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Ensure your CV format is structured to best highlight your unique experience and life situation.

Chemist CV Template (Text Format)

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Skilled Analytical Chemist with 6+ years of experience in chemical manufacturing, specialising in developing analytical methods that improve product purity and reduce waste. Experienced in implementing PAT and leading teams to resolve production issues, resulting in significant efficiency gains. Committed to maintaining high standards of quality and safety, ensuring full compliance with GMP and REACH regulations.

KEY SKILLS

  • Chromatography (HPLC, GC)
  • Spectroscopy (NMR, IR)
  • Mass spectrometry
  • Analytical method development
  • Laboratory information management systems
  • Process analytical technology

WORK EXPERIENCE

Analytical Chemist
ChemCorp Ltd | Oxford | Jan 20XX – Present

  • Develop and validate analytical methods for testing chemical intermediates, improving product purity by 15% through optimised chromatographic processes
  • Conduct routine HPLC and GC analyses on raw materials, ensuring all products comply with industry standards
  • Implement real-time PAT adjustments in production, reducing chemical waste by 10% and enhancing overall process efficiency
  • Lead root cause analysis of equipment failures, minimising production downtime by 20% through the introduction of preventative maintenance schedules
  • Manage laboratory data through LIMS, enhancing data accuracy and traceability, leading to successful audits and regulatory compliance

Manufacturing Chemist
ChemSolv Industries | Birmingham | Jul 20XX – Dec 20XX

  • Streamlined the analytical testing workflow, increasing production efficiency by 12% and reducing sample preparation time by 18%
  • Conducted quality control tests on chemical products, ensuring they met REACH and CLP regulatory standards for safety and efficacy
  • Collaborated with production teams to integrate PAT, leading to a 15% reduction in process variability and improved product consistency
  • Developed and implemented safety protocols for hazardous materials handling, reducing incident rates by 30% across the department
  • Provided hands-on workshops on advanced HPLC techniques, reducing analysis errors by 15% and improving overall lab proficiency
  • Standardised analytical methods and documentation, playing a key role in the successful attainment of ISO 9001 certification

Trainee Chemist
PureChem Ltd Manchester | Jan 20XX – Jun 20XX

  • Assisted in developing analytical methods for raw material testing, enhancing quality control accuracy by 10% through precise titration techniques
  • Performed chromatographic and spectroscopic analyses under supervision, gaining proficiency with HPLC, GC, and NMR in routine testing
  • Participated in safety training, adhering to COSHH regulations and maintaining a compliant laboratory environment with zero incidents

EDUCATION

MSc in Chemical Analysis and Instrumentation
University of Leeds | 20XX

BSc (Hons) in Chemistry
University of Manchester | 20XX – 20XX | First-class honours

CERTIFICATIONS

  • Certified Analytical Chemist (CAC) – Chartered Institute of Chemistry, 20XX
  • COSHH Training Certificate – 20XX

How to write a Chemist CV

As a chemist, your CV should highlight your scientific expertise, laboratory skills, and problem-solving abilities.

Whether you’re in research, pharmaceuticals, or industrial chemistry, this guide will help you craft a compelling CV that demonstrates your value to potential employers.

1. Emphasise your value in your chemist CV’s personal statement

Your personal statement should offer a concise summary of your experience, areas of specialisation, and key achievements in chemistry to emphasise the value you bring to your employer. Focus on your research, analytical skills, and any significant contributions you’ve made in your field. If you have experience with specific techniques or equipment, mention them.

Example of a chemist’s personal statement:

Detail-oriented Chemist with 7 years of experience in analytical chemistry, specialising in pharmaceutical formulation and quality control. Proficient in HPLC, GC-MS, and FTIR techniques, with a proven track record of ensuring regulatory compliance and enhancing product safety. Led multiple research projects, including the development of a new drug delivery system that increased efficacy by 20%. Dedicated to advancing innovative solutions in drug development and eager to contribute to the R&D team at PPG Industries.

2. List your key chemist skills

Highlight hard skills, laboratory techniques, and analytical abilities that are crucial for a chemist. You can also include soft skills such as teamwork and problem-solving, which are essential in collaborative research environments.

Example of a chemist’s skills section:

Skills:

  • Analytical techniques (HPLC, GC-MS, FTIR, NMR)
  • Spectroscopy and chromatography
  • Laboratory safety and compliance (GLP, GMP)
  • Chemical synthesis and formulation
  • Data analysis and interpretation
  • Research and development (R&D)
  • Regulatory compliance (FDA, MHRA)
  • Technical report writing
  • Problem-solving and troubleshooting
  • Team collaboration in laboratory environments

3. Show measurable impact in your work experience section

Your work experience section should focus on laboratory responsibilities, research contributions, and any measurable impact you’ve had in your previous roles. Use bullet points to showcase specific projects, techniques, and outcomes, such as improved processes or product development successes.

Example of a chemist’s work experience section:

Senior Analytical Chemist
BioPharma Labs, London
May 20XX–Present

  • Performed complex chemical analyses using HPLC and GC-MS, ensuring product purity and compliance with regulatory standards
  • Led a team of 5 chemists in the development of a novel drug delivery system, increasing bioavailability by 20%
  • Optimised laboratory procedures, reducing analysis time by 15% and improving data accuracy.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to support product formulation, contributing to the successful launch of two new pharmaceutical products
  • Authored detailed technical reports and ensured regulatory submissions were completed according to MHRA and FDA guidelines

Analytical Chemist
Innovative Chemicals Ltd, Manchester
July 20XX– April 20XX

  • Conducted routine and non-routine chemical testing, including stability testing for drug formulations
  • Developed new analytical methods for the detection of impurities, improving quality control standards by 10%
  • Managed equipment calibration and maintenance, ensuring laboratory compliance with GLP and GMP regulations
  • Assisted in training junior chemists on analytical techniques and laboratory safety protocols.
  • Participated in cross-departmental research projects aimed at improving the sustainability of chemical processes

4. Include education and certifications to showcase expertise in chemistry

As a chemist, a degree in chemistry or a related field is essential. If you have completed any postgraduate qualifications or certifications, especially in analytical techniques or safety, include them in your education section too.

Example of a chemist’s education and certifications section:

Education:

MSc Analytical Chemistry
University College London
Graduated: 20XX

BSc (Hons) Chemistry
University of Manchester
Graduated: 20XX

Certifications:

Certificate in Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), 20XX
HPLC Method Development and Validation, 20XX
ISO 9001:20XX Internal Auditor Training, 20XX

Need more ideas?

Our library of CV examples has hundreds of tailored CVs you can use to fine-tune your job application and stand out from other applicants.

Chemist job outlook in 2024 — things to know

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), chemists in the UK earn an average annual salary of £39,336.

You can find information about the gender pay gap for chemists on the ONS’ website.

Data source: The Office for National Statistics, an agency of His Majesty’s Government. The information contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 and reflects the ONS’s most recent salary (1/11/2023), gender pay gap (4/2023), and skills shortage data (6/2022).

Nathan Soto
Written by

Nathan Soto

A CV expert & career counsellor, Nathan Soto helps job seekers with practical career advice, especially those following nontraditional career paths. Nathan graduated with a double-honours BA in French and Music, specialising in percussion. As well as providing career and CV-writing advice, he freelances as a Mandarin–English translator and English language coach. In his free time, he enjoys playing marimba and learning new languages.