Chemistry - Careers

Career opportunities for Chemists are diverse. They are employed in analytical chemistry related to the mining and food industries, forensic science and environmental impact studies. In the manufacturing sector, chemists can be involved in the management of laboratories and chemical processing plants. Chemists carry out research in government laboratories such as those at the CSIRO and the WA Government’s Chemistry Centre, as well as in the private sector in mining, petrochemical, and high technology industries.

Chemists find themselves at the forefront of biological and medical research and are crucial in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Opportunities for chemists also exist in teaching at secondary schools and in teaching and research at universities.

Recent employers of UWA graduates include Alcoa Australia Ltd, BHP Petroleum, Hamersley Iron Pty Ltd, Rio Tinto Ltd, Shell Australia Ltd, Worsley Alumina Ltd, Kings Park and Botanic Gardens, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children and the Water Corporation.

Did you know that "green chemistry" is emerging as a new employment area in which researchers are searching for more environmentally friendly ways to carry out the reactions involved in chemical industry?

Did you know that forensic chemists play are playing an increasingly important role in modern crime detection?

Careers in Chemistry