Materials Scientists
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.
At a Glance
Materials Scientists earns a median of $104,160/yr with +4.9% projected growth. Typical entry: Bachelor's degree. Top skills: Engineering and Technology, Chemistry, Microsoft Word.
$104,160/yr
+4.9%
1
Bachelor's degree
Skills & Requirements
Skills (10)
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.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Knowledge (9)
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.
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.
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.
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Abilities (14)
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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).
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Technology (9)
Work Activities (20)
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
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.
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Work Styles (1)
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Careers with Overlapping Skills
These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.
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Computer and Mathematical · 194 shared skills
Biologists
Life, Physical, and Social Science · 193 shared skills
Microsystems Engineers
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Industrial Engineers
Architecture and Engineering · 193 shared skills
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer and Mathematical · 193 shared skills
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
Architecture and Engineering · 193 shared skills
Economists
Life, Physical, and Social Science · 193 shared skills
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
Computer and Mathematical · 192 shared skills
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