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.
- Tasks
- 16 tasks15 core, 1 supplemental
- Family
- Life, Physical & Social ScienceOne of its 66 occupations
- Code
- 19-2032.00SOC 2018: 19-2032
What the work is made of
15 core tasks and 1 supplemental, each quoted as published, with the survey it came from.
Core: central to the jobSupplemental: done by some, not all
- Task 1. 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.Core taskTask 9087Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 2. 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.Core taskTask 9098Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 3. Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures.Core taskTask 9097Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 4. 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.Core taskTask 9090Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 5. Prepare reports, manuscripts, proposals, and technical manuals for use by other scientists and requestors, such as sponsors and customers.Core taskTask 20214Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 6. Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials with special characteristics.Core taskTask 9085Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 7. Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments.Core taskTask 9091Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 8. Supervise and monitor production processes to ensure efficient use of equipment, timely changes to specifications, and project completion within time frame and budget.Core taskTask 20215Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 9. Research methods of processing, forming, and firing materials to develop such products as ceramic dental fillings, unbreakable dinner plates, and telescope lenses.Core taskTask 9094Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 10. 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.Core taskTask 20213Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 11. Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials.Core taskTask 9089Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 12. Test individual parts and products to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met.Core taskTask 9092Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 13. Confer with customers to determine how to tailor materials to their needs.Core taskTask 9086Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 14. Visit suppliers of materials or users of products to gather specific information.Core taskTask 9093Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 15. Write research papers for publication in scientific journals.Core taskTask 21175Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 16. Teach in colleges and universities.Supplemental taskTask 9099Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
Where this comes from
Quoted from the U.S. Department of Labor, and credited. Nothing on this page is written by us.
How we copy and credit sources- Published byO*NET 29.0, U.S. Department of LaborEmployment and Training Administration
- ClassificationStandard Occupational Classification 2018, 19-2032
- LicenseCC BY 4.0Free to copy and reuse, with credit
- Changed by usNothing.
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