Career Details :: Materials Scientists
Description
Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and manmade 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.
Experience
A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Tasks
- Plans laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques to produce materials having special characteristics.
- Reports materials-study findings for other scientists and requesters.
- Guides technical staff engaged in developing materials for specific use in projected product or device.
- Studies structures and properties of materials, such as metals, alloys, polymers, and ceramics, to obtain research data.
Related Careers
Important Abilities
General Work Activities
- Getting Information Needed to Do the Job
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Processing Information
- Documenting/Recording Information
Important Skills
Frequent Work Context
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
- Indoors
- Job-Required Social Interaction
- Frustrating Circumstances
Related Majors
| Major | Add to XapPack |
|---|---|
| Materials |  [ add ] |
| Materials Science | [ add ] |
| Materials Science/Engineering | [ add ] |
| Materials Sciences | [ add ] |
| Materials Technology | [ add ] |
| Mechanical Engineering/Materials Science | [ add ] |
Institutions Offering Related Majors
No institutions found.