Working in the drug development process and the pharmaceutical industry, the analytical chemist is charged with investigating substances, understanding how the substances behave under different conditions, and ensuring the quality and stability of drug products.
The candidate working in analytical chemistry will analyse samples and produce information on the qualities of compounds, and use electro chromatography, ion chromatography, ultraviolet and infra-red to determine what is in the samples. The candidate will have excellent report writing capabilities in order to relay the findings to the senior analyst and work collaboratively with other teams, customers and suppliers.
The candidate will have been educated to degree/masters level in chemistry and/or biotechnology. The average salary for analytical chemistry workers starts at £18,101 and rises to £27,988 for more experienced or senior analysts. There is usually a bonus system which is the equivalent of 3 per cent of the annual salary which is paid, although this will depend on the employer.