Materials Scientists

Overview
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

Education

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Job Training

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Examples

These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, neurologists, and veterinarians.

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.

Salary Salary

Salary at 10th Percentile: $54K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $73K
Median Salary: $99K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $130K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $165K

Demand
Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend
Core Tasks

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.

Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials.

Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials with special characteristics.

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.

Confer with customers to determine how to tailor materials to their needs.

Test individual parts and products to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met.

Write research papers for publication in scientific journals.

Supervise and monitor production processes to ensure efficient use of equipment, timely changes to specifications, and project completion within time frame and budget.

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.

Visit suppliers of materials or users of products to gather specific information.

Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Analytical or scientific software
The MathWorks MATLAB
Data base user interface and query software
International Centre for Diffraction Data ICDD DDView
Development environment software
National Instruments LabVIEW
Electronic mail software
Email software
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Object or component oriented development software
R
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Laptop computers
Electronic manufacturing machinery and equipment and accessories
Reactive ion etchers RIE
Foundry machines and equipment and supplies
Tape casters
Hand tools
Diamond wafering saws
Heating and ventilation and air circulation
Plasma arc melting furnaces
Hydraulic machinery and equipment
Hot mounting presses
Industrial process machinery and equipment and supplies
Hot isostatic presses
Laboratory and scientific equipment
Blungers
Lapidary machinery and equipment
Vibratory polishers
Measuring and observing and testing instruments
Accelerometers
Medical sterilization products
Ultrasonic cleaners
Metal cutting machinery and accessories
Ultraprecision lathes
Personal safety and protection
Safety goggles
Pneumatic and hydraulic and electric control systems
Static actuators
Printed circuits and integrated circuits and microassemblies
Programmable logic controllers PLC
Raw materials processing machinery
Computerized numerical control CNC machining centers
Welding and soldering and brazing machinery and accessories and supplies
Thermal spray torches
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Engineering and Technology
96%
Importance

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
91%
Importance

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
91%
Importance

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Physics
88%
Importance

Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.

Computers and Electronics
79%
Importance

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

English Language
79%
Importance

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Design
73%
Importance

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Production and Processing
70%
Importance

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Education and Training
69%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Administration and Management
57%
Importance

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Top 10 Skills
Critical Thinking
83%
Importance

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension
83%
Importance

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Science
83%
Importance

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Active Listening
80%
Importance

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.

Active Learning
78%
Importance

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Speaking
78%
Importance

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Writing
78%
Importance

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Complex Problem Solving
73%
Importance

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Judgment and Decision Making
73%
Importance

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Mathematics
68%
Importance

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Top 10 Abilities
Written Comprehension
85%
Importance

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Inductive Reasoning
83%
Importance

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Oral Comprehension
83%
Importance

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Written Expression
83%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Deductive Reasoning
80%
Importance

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Oral Expression
80%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Problem Sensitivity
80%
Importance

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Category Flexibility
78%
Importance

The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

Information Ordering
78%
Importance

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Near Vision
75%
Importance

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Top 10 Work Activities
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
95%
Importance

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Analyzing Data or Information
94%
Importance

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Getting Information
91%
Importance

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
90%
Importance

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Interacting With Computers
89%
Importance

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Processing Information
89%
Importance

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Thinking Creatively
89%
Importance

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Documenting/Recording Information
88%
Importance

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
88%
Importance

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
84%
Importance

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

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.

Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.

Devise research or testing protocols.

Develop new or advanced products or production methods.

Advise others on the development or use of new technologies.

Test quality of materials or finished products.

Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys.

Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.

Work Context
Electronic Mail

How often do you use electronic mail in this job?

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?

Face-to-Face Discussions

How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

Work With Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

Structured versus Unstructured Work

To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

Education
Majors
Major
Apparel and Textiles
Materials Sciences
Interests
Investigative
100%
Importance

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Realistic
72%
Importance

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Enterprising
53%
Importance

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Conventional
48%
Importance

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Artistic
39%
Importance

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Social
19%
Importance

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Top 10 Work Styles
Analytical Thinking
94%
Importance

Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Integrity
92%
Importance

Job requires being honest and ethical.

Attention to Detail
90%
Importance

Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Innovation
90%
Importance

Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

Initiative
86%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Persistence
86%
Importance

Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Achievement/Effort
82%
Importance

Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Independence
81%
Importance

Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Cooperation
79%
Importance

Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Dependability
79%
Importance

Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Work Values
Achievement
81%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Independence
77%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Recognition
77%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Working Conditions
74%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Support
58%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Relationships
53%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.