Materials Scientists
Also called:
Materials Scientist, Research Scientist, Engineer, Materials Research Engineer
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:
- Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials having special characteristics.
- Confer with customers to determine how to tailor materials to their needs.
- 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.
Math and Science
- chemistry
- arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Engineering and Technology
- product and service development
Arts and Humanities
Business
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Basic Skills
- using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems
- reading work related information
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
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Verbal
- listen and understand what people say
- communicate by speaking
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
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People interested in this work like activities that include
ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Analytical Thinking
- Innovation
- Achievement/Effort
- Initiative
- Dependability
- Leadership
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You might use software like this on the job:
Analytical or scientific software
- Bruker AXS LEPTOS
- PANalytical X'Pert Epitaxy
Spreadsheet software
Electronic mail software
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master's degree or
doctoral/professional degree
usually needed
Get started on your career:
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New job opportunities are likely in the future.
$84,600
per year, on average
This work is part of the .
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You might like a career in one of these industries:
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