Driven by curiosity. Driving changeFuture career
Graduates from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology go on to careers across industry, research and entrepreneurship, applying their skills to challenges in sustainability, healthcare and advanced technology.
Our programmes combine fundamental science with practical application, equipping students to understand complex systems and to transform scientific insight into real-world solutions — from designing chemical and biological processes to developing new technologies and products. This includes work on the energy transition, sustainable manufacturing and improved healthcare.
The emphasis on fundamental principles, alongside strong analytical and problem-solving skills, means graduates are well prepared to work across a wide range of sectors. Whether in engineering, biotechnology, data-driven roles or research, they are able to apply their expertise in different contexts and contribute where scientific understanding meets practical application.
Where our graduates go
Chemical engineering and biotechnology open up a wide range of career pathways. Graduates apply their skills in:
Industry and engineering
Roles in sectors such as energy, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and consumer products, working on process design, optimisation and scale-up in transforming raw materials into valuable products.
Healthcare and biotechnology
Designing and developing new therapeutics, diagnostics and bioprocesses, applying engineering approaches to biological systems.
Sustainability and energy
Developing technologies and systems to support a transition to sustainable and renewable energy, improving resource efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Data and technology
Applying modelling, simulation and data-driven approaches to complex systems, including artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
Research and academia
Continuing into postgraduate study or research roles, contributing to new scientific understanding and technology development.
Startups and entrepreneurship
Developing new technologies and ventures, often building on research and innovation from within the department.
Becoming a Chartered Engineer
The undergraduate course is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), providing a route towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Chartered status is a recognised mark of professional competence and commitment, supporting career progression in engineering and related fields.
Graduates can begin working towards Chartered status during their early career, gaining experience and demonstrating the skills required for professional registration.
Jelena Brown – from industry to research
Jelena Brown returned to Cambridge after five years in industry to pursue a PhD in the Particles, Soft Solids and Surfaces Research Group. During her time in industry, she achieved Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
“Chartered Engineer status was important to me as a recognition of the experience and knowledge I had built in industry. It gives a sense of credibility and confidence in my field, and I think it also helped me when applying for my PhD. Coming from industry, I bring a different perspective to research – I tend to ask why things are useful and how they would work in practice, because that’s how you have to think in the real world.”
Her experience highlights how industry and research careers can connect, with skills developed in one context strengthening work in another.
→ Read Jelena’s full story
Career development and support
Students are supported throughout their studies to explore career options and develop professional skills.
This includes:
- engagement with industry through projects and collaborations
- opportunities to develop practical and transferable skills
- access to careers guidance and support