Careers by Major - Chemistry

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Careers for graduates

There are many different career options available for Chemistry graduates.  Below is a sample of types of positions that Chemistry graduates have gone on to.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list as there are many other careers available. Many positions require additional education or experience.

  • Food Scientist*
  • Brewmaster*
  • Exploration Geophycisist
  • Chemist*
  • Laboratory Manager
  • Hazardous Waste Management Technologist / Chemist
  • Chemical Engineering Technologist*
  • Pharmaceutical chemist
  • Quality Controller*
  • Geological and Geophysical Technologist
  • Pulping and Bleaching Manager
  • Technical Sales Representative*
  • Textile chemist
  • Biochemistry Technologist
  • Environmental Policy Maker
  • Paint Formulation Chemist
  • Pharmacologist*
  • Safety Officer
  • Teacher / Professor*
  • Health Care Administrator*
  • Hydrometric Technologist
  • Art Conservator*
  • Pharmacist*
  • Technical Writer / Editor*
  • Medical Laboratory Technologist*
  • Toxicologist*
  • Astrochemist
  • Chemical Analyst
  • Magnetic Resonance Technologist
  • Plant Manager
  • Water Purification Chemist
  • Refinery and Upgrader Process Operator
  • Sustainability Specialist
  • Medical Researcher
  • Energy Asset Management Professional
  • Nanotechnologist
  • Regulatory / Government Affairs Specialist
  • Chemical Physicist
  • Patent Agent
  • Industrial Hygienist
  • Scientific Consultant / Consultant*
  • Non-Destructive Testing Technician
  • Specialty Chemicals Production Supervisor
  • Public Relations Specialist*
  • Purchasing Officer / Purchaser*
  • Petroleum Engineering Technologist
  • Food and Beverage Processing Grader
  • Doctor*
  • Systems Security Analyst
  • Snubbing Services Operator and Supervisor
  • Material Scientist
  • Pathologist*
  • Pollution Control Technologist
  • Epidemiologist*
  • Plastics Processing Manager
  • Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technologist
  • Industrial Designer
  • Geochemist
  • Forensic Laboratory Analyst
  • Nuclear Medicine Technologist
  • Research and Development Manager

Note: career profiles for many of the above jobs are available in the Career Centre. Those marked with an asterisk(*) can be viewed using Career Cruising, a Cdn. electronic career guide available in the Career Centre.

Who employs chemistry graduates?

  • Cosmetics and  fragrance production companies
  • Computers and telecommunications
  • Pulp and papercompanies
  • Consulting firms
  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Government agencies
  • Universities, colleges and schools
  • Hospitals & other medical organizations
  • Magazines and newspapers
  • Environment and pollution control firms
  • Fine and heavy chemical manufacturing companies
  • Food and beverage production companies
  • Mining and metallurgy companies
  • Law Firms
  • Oil and gas companies
  • Plastic manufacturing companies
  • Museums
  • Engineering firms
  • Industrial inspection firms
  • Scientific research and development companies

GTA organizations that recruit B.Sc. chemistry grads include:

  • Apotex Inc.
  • AstraZeneca
  • Aventis Pasteur Limited
  • Bayer Inc.
  • Biovail Corporation
  • CCL Industries Inc.
  • CH2M Hill Canada Limited
  • Cognis Canada Corporation
  • Colgate-Palmolive Canada Inc.
  • Dupont Canada
  • Dynea Canada Ltd.
  • Electrovaya Inc.
  • Endpoint Research
  • Genpharm Inc.
  • Glaxo Wellcome Canada
  • Hospital for Sick Children
  • Hydro One Inc.
  • Hygeia Corporation
  • Imperial Oil Limited
  • Inco Limited
  • Industrial Accident Prevention
  • Association/IAPA
  • Kinetrics Inc
  • Kinross Gold Corp
  • Kodak Canada Inc.
  • Maxxam Analytics Inc.
  • MDS Diagnostic Services
  • Mount Sinai Hospital
  • National Silicates Limited
  • Novartis Consumer Health Canada Inc.
  • NPS Allelix Corp.
  • NRI Industries Inc.
  • Owens Corning Canada
  • Patheon Inc.
  • Peel District School Board
  • PPG Canada Inc.
  • Rio Algom Limited
  • Rothmans, Benson and Hedges Inc.
  • SBR International
  • SNC-Lavalin Inc. Engineers & Constuctors
  • Sterling Pulp Chemicals, Ltd.
  • Toronto District School Board
  • Toronto Sun Publishing Corp.
  • Trillium Health Centre
  • Xerox Canada Inc.

Source: The Canada Student Employment Guide, and The Career Directory.

Skills developed by chemistry majors

Research Skills:

  • Conduct journal research
  • Read and comprehend scientific journals
  • Evaluate the validity of research articles, scientific websites, etc.
  • Utilize logical reasoning to interpret results/data derived from scientific experimentation

Technical Skills:

  • Use computer programs, including excel and Power Point, to manipulate and display data
  • Accurately follow laboratory protocols with attention to detail
  • Maintain laboratory equipment
  • Comply with quality control procedures while conducting experiments
  • Demonstrate an understanding of safety regulations
  • Employ specific scientific lab techniques

Quantitative Skills:

  • Analyze data for trends
  • Apply statistical packages to data to test for significance

Written Communication Skills:

  • Document observations from experiments
  • Organize research ideas and information into comprehensive reports
  • Support scientific findings by writing literature reviews of journal articles
  • Create graphs to visually represent data

Oral Communication Skills:

  • Use various visual aids, including overhead projectors, computers and posters to conduct oral presentations on research findings
  • Interact professionally with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, technicians, students and professors
  • Adapt vocabulary to suite a wide variety of audiences including the general public and senior scientists

Organizational Skills:

  • Manage time effectively to balance demands of work, academic and social life
  • Successfully manage multiple priorities during peak times during the academic year

Sample job listings for graduating students/recent graduates

Below is a sample of the types of positions that have recently been posted with the Career Centre for graduating students or recent graduates.  To access full-time opportunities (for up to two years after graduation), you must first attend an orientation.  Drop by or call us at 905-828-5451 for more information.

  • MetallurgyChemist, Chemical Testing Laboratories, ArcelorMittal DOFASCO
  • Research Chemist, Aqua Bond Inc.
  • Microbrewery Technologist, Labatt Breweries of Canada
  • Inside Sales Associate, Canadian Health Systems Inc.
  • Product Development/QC Specialist, Giraffe Food & Beverage Inc.
  • Quality Assurance Representative, Stryker Canada
  • Eastern Ontario Industrial Sales Representative, Chemline Plastics
  • Math and Science Teacher, Eagle Learning Centre (E.L.C.)
  • Building Products Scientist, Exova
  • Environment, Health & Safety Specialist, Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc.
  • Industrial & Environmental Engineering Technologist, Metro Waste Paper Recover Inc.
  • Polyurethane Chemist / Technical Service Representative, BASF
  • Medical Recruiter, Pharma Medica Research Inc. Canada
  • Junior Regulatory Chemist, Intertek Cantox
  • Administrative Coordinator – Physician Liaison, Cirrus Consulting Group
  • Purchaser, Canada Computers
  • Industrial Hygienist, Irving Oil
  • Research Communications Officer, University Health Network (UHN)
  • Regulatory Affairs Associate, Iovate Health Sciences International Inc.
  • Chemical Technologist – Radiochemistry, Kinectrics
  • Derivative Analyst, Prism Valuation Inc.
  • Recruiter, Pharma Medica Research Inc.
  • Entry Level Chemist, Cardiogenics Inc.

Don't forget about U of T Mississauga alumni!

Check out our Alumni Profiles page, to read profiles of UTM alumni who have studied in this area, find out about their career path and how their experiences have affected their career direction.

How to get experience

Start early by seeking relevant summer, part-time and volunteer opportunities that will help you gain experience and develop the skills that employers want.  Below is a sample of the types of temporary positions that have recently been posted with the Career Centre. To access the summer, part-time, temporary and volunteer postings, register with the Career Centre Online.

Summer Positions

  • Lab Technician, Crosslink Technology Inc.
  • Summer Promotions Representative, Mill Street Brewery
  • Assistant Teacher, Ontario Literacy and Numeracy Association
  • Summer Student, Regulatory Affairs, Ecolab
  • Community Resource Connector, Scarborough Centre for Health Communities
  • Support Analyst, Active Energy ULC
  • Production Helpers, Sapa Canada
  • Materials Coordinator Assistant, UofT Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Part-Time Positions

  • Chemist, Health Canada
  • Medical Market Researcher, Millennium Research Group
  • Chemistry Tutor, Kamaris Math Tutoring
  • Laboratory Assistant – Polymer Crop Protection, Vive Nano Inc.
  • Marketing Assistant, AmerisourceBergen Canada
  • Scientific Art Review Editor, Imagineering Media Services Inc.
  • Laboratory / Administrative Assistant, Environmental Laboratory Testing,EMSL Analytical Inc.
  • Chemistry Teachers/Tutors, Grade 10-University, Explanations Unlimited

Work Study

The Work-Study program provides eligible UofT students with an opportunity to work on campus during the academic year and gain academic/career related experience. Previous postings have included:

  • Analytical Chemistry Laboratory Assistant, UTM Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences
  • Library Operations Student Assistant,  UTM Library Hazel McCallion Academic Learning
  • Peer Health Education Research Assistant, UTM Health and Counselling Centre
  • Marketing and Website Coordinator, UTM Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences
  • Ecohydrology Lab and Field Assistant, UTM Department of Geography
  • Help Desk Advisor, UTM Computing Services

Volunteer Positions

  • Medical Clinic Assistant, Dr. T K Wong Medicine Professional Corporation
  • Community Steward, City of Toronto – Natural Environment Section
  • Heart Month Team Captain, The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario
  • Clinical Research Trainee, University Health Network (UHN)
  • Lab Assistant, Adaptations Public Research and Innovations Lab
  • Science Club Facilitator, Visions of Science – Network for Learning
  • Data Analysis, Electrovaya Inc.

Extern Job Shadowing Program

Extern is a career exploration program that offers you the opportunity to meet with people working in your preferred career area for placements of 1-5 days.
Samples of previous Extern placements include:

  • Chemistry Research Scientist, Queen’s University, Chemistry Department
  • Health Care Policy Consultant, Patient’s Association of Canada
  • Nuclear Medicine Technologist, The Toronto Hospital
  • Director of Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs and Quality, GMD PharmaSolutions Inc.

Research Opportunity Program (ROP) at U of T Mississauga

UTM's Research Opportunity Program (ROP) allows students in their second and third year to earn one full course credit by participating in a faculty member's research project. Check the ROP website for information about the program including application deadlines.

Other ways to get involved

UTM Clubs and Community Associations: Join on-campus clubs and community associations that demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm for particular industries.  The following links are on-campus clubs that may be of interest.  Several of the clubs may at first glance not seem related to chemistry but they are listed because many chemistry careers are a collaboration of multiple disciplines.  These “non-chemistry” clubs may in fact hold events that strongly relate to the interests of chemistry students.

Professional Associations

Each industry has affiliated associations. There are many benefits of becoming a member of an association, such as stating your affiliation on your resume.  In addition to your experiences and the completion of your university degree, a student membership in an association is one way to get an edge in the job market.  It also furthers your knowledge of a particular field.

The Chemical Institute of Canada (CIC)
“The CIC is the national, not-for-profit, umbrella organization that encompasses the Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC), the Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering (CSChE) and the Canadian Society for Chemical Technology (CSCT).  The CIC provides career enhancement opportunities and professional development; and works to establish and strengthen links between academic, industrial and government chemical scientists, engineers and technologists.”

Pulp and Paper Technical Association of Canada (PAPTAC)
PAPTAC “is a Canadian-based non-profit organization that works to further the application of the sciences in the pulp and paper industry.  Founded in 1915, PAPTAC now has close to 3000 men and women as its members. Most are employed in paper mills, in private or publicly supported research organizations, in universities, government departments, consulting firms, and in companies which supply the industry.  Membership is also open to students and librarians.”

Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology (CIFST)
“CIFST is the national association for food industry professionals. Its membership is comprised of scientists and technologists in industry, government and academia who are committed to advancing food science and technology.  The goals of CIFST are to be a major voice on scientific issues and public policy relating to the Canadian food industry; and to promote the professional development and careers of CIFST members.”

Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP)
“CAPP is the voice of Canada's upstream oil, oil sands and natural gas industry.  Their mission is to enhance the economic sustainability of the Canadian upstream petroleum industry in a safe and environmentally and socially responsible manner, through constructive engagement and communication with governments, the public and stakeholders in the communities in which we operate.  CAPP represents companies, large and small, that explore for, develop and produce natural gas and crude oil throughout Canada.”

Rx&D - Canada’s Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies
“Rx&D is the association of leading research-based pharmaceutical companies dedicated to improving the health of Canadians through the discovery and development of new medicines and vaccines.   Rx&D advocates for policies that will bring the best innovative medicines and vaccines to Canadians in a timely and appropriate manner; improve Canada's global competitiveness; and make Canada a world leader in attracting pharmaceutical and biotechnology investments, which are key components of the knowledge-based economy.”

Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS)
“CSMLS is the national certifying body for medical laboratory technologists and medical laboratory assistants, and the national professional society for Canada's medical laboratory professionals. Their members practice in hospital laboratories, private medical laboratories, public health laboratories, government laboratories, research and educational institutions.  Their purpose is to promote and maintain a nationally accepted standard of medical laboratory technology and to promote, maintain and protect the professional identity and interests of the medical laboratory technologist and of the profession.”

Resources

Career Centre Library Resources:

  • Career Cruising
  • Great Jobs for Chemistry Majors
  • Nontraditional Careers for Chemists: New Formulas in Chemistry
  • Careers for Scientific Types & Others with Inquiring Minds
  • Careers for Number Crunchers & Other Quantitative Types
  • Clinical Laboratory Science Careers
  • Resource Guide to Careers in Toxicology
  • Job-Search Strategies for Chemical Professionals
  • Put Your Science to Work: The Take-Charge Career Guide for Scientists
  • Canadian Chemical Directory

Web Links:

Library Panel Packages:

  • Chemical & Physical Sciences Career Night (2010)
  • Biochemistry: The Chemistry of Life (2009)
  • Pharmaceutical and Related Careers: Tap into a Booming Industry that Saves Lives! (2008)
  • Beyond the Stethoscope: Careers in Health Care (2006)
  • Forensic Related Careers in Science, Business and Technology (2004)

The Career Centre Resource Library is located in DV 3094. For more information please visit us, call 905-828-5451 or e-mail: careers.utm@utoronto.ca

What's your next step? Take a look at our Sample Career Plan to see suggested steps that you can take towards developing your career-work search plan. Check our Events Calendar regularly for upcoming career related events (we offer several networking events and panels throughout the year). Watch for our Get Experience Fair (held annually in September), the Graduate and Professional School Fair (held annually in late September or early October), and the Summer Job Fair (held annually in January).