How to become a chemist

Explore the building blocks of the world and drive advancements in medicine, technology, and sustainability.

Chemists are the explorers of the world, uncovering the secrets of substances and how they interact. Whether it’s developing new medicines, creating sustainable materials, or solving environmental problems, chemists play a crucial role in many exciting fields.

“Just do it!” says RMIT’s Senior Lecturer in Applied Chemistry and Environmental Science, Dr. Andrew Hung, “Okay- admittedly, I’m a little biased in that advice. But if you’re passionate about science and want to learn how things work, be at the forefront of developing green, environmentally friendly materials that ensure a sustainable future, or help design next-generation therapies that can help treat major diseases then chemistry may be the right degree for you.”

But how do you know chemistry is the right degree for you?

According to Dr. Hung, “The first and foremost thing to consider is whether chemistry really excites you. How can tiny metallic crystals harness solar energy? How can AI be used to design life-saving drugs? How can we extract, isolate and purify essential oils from native Australian plants for use in food and medicines? If you’re interested in these sorts of questions, then you will find a chemistry career rewarding.”

A student working with chemicals in a laboratory filled with chemistry equipment

Becoming a chemist

To become a chemist in Australia, you must successfully complete a Bachelor of Science with a major in Chemistry, ideally with a minor in an associated field such as bioscience, food science, or environmental science.

“This provides a foundational understanding of chemical principles, lab techniques, instrumental and analytical methods, as well as other fundamental soft skills that you will require as a highly skilled, knowledge-based professional.” Explains Dr. Hung.

After completing your bachelor’s degree, you may also consider pursuing an Honours degree or a postgraduate qualification such as a master’s degree, or a PhD in chemistry or a related area, such as nanotechnology. These can offer more opportunities to advanced positions, while a PhD is often required for academic or high-level research roles. Or you can go to work directly with an industry that is working to sustainably create products for Australia and the world.

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Bachelor of Science - Chemistry Major

In this degree, you will study materials science, organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry and develop strong research and laboratory skills.

Bachelor of Science (Applied Chemistry)/Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours)

Combining chemistry, analytical sciences, and chemical engineering, this double degree puts you at the cutting edge of technology development.

Scientist using chemistry equipment in lab

Master of Science (Applied Chemistry)

This degree lays the foundation for PhD studies and prepares you for senior research and leadership roles in government, non-government, and corporate organisations.

PhD (Applied Chemistry)

Under expert supervision, RMIT's modern, purpose-built and well-equipped facilities, including analytical instrumentation, will support your research. Undertake your PhD as a project, thesis with publication or thesis mode.

Explore RMIT's chemistry courses

Why study chemistry at RMIT?

Dr. Hung says, “At RMIT, we focus on practical skills so our graduates can be truly job ready. Whilst a career in chemistry is a lifelong learning process, an RMIT graduate will have experience with all the essential skills they need to be a successful chemist. As a chemistry student you will often spend the entire day in the lab, but more typically, your course includes a mix of lectures, laboratory work, study time, and - just as importantly - extracurricular activities.”

What does a chemist do?

“A chemist is a scientist who studies atoms and molecules - the 'building blocks' of our world - and applies that knowledge to design, synthesise, and test new materials that work better, are safer, stronger or more sustainable than existing ones.” Explains Dr. Hung.

There are many types of chemists, and chemists can work in various scientific fields, such as pharmaceuticals, materials science, environmental science, and energy materials. They may also be involved in quality control, research and development, teaching, or policy development.

“Although many chemistry jobs involve lab work, not all chemists work in a lab. Some spend most of their time using supercomputers and AI models to study molecules at the atomic level to design new molecules that are more effective medicines, more efficient energy materials, or have better tensile properties.” Says Dr. Hung.

As a result, a chemist’s role depends heavily on their specific field and role. Generally, however, a few of the tasks common to most chemists’ roles will include:

Performing experiments - Designing and conducting experiments to synthesise or investigate the properties of substances. This can involve designing or improving processes for faster or cleaner reactions. Computational chemists can use simulations and models to predict reactions and design new materials and more effective, safer therapeutics, helping experimental chemists develop new products much faster.
Product development - Designing and optimising formulations and chemical compositions for products, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food and, materials for batteries, buildings, aircraft, and many more.
Quality control - Chemists test products to meet standards and safety regulations using methods like chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance to ensure correct and pure products.
Education and training - You may formally teach at schools or universities, write documentation for new syntheses or instrumental procedures that you’ve developed for other users, or mentor and train colleagues.

What skills does a successful chemist need?

Like any job, a successful chemist will need a blend of hard and soft skills. In terms of hard skills, you’ll need to be able to create experiments and perform techniques safely. Knowledge of chemical safety protocols, handling procedures, and regulatory requirements are essential. You will also need to be strong in maths (especially data analysis and statistics) and chemistry theory.

The soft skills you’ll need include being able to approach complex problems logically and devise effective - and sometimes creative – solutions, having meticulous attention to detail, be an effective communicator and work well as part of a team.

“It’s important to keep learning and stay motivated: Chemistry is fascinating! Staying updated with the latest research, technologies, and advancements gives you insights into the exciting future that chemistry will bring. And as a chemist, you will be an important part of that.” Advises Dr. Hung, “At RMIT, you will have plenty of opportunity to develop and hone these skills through written and oral reports, team assignments and research projects.”

Where do chemists work?

Chemists work in a wide range of environments, depending on their jobs and career focus. Some common places where chemistry graduates end up include research and development laboratories in the private, public, or academic sectors, regulatory agencies such as the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), clinical labs, forensic labs, hospitals or as a chemical and instrumentation sales representative.

How much do chemists earn?

The median full-time weekly earnings for a chemist in Australia is $1,828* and the median hourly earnings are $48 per hour*. On average, chemists in Australia work 42 hours per week^.

Learn more about chemistry study options

Whether you're a Year 12 student weighing up your options or thinking about switching careers, RMIT's chemistry courses provide a comprehensive and industry-focused education that can help you succeed as a chemist in Australia.

Explore RMIT's chemistry courses

*Source: www.jobsandskills.gov.au

^Source: www.jobsandskills.gov.au

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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