Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences

About

Welcome to Chemistry

Chemistry has been taught at King's from the founding of the University in 1829 making us one of the oldest Chemistry departments in the UK.

Today, we provide a vibrant environment to study and research chemistry in the heart of London.

Our students and researchers harness the transformative power of chemistry to tackle emerging challenges in today’s world, from developing sustainable solutions to net zero to new health technologies and therapies.

Continuing an illustrious tradition at King’s, epitomised by the discoveries of Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins of the structure of DNA, the Department has a distinct focus on understanding the chemistry of life and the interface with biology. Our imaginative, interdisciplinary research provides the foundations for innovations in chemical biology, biomaterials science, synthetic biology and nanomedicine.

Join our growing department

We are actively recruiting at all levels and welcome applications from researchers and academics who want to be part of our dynamic, collegial department and wish to cultivate ground-breaking research and innovate in chemical education.

We encourage applications for externally funded research fellowships to be held at King’s as well as from existing fellows. New staff will join King’s at an exciting time of major investment in natural sciences, and be involved in the strategic development of cutting-edge chemistry. King’s is also a partner with the landmark Francis Crick Medical Research Institute which offers tremendous opportunities to work with world leaders in biomedical research to understand the chemistry of life.

Informal enquiries are welcomed at any time, please contact the Head of Department, Professor Martin Ulmschneider. You can also check the latest vacancies on King's job listings.

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A diverse and friendly community

We are committed to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within the culture of the Department of Chemistry. Our vision is to maintain a fair and inclusive environment for all staff and students, so that everyone the support and opportunities they need to achieve their full potential.

Learn more about EDI in the Department of Chemistry

Three undergraduate students smile as they work in a lab

Explore our facilities

The Chemistry Research Facility offers analytical services, including both Mass Spectrometry and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. These services are run by specialist instrument technicians able to support your research through experimental design, optimisation, and data interpretation.

In addition, the facility can prove training in the theory and application of these techniques.

See the world-class facilities available in the Department of Chemistry

Collaborating to advance innovation

We foster a thriving ecosystem of enterprise and innovation, working together with a range of industrial, public sector, cultural, and academic partners both in the UK and internationally, to advance knowledge exchange and innovation in research, development and education.