Materials Scientist/Technologist

Introduction

Materials scientists/technologists study the properties and uses of materials. They work with a huge range of materials, eg, metals, glass, plastics and electronics. They test and improve materials' reaction to different conditions, including temperature and stress. They may work in metal industries, manufacturing and engineering.

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Work Activities

Materials scientists and technologists study materials and their uses. They work with an enormous range of materials, from basic matter like atoms and molecules to metals, plastics, cement, glass, sand and electronics. Some materials scientists specialise for example as glass, ceramics or plastics technologists or metallurgists.

Scientists and technologists find out how materials react to different conditions, including temperature and pressure, and try to improve their performance. They may produce written reports of their findings.

Material scientists research and develop new products in a wide variety of industries. For example, they make biomedical equipment like urinary catheters. Other products developed through their knowledge include liquid crystal displays for calculators and chains of polymeric gels that can absorb moisture in disposable nappies.

In many industries high performance materials are vital; for example, metals used in aircraft must be strong, light, and reliable. Scientists test metals at high temperatures to simulate conditions in the aircraft's engines. They do routine tests to identify defects and failures in the craft. They adopt a forensic approach, searching for subtle evidence of corrosion or weakness in metals.

Oil refineries use high temperatures and pressures. These can cause corrosion, with the risk of liquids and gases leaking into the environment. Because corrosion may only be visible at a late stage, scientists constantly monitor for clues. They may research longer-lasting or stress-resistant materials, keeping up-to-date with advances in technology throughout the world.

Materials scientists and technologists may work in engineering. For example, they help to design aircraft, oil refineries and nuclear power plants. They must take into account the cost and availability of materials, and the need to develop new ones.

In the nuclear industry, they investigate defects in the structure of buildings and advise on welding and techniques like thermal lagging. They support and advise engineering staff, and supervise repairs.

Materials scientists work to strict standards, including government and European Union legislation. Some work as project leaders in industry, developing materials that meet or surpass fire safety regulations. They use X-rays to analyse the internal effects of extreme temperatures on materials like metal and glass.

Quality and safety testing is important. Materials scientists plan, operate and monitor policies to make sure that materials are used safely. They do non-destructive testing and examine failed parts.

Environmental issues are increasingly important. Scientists look for ways to recycle materials, reduce waste and use less energy.

Materials scientists mainly work in laboratories but also visit workshops and factories. They may need to wear protective clothing.

Material scientists in industry may visit international customers to find out their technical requirements, or to explain the latest technological developments.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

To become a materials scientist or technologist you must be interested in the practical use of science, especially maths, physics and chemistry. You must also be interested in engineering and manufacturing. You will need a patient, methodical and investigative approach to research and development.

Materials scientists and technologists often work in teams with other specialists. You must be able to express your findings clearly, both verbally and in writing, to team members. You will need good interpersonal and communication skills to deal with customer enquiries. Computer and technology skills are very important in this career. For example, you may look up the properties of a material on a computerised database, use X-rays to examine the internal changes high temperatures cause in metals, or use a simulated environment chamber to test the effects of gaseous pollutants on buildings.

You must be willing to learn and develop new knowledge and keep up-to-date on scientific advances throughout the world.

Good problem solving skills are essential.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for materials scientists/technologists vary.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Materials scientists/technologists earn in the range of £20,000 - £25,000 a year, rising to £30,000 - £42,000. Higher earners can make around £55,000 - £60,000 a year.

Higher salaries are available depending on employer, role and responsibilities.

Materials scientists/technologists usually work a 39-hour week, Monday to Friday. Occasional late finishes may be required, and shift work is common in production work.

Most scientists/technologists work in industry, in research and development or in quality control and production.

Employers are producers of metals, plastics, polymers, synthetic rubbers, natural and manmade fibres, ceramics and glass. Other employers are firms that use materials, for example, engineering industries, telecommunications, gas, electricity, chemical, oil and nuclear power companies. There are research opportunities in private industry, in university laboratories, industrial research associations, contract research laboratories and government laboratories, such as the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA), the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and the Building Research Establishment.

There are opportunities to work in other countries. Companies based in mainland Europe recruit British graduates.

Some material scientists work as self-employed consultants.

There is an increasing demand for materials scientists/technologists.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have gained skills by working as technicians in relevant industries, eg, polymers, plastics or ceramics. Other entrants have gained skills on industrial work placements If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree course, a college or university Access course (eg, Access to Science) could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.

Funding for study of materials science/metallurgy is available from the Worshipful Company of Founders.

Sponsorship for higher education study is sometimes available from industrial organisations and manufacturing companies.

Funding for postgraduate study and research is available through universities from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

A postgraduate MSc course in Advanced Materials is available from the University of Surrey, by distance learning.

• 15% of people in occupations such as materials science/technology are self-employed.
• 5% work part-time.
• 17% have flexible hours.
• 4% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as renewable energy or waste management.