Careers

College of Science and Technology graduate programs are built on a foundation of research with a focus on advancing knowledge and discovering actionable solutions to the most challenging real-world issues. This hands-on approach prepares graduates for careers in academia and industry or as entrepreneurs in the computer, science and technological fields.

Chemistry PhD graduates are prepared for advanced careers in

  • academia,
  • analytical chemistry,
  • biochemistry,
  • cheminformatics,
  • computational and theoretical chemistry,
  • crystallography,
  • environmental chemistry,
  • forensic chemistry,
  • formulation chemistry,
  • medicinal chemistry,
  • pharmaceutical science (drug discovery),
  • synthetic chemistry, and
  • toxicology.

Career Services

Office of Student Professional Development

The College of Science and Technology Office of Student Professional Development offers assistance to students as they navigate the search for postgraduate positions and research opportunities. The college also hosts job fairs, networking events and workshops.

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Job Fairs

The job fairs, held each fall and spring semester, are open to undergraduate and master’s-level science and technology majors, as well as alumni of the college. Job fairs typically draw more than 60 employers, including Apex Life Science, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the city of Philadelphia’s Office of Innovation and Technology, Elsevier, Lockheed Martin, and the Wistar Institute.

The job fairs give you opportunities to

  • explore potential career paths,
  • network with °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø alumni and
  • talk to employers in your field of study.

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University Career Center

You can visit for support during your job or internship search. Drop in for a short visit or schedule a 30-minute coaching session to discuss components of your professional profile, including your résumé and LinkedIn presence. You’ll have access to

  • an assessment of your professional direction,
  • interview tips and guidance,
  • job postings for students and alumni,
  • a listing of job search resources, and
  • support for job search strategies.

Outcomes

Career opportunities and mid-career salaries for the Chemistry PhD may include the following examples.

Career

Median Salary*

Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, & Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

$92,040.00 (2019)

Biochemists & Biophysicists

$94,490.00 (2019)

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology & Product Development Managers

$144,830.00 (2019)

Chemical Technicians

$49,260.00 (2019)

Chemists

$77,630.00 (2019)

Environmental Scientists & Specialists, Including Health

$71,360.00 (2019)

Materials Scientists

$96,810.00 (2019)

Natural Sciences Managers

$129,100.00 (2019)

Social Science Research Assistants

$47,510.00 (2019)

Soil & Plant Scientists

$63,200.00 (2019)

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA) as of December 02, 2020.

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