Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and manmade 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.

• Materials Scientist

• Conduct research into the structures and properties of materials, such as metals, alloys, polymers, and ceramics in order to obtain information that could be used to develop new products or enhance existing ones.
• Confer with customers in order to determine how materials can be tailored to suit their needs.
• 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.
• Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials.
• Monitor production processes in order to ensure that equipment is used efficiently and that projects are completed within appropriate time frames and budgets.
• Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials having special characteristics.
• Prepare reports of materials study findings for the use of other scientists and requestors.
• Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments.
• Research methods of processing, forming, and firing materials in order to develop such products as ceramic fillings for teeth, unbreakable dinner plates, and telescope lenses.
• Study the nature, structure and physical properties of metals and their alloys, and their responses to applied forces.
• Teach in colleges and universities.
• Test individual parts and products in order to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met.
• Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression and shear, to determine the cause of metal failures.
• Test metals in order to determine whether they meet specifications of mechanical strength, strength-weight ratio, ductility, magnetic and electrical properties, and resistance to abrasion, corrosion, heat and cold.
• Visit suppliers of materials or users of products in order to gather specific information.

• adhere to safety procedures
• advise clients or customers
• advise governmental or industrial personnel
• analyze chemical experimental, test, or analysis data or findings
• analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
• classify plants, animals, or other natural phenomena
• collect scientific or technical data
• collect statistical data
• communicate technical information
• conduct laboratory research or experiments
• conduct standardized qualitative laboratory analyses
• conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses
• confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
• confer with research personnel
• confer with scientists
• develop new products based on scientific research results
• develop or maintain databases
• develop plans for programs or projects
• develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
• develop scientific or mathematical hypotheses, theories, or laws
• develop tables depicting data
• direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
• direct implementation of new procedures, policies, or programs
• explain complex mathematical information
• follow safe waste disposal procedures
• forecast or predict phenomena based upon research data
• identify properties of rocks or minerals
• maintain records, reports, or files
• make decisions
• make presentations
• perform statistical analysis in physical science or geological research
• plan scientific research or investigative studies
• prepare reports
• prepare technical reports or related documentation
• present research papers or dissertations on physical science issues
• recognize characteristics of metals
• recommend further study or action based on research data
• record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
• resolve engineering or science problems
• use chemical processing emergency procedures
• use chemical testing or analysis procedures
• use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
• use hazardous materials information
• use knowledge of investigation techniques
• use knowledge of materials testing procedures
• use laboratory equipment
• use library or online Internet research techniques
• use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
• use metal processing methodology
• use physical science research techniques
• use quantitative research methods
• use relational database software
• use scientific research methodology
• use spreadsheet software
• use teaching techniques
• use word processing or desktop publishing software
• write business project or bid proposals
• write research or project grant proposals
• write scholarly or technical research papers