Materials Scientists
Materials Scientist, Polymer Materials Consultant, Research Scientist, Scientist
What they do:
Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists.
On the job, you would:
- Conduct research on the structures and properties of materials, such as metals, alloys, polymers, and ceramics, to obtain information that could be used to develop new products or enhance existing ones.
- Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications.
- Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials with special characteristics.
Knowledge
Engineering and Technology
- product and service development
- computers and electronics
Math and Science
- chemistry
- arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Arts and Humanities
- English language
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
- manufacture and distribution of products
Skills
Basic Skills
- reading work related information
- thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
- thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
- figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
Abilities
Verbal
- read and understand what is written
- communicate by writing
Ideas and Logic
- make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
- notice when problems happen
Math
- choose the right type of math to solve a problem
- add, subtract, multiply, or divide
Visual Understanding
- see hidden patterns
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Analytical Thinking
- Integrity
- Attention to Detail
- Innovation
- Initiative
- Persistence
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Analytical or scientific software
- Bruker AXS LEPTOS
- IBM SPSS Statistics
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
Education
Education: (rated 5 of 5)
bachelor's degree or
doctoral degree
usually needed
doctoral degree
usually needed
Job Outlook
Average
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
Explore More
- Chemical Engineers
- Materials Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Microsystems Engineers
- Nanosystems Engineers
You might like a career in one of these industries:
See more details at O*NET OnLine about materials scientists.