Materials Scientists :: Job Description

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Materials Scientists

Careers / Materials Scientists

Summary Description


	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.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Accelerator Systems Director

2.	Materials Scientist

3.	Metal Alloy Scientist

4.	Micro Electrical/Mechanical Systems Device Scientist (MEMS Device Scientist)

5.	Nanotechnologist

6.	Plastics Scientist

7.	Polymer Materials Consultant

8.	Polymer Specialist

9.	Research and Development Scientist (R and D Scientist)

10.	Research Scientist

11.	Senior Materials Scientist

12.	Staff Research Scientist

13.	Staff Scientist

14.	Technology Officer

15.	Vice President Research

Job 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.

	Prepare reports, manuscripts, proposals, and technical manuals for use by other scientists and requestors, such as sponsors and customers. Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.

	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. Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.

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

	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. Develop new or advanced products or production methods.

	Teach in colleges and universities. Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.

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

	Research methods of processing, forming, and firing materials to develop such products as ceramic dental fillings, unbreakable dinner plates, and telescope lenses.

	Confer with customers to determine how to tailor materials to their needs. Confer with clients to exchange information.

	Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments. Advise others on the development or use of new technologies.

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

	Supervise and monitor production processes to ensure efficient use of equipment, timely changes to specifications, and project completion within time frame and budget. Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.

	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. Test quality of materials or finished products.

	Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures. Test quality of materials or finished products.

	Visit suppliers of materials or users of products to gather specific information. Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

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

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

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

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

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

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

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

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.

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.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

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.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

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.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

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.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

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.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

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.

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.

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.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Chemists and Materials Scientists
	Chemists and 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.

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Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Chemists and Materials Scientists
	Chemists and materials scientists work in laboratories and offices. They typically work full time and keep regular hours.

	Read More >>

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Interesting Fact

The U.S. minimum wage in 1955 was 75 cents.

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