular option, but it’s also very competitive. Where do you start with applying for a research role or writing a successful grant application? We offer practical tips, including advice on networking, funding and the skills and experience employers are looking for in this field.
Who is it for?
Chemical scientists deciding if a career in academic research is the right next move, and what is required to make a success of it
✓ Royal Society of Chemistry membership (any category)
Research careers outside academia
Whether you are considering applying your skills in a lab or another environment, you can access practical information about the options available to you and hear from employers discussing different fields of chemical science.
Who is it for?
Chemical scientists interested in the industry
✓ Royal Society of Chemistry membership (any category)
Exploring careers outside research
Find out about the many different ways you can apply your chemical science skills to roles outside research.
Access information about the options available and get insights from employers.
Who is it for?
Chemical scientists interested in non-research careers
✓ Royal Society of Chemistry membership (any category)
Moving into management
Transitioning from technical expert to manager offers excellent opportunities for career progression, but it isn’t right for everyone. Find out whether this is an option for you.
Who is it for?
Chemical scientists considering moving into management
Becoming a teacher
Teaching chemistry can be a wonderfully rewarding career. We’re here to help you decide whether teaching is right for you, and showcase the many routes into the profession so you can pick the one that’s best for you.
Who is it for?
Chemical scientists considering teaching
✓ Royal Society of Chemistry membership (any category)
Becoming a consultant
Find out how to apply your professional skills and expertise to this career path.
Who is it for?
Chemical scientists who are interested in offering their specialist services as independent consultants full-time, or alongside their current role.
✓ Royal Society of Chemistry membership (any category)
Approaching retirement
As you progress towards retirement, it’s important to consider your options. Our how-to article has suggestions on how to make a successful transition and includes the Chemists’ Community Fund webinar “Retirement in sight”, which also covers financial planning.
Who is it for?
Anyone approaching retirement
✓ Royal Society of Chemistry membership (any category)
Facing redundancy
In today's employment market, careers are subject to abrupt change, and being made redundant is part of many people’s career journeys. Here, you can access advice on how to take positive steps to manage the uncertainty of this transition, including thinking about your skills, what you want from the next phase of your career and how to tap into your professional network.
Who is it for?
Anyone approaching redundancy or already unemployed
✓ Royal Society of Chemistry membership (any category)
Career management team
- Tel:
- +44 (0) 1223 432231
- Email:
- Send us an email
Share
Spotlight