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.
Work Activities
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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.
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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.
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Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials with special characteristics.
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Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials.
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Prepare reports, manuscripts, proposals, and technical manuals for use by other scientists and requestors, such as sponsors and customers.
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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.
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Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments.
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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.
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Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures.
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Test individual parts and products to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met.
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Confer with customers to determine how to tailor materials to their needs.
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Write research papers for publication in scientific journals.
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Supervise and monitor production processes to ensure efficient use of equipment, timely changes to specifications, and project completion within time frame and budget.
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Teach in colleges and universities.
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Visit suppliers of materials or users of products to gather specific information.
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Research methods of processing, forming, and firing materials to develop such products as ceramic dental fillings, unbreakable dinner plates, and telescope lenses.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Engineering and Technology
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.
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Chemistry
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.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Education Bachelor's degree
- Work Experience No work experience
- Training No on-the-job training
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Looking for technical training programs?
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Investigative: People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.They do well at jobs that need:
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Analytical Thinking
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Integrity
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Attention to Detail
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Innovation
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Initiative
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Persistence
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Spectrometers
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Scanning probe microscopes
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Laboratory box furnaces
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Corrosion testers
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Abrasion testers
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Internet browser software
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Electronic mail software
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Development environment software
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Data base user interface and query software
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Analytical or scientific software
