# 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. - Code: 19-2032.00 (O*NET-SOC; SOC 2018 19-2032) - Family: [Life, Physical & Social Science](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations#family-19), one of its 66 occupations - Tasks: 16 tasks (15 core and 1 supplemental) - Page: https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/19-2032.00 - JSON: https://foundation.org.ai/data/tasks/19-2032.00.json ## What the work is made of 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 task · Task 9087 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024 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 task · Task 9098 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024 3. Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures. Core task · Task 9097 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024 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 task · Task 9090 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024 5. Prepare reports, manuscripts, proposals, and technical manuals for use by other scientists and requestors, such as sponsors and customers. Core task · Task 20214 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024 6. Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials with special characteristics. Core task · Task 9085 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024 7. Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments. Core task · Task 9091 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024 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 task · Task 20215 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024 9. Research methods of processing, forming, and firing materials to develop such products as ceramic dental fillings, unbreakable dinner plates, and telescope lenses. Core task · Task 9094 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024 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 task · Task 20213 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024 11. Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials. Core task · Task 9089 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024 12. Test individual parts and products to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met. Core task · Task 9092 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024 13. Confer with customers to determine how to tailor materials to their needs. Core task · Task 9086 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024 14. Visit suppliers of materials or users of products to gather specific information. Core task · Task 9093 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024 15. Write research papers for publication in scientific journals. Core task · Task 21175 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024 16. Teach in colleges and universities. Supplemental task · Task 9099 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024 ## More in Life, Physical & Social Science - [Agricultural Technicians](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/19-4012.00): 26 tasks - [Animal Scientists](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/19-1011.00): 9 tasks - [Anthropologists and Archeologists](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/19-3091.00): 30 tasks - [Astronomers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/19-2011.00): 17 tasks - [Atmospheric and Space Scientists](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/19-2021.00): 27 tasks - [Biochemists and Biophysicists](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/19-1021.00): 24 tasks - [Bioinformatics Scientists](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/19-1029.01): 20 tasks - [Biological Scientists, All Other](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/19-1029.00): no tasks listed - [Biological Technicians](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/19-4021.00): 17 tasks - [Biologists](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/19-1029.04): 21 tasks - 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