Alternate Title(s) | Research & Development Engineer, Chemist |
Minimum Education Requirements | Bachelor's degree |
Salary | See Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information |
Job Skills | - Analytical skills. Materials scientists carry out scientific experiments and studies. They must be precise and accurate in their analyses, because errors could invalidate their research. - Communication skills. Materials scientists need to communicate with team members and other scientists. They must be able to read and write technical reports and give presentations. - Critical-thinking skills. Materials scientists carefully evaluate their own work and the work of others. They must determine if results and conclusions are based on sound science. - Interpersonal skills. Materials scientists typically work on interdisciplinary research teams and need to work well with others toward a common goal. Many serve as team leaders and must be able to motivate and direct other team members. - Math skills. Materials scientists regularly use complex mathematical equations and formulas, and they need a broad understanding of mathematics, including calculus, algebra, and statistics. - Organizational skills. Materials scientists need to document processes carefully in order to conform to regulations and industry procedures. Disorganization in the workplace can lead to legal problems, damage to equipment, and chemical spills. - Perseverance. Scientific research involves substantial trial and error, and materials scientists must not become discouraged in their work. - Problem-solving skills. Materials scientists research and develop new and improved chemical products, processes, and materials. This work requires a great deal of trial and error on the part of materials scientists before a unique solution is found. - Time-management skills. Materials scientists usually need to meet deadlines when conducting research. They must be able to manage time and prioritize tasks efficiently while maintaining their quality of work. |
Job Duties | Materials scientists typically do the following: - Plan and carry out complex research projects, such as the development of new products and testing methods - Direct technicians and other workers in testing and analyzing components and the physical properties of materials - Instruct scientists and technicians on proper chemical processing and testing procedures, including ingredients, mixing times, and operating temperatures - Prepare solutions, compounds, and reagents used in laboratory procedures - Analyze substances to determine their composition and concentration of elements - Conduct tests on materials and other substances to ensure that safety and quality standards are met - Write technical reports that detail methods and findings - Present research findings to scientists, engineers, and other colleagues |
Job Profile | Materials scientists study substances at the atomic and molecular levels and the ways in which the substances interact with one another. They use their knowledge to develop new and improved products and to test the quality of manufactured goods. Materials scientists work in basic research or in applied research. In basic research, materials scientists investigate the properties, composition, and structure of matter. They also experiment with combinations of elements and the ways in which they interact. In applied research, chemists investigate possible new products and ways to improve existing ones. Materials scientists determine ways to strengthen or combine materials, or develop new materials, for use in a variety of products. Applications of materials science include inventing or improving ceramics, metallic alloys, and superconducting materials. The number of scientific research projects that involve multiple disciplines is increasing, and it is common for materials scientists to work on teams with other scientists, such as biologists, physicists, computer specialists, and engineers. |
The information presented within this occupational profile was synthesized from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s Handbook of Occupational Groups & Families.