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Career decisions

Deciding what comes next in your career is an exciting time. We are here to support you to make a confident decision.

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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.

How we can help

The career support offered on this page is available to our members only. Existing members will need to log in to access the services.

Become a member

Recently qualified

This is for chemistry students who have recently achieved a vocational or academic qualification and want to understand their options. 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.

Vocational qualification Degree

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. This support is available to members and fellows (MRSC and FRSC).

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.

Becoming a consultant

Find out how to apply your professional skills and expertise as an independent consultant either full-time, or alongside your current role.

Approaching retirement

As you progress towards retirement, it’s important to consider your options. Get suggestions on how to make a successful transition and watch the Chemists’ Community Fund webinar “Retirement in sight”, which also covers financial planning.

Facing redundancy or unemployment

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.

Contact our careers team

We're here to help. Get in touch with any questions about your chemistry career or the support we can provide.

Become a member

From teachers and lecturers inspiring the next generation, to researchers in academia and industry whose discoveries and innovations are shaping the future – we represent and support a vibrant and diverse community of more than 50,000 people. When you join us, you become part of that community. We will connect you with chemical scientists from all over the world, give you the tools and resources you need to shape your career path, and help you stay at the forefront of your profession.

Join us