Materials Scientists

Career 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.

Industry: Life, Physical, and Social Science

Other Job Titles for Materials Scientists:

• Realistic: 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.
• Investigative: 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.
• Artistic: 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: Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
• Enterprising: 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: 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.
• First Interest High-Point: Primary-Rank Descriptiveness
• Second Interest High-Point: Secondary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness
• Third Interest High-Point: Tertiary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness

• 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.
• Prepare reports of materials study findings for the use of other scientists and requestors.
• Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials.
• 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.
• Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments.
• Test individual parts and products to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met.
• Visit suppliers of materials or users of products to gather specific information.
• Research methods of processing, forming, and firing materials to develop such products as ceramic dental fillings, unbreakable dinner plates, and telescope lenses.
• Study the nature, structure and physical properties of metals and their alloys, and their responses to applied forces.
• Monitor production processes in order to ensure that equipment is used efficiently and that projects are completed within appropriate time frames and budgets.
• 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.
• Teach in colleges and universities.
• Participate in mediation and dispute resolution.
• Conduct research and communicate information to promote the conservation and preservation of water resources.
• Design civil works associated with hydrographic activities and supervise their construction, installation, and maintenance.
• Review applications for site plans and permits and recommend approval, denial, modification, or further investigative action.
• Evaluate research data in terms of its impact on issues such as soil and water conservation, flood control planning, and water supply forecasting.
• Monitor the work of well contractors, exploratory borers, and engineers and enforce rules regarding their activities.
• Administer programs designed to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells.
• Compile and evaluate hydrologic information to prepare navigational charts and maps and to predict atmospheric conditions.
• Investigate properties, origins, and activities of glaciers, ice, snow, and permafrost.
• Develop techniques for measuring and identifying trees.
• Build geographic information systems (GIS) to record, analyze, and cartographically represent the distribution of languages, cultural and natural resources, land use, and settlement patterns of specific populations.
• Observe and measure bodily variations and physical attributes of different human groups.

Emerging Tasks

• Prepare reports, manuscripts, proposals, and technical manuals for use by other scientists and requestors (for example sponsors or customers).
• Study the nature, structure, and the physical and chemical properties of metals and their alloys through experiments and computer modeling, and their responses to applied forces.
• Supervise and monitor production processes in order to ensure that equipment is used efficiently, specifications are changed when needed, and projects are completed within appropriate time frames and budgets.
• Use chemicals and other substances to examine latent fingerprint evidence and compare developed prints to those of known persons in databases.
• Supervise the work of others including interns, clinicians in training, and other counselors.

• Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Assisting and Caring for Others: Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Interacting With Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Performing General Physical Activities: Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Provide Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment: Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment: Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Selling or Influencing Others: Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Staffing Organizational Units: Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Detailed Work Activities

• adhere to safety procedures
• advise clients or customers
• advise governmental or industrial personnel
• analyze chemical experimental, test, or analysis data or findings
• analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
• classify plants, animals, or other natural phenomena
• collect scientific or technical data
• collect statistical data
• communicate technical information
• conduct laboratory research or experiments
• conduct standardized qualitative laboratory analyses
• conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses
• confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
• confer with research personnel
• confer with scientists
• develop new products based on scientific research results
• develop or maintain databases
• develop plans for programs or projects
• develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
• develop scientific or mathematical hypotheses, theories, or laws
• develop tables depicting data
• direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
• direct implementation of new procedures, policies, or programs
• explain complex mathematical information
• follow safe waste disposal procedures
• forecast or predict phenomena based upon research data
• identify properties of rocks or minerals
• maintain records, reports, or files
• make decisions
• make presentations
• perform statistical analysis in physical science or geological research
• plan scientific research or investigative studies
• prepare reports
• prepare technical reports or related documentation
• present research papers or dissertations on physical science issues
• recognize characteristics of metals
• recommend further study or action based on research data
• record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
• resolve engineering or science problems
• use chemical processing emergency procedures
• use chemical testing or analysis procedures
• use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
• use hazardous materials information
• use knowledge of investigation techniques
• use knowledge of materials testing procedures
• use laboratory equipment
• use library or online Internet research techniques
• use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
• use metal processing methodology
• use physical science research techniques
• use quantitative research methods
• use relational database software
• use scientific research methodology
• use spreadsheet software
• use teaching techniques
• use word processing or desktop publishing software
• write business project or bid proposals
• write research or project grant proposals
• write scholarly or technical research papers
• use quantitative research methods
• use relational database software
• use scientific research methodology
• use spreadsheet software
• use word processing or desktop publishing software
• work as a team member
• write business project or bid proposals
• interpret charts or tables for social or economic research
• interpret psychological test results
• maintain awareness of social trends
• make presentations
• monitor consumer or marketing trends
• obtain information from individuals
• organize training procedure manuals
• perform statistical modeling
• plan scientific research or investigative studies
• plan study of work problems or procedures
• plan surveys of specified group or area
• plan training procedures
• prepare reports
• prepare reports for management
• prepare technical reports or related documentation
• present information on human resource management issues
• provide expert testimony on research results
• recognize interrelationships among individuals or social groups
• recognize interrelationships among social statistics or indicators
• recommend further study or action based on research data
• understand government labor or employment regulations
• use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
• use conflict resolution techniques
• use current social research
• use interpersonal communication techniques
• use interviewing procedures
• use knowledge of employee classification system
• use knowledge of investigation techniques
• use library or online Internet research techniques
• use marketing techniques
• use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
• use motivational techniques in education
• use oral or written communication techniques
• use product knowledge to market goods
• use project management techniques
• use psychological assessment tools
• use public speaking techniques
• use quantitative research methods
• use relational database software
• use scientific research methodology
• use spreadsheet software
• use word processing or desktop publishing software
• work as a team member
• work with management or employees to improve organizational system
• write business project or bid proposals
• write employee orientation or training materials
• write research or project grant proposals
• write scholarly or technical research papers

Overall 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.

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.

Education
A bachelor's degree is the minimum formal education required for these occupations. However, many also 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).

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 librarians, lawyers, aerospace engineers, physicists, school psychologists, and surgeons.

• Average hourly wage (2007) -$36.62
• Average annual wage (2007) - $76,160.00

• Projected growth (2006-2016): 8.68%
• Projected need (2006-2016): 841
• Employment (2006): 9,695

• Chemical Technicians
• Chemists
• Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
• Natural Sciences Managers
• Physicists
• Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products
• Physicists
• Ship Engineers
• Surveyors
• Urban and Regional Planners