Materials Scientists

19-2032.00

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.

Occupation-Specific Information

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.
• Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials with special characteristics.
• Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials.
• 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.
• Write research papers for publication in scientific journals.
• Confer with customers to determine how to tailor materials to their needs.
• Supervise and monitor production processes to ensure efficient use of equipment, timely changes to specifications, and project completion within time frame and budget.
• Visit suppliers of materials or users of products to gather specific information.
• Test individual parts and products to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met.
• 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.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - Bruker AXS EVA; Bruker AXS LEPTOS; Accelrys Materials Studio; Advanced Chemistry Development Analytical Laboratory; ANSYS LS-DYNA; ANSYS Multiphysics; Bruker AXS TOPAS; Chempute Software HSC Chemistry; CrystalMaker; Dassault Systemes Abaqus; GAMESS-US; General Structural Analysis System GSAS; IBM SPSS Statistics 🔥; Maplesoft Maple; Materials Data Incorporated Jade; Multichannel microelectrode analyzer MMA software; Olympus Image Analysis; PANalytical X'Pert Data Collector; PANalytical X'Pert Epitaxy; PWscf; RIETAN; SolidWorks COSMOSWorks; Stewart Computational Chemistry MOPAC; The MathWorks MATLAB 🔥; VAMP/VASP; Wolfram Research Mathematica
• 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 - Python 🔥; R 🔥
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Web platform development software - Hypertext markup language HTML 🔥
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• 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 Materials - 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.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• 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.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• 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 materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the 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.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• 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.
• 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.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
• Develop new or advanced products or production methods.
• Design research studies to obtain scientific information.
• Devise research or testing protocols.
• Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
• Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.
• Advise others on the development or use of new technologies.
• Test quality of materials or finished products.
• Write articles, books or other original materials in area of expertise.
• Confer with clients to exchange information.
• Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.
• Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys.
• Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.