Dr Brian Chalmers studied for an MChem Chemistry degree at the University of St Andrews (2011), before completing his PhD, also at St Andrews, under the supervision of Dr Petr Kilian (2015). His research focused on phosphorus, arsenic, and antimony peri-substituted acenaphthenes. Afterwards, he completed one year as an EPSRC Research Fellow in the same research group expanding the scope of his research include selenium, publishing over 15 from this research. Brian joined the academic staff roster in the School of Chemistry at the University of St Andrews in 2016 when he was appointed as an Associate Lecturer (Education Focused). He was promoted to Lecturer (Education Focused) in 2019, followed by a further promotion to Senior Lecturer (Education Focused) in 2024.

Brian is the current Director of Teaching in the School of Chemistry, having been the deputy for some years prior. Brian is primarily focused toward teaching practical chemistry techniques/skills to undergraduate students of all levels. He is experienced in developing new chemistry laboratory courses/experiments. 

Brian has established himself as an expert in teaching inorganic chemistry within the School, continually delivering high-quality undergraduate teaching and leading projects aimed at course development, modernising and developing lab experiments, and improving the student experience. Brian is a Senior Fellow of Advance HE (SFHEA) and in 2020, Brian won the Best Teacher in Science Award in the Students' Association Teaching Awards in recognition of his outstanding contributions to teaching. Brian is a Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC).

Brian contributes to teaching at both sub-honours and honours levels through lectures, tutorials, workshops, and labs.

Brian is the Chemistry Coordinator for the interdisciplinary module ID4001 (Communication and Teaching in Science). In Chemistry, Brian is the coordinator of the Inorganic Lab CH3521. He also demonstrates in CH2501 labs and leads projects in the CH4421 labs and supervises Scientific Writing students (CH4431) and final-year undergraduate projects.

Brian provides lectures in core areas of inorganic chemistry for students beginning their studies directly in level 2000 (CH1202). He also lectures in transition metal chemistry in both 1^st and 2^nd year (CH1402 and CH2501). Brian is a tutor in many modules including CH1402, CH1601, CH2501, CH4461, and CH5461, and acts as an academic monitor for external placement students (CH4441).