Materials Scientist

Also called: Materials Scientist, Metal Alloy Scientist, Metallurgist, Micro Electrical/Mechanical Systems Device Scientist (MEMS Device Scientist), Plastics Scientist

Materials Scientist

Varies

estimated salary

Materials scientists 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.

  • 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.
  • Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials.
  • Prepare reports, manuscripts, proposals, and technical manuals for use by other scientists and requestors, such as sponsors and customers.
  • Perform experiments and computer modeling to study the nature, structure, and physical and chemical properties of metals and their alloys, and their responses to applied forces.
  • Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments.
  • Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures.
  • Test metals to determine conformance to specifications of mechanical strength, strength-weight ratio, ductility, magnetic and electrical properties, and resistance to abrasion, corrosion, heat, and cold.
  • Write research papers for publication in scientific journals.
  • Confer with customers to determine how to tailor materials to their needs.
  • Supervise and monitor production processes to ensure efficient use of equipment, timely changes to specifications, and project completion within time frame and budget.
  • Visit suppliers of materials or users of products to gather specific information.
  • Test individual parts and products to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met.
  • Teach in colleges and universities.
  • Research methods of processing, forming, and firing materials to develop such products as ceramic dental fillings, unbreakable dinner plates, and telescope lenses.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 96% responded "Every day".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 86% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 62% responded "Every day".
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 43% responded "Extremely important".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 43% responded "Extremely important".
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work — 53% responded "Some freedom".
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 43% responded "Some freedom".
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Work Activities
  • Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.
  • Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
  • Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.
  • Write articles, books or other original materials in area of expertise.
  • Design research studies to obtain scientific information.
  • Confer with clients to exchange information.
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Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
  • Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Chemistry
  • Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Skills

Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Science
  • Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Abilities

Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Inductive Reasoning
  • The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
Word processing software
  • Microsoft Word Hot Technology
Analytical or scientific software
  • IBM SPSS Statistics Hot Technology
  • The MathWorks MATLAB Hot Technology
  • RIETAN
  • Multichannel microelectrode analyzer MMA software
  • VAMP/VASP
  • Olympus Image Analysis
  • PANalytical X'Pert Data Collector
  • PANalytical X'Pert Epitaxy
  • Stewart Computational Chemistry MOPAC
  • SolidWorks COSMOSWorks
  • PWscf
  • Accelrys Materials Studio
  • Materials Data Incorporated Jade
  • Advanced Chemistry Development Analytical Laboratory
  • ANSYS LS-DYNA
  • ANSYS Multiphysics
  • Bruker AXS EVA
  • Bruker AXS LEPTOS
  • Bruker AXS TOPAS
  • Chempute Software HSC Chemistry
  • Dassault Systemes Abaqus
  • ESM Software CrystalMaker
  • GAMESS-US
  • General Structural Analysis System GSAS
  • Maplesoft Maple
  • Wolfram Research Mathematica
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Education

Get started on your career:

Job Outlook

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Salary
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