(Career Asssessments, Exploration & Counselling)
Career: Materials Scientists
Job Description
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.
Job Tasks
Importance %age |
Task Description |
98
|
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. |
95
|
Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials having special characteristics. |
95
|
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. |
92
|
Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials. |
92
|
Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments. |
86
|
Prepare reports of materials study findings for the use of other scientists and requestors. |
84
|
Visit suppliers of materials or users of products to gather specific information. |
80
|
Confer with customers to determine how to tailor materials to their needs. |
71
|
Test individual parts and products to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met. |
65
|
Monitor production processes in order to ensure that equipment is used efficiently and that projects are completed within appropriate time frames and budgets. |
54
|
Research methods of processing, forming, and firing materials to develop such products as ceramic dental fillings, unbreakable dinner plates, and telescope lenses. |
49
|
Study the nature, structure and physical properties of metals and their alloys, and their responses to applied forces. |
46
|
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. |
38
|
Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures. |
11
|
Teach in colleges and universities. |
Work Activities
Importance %age |
Activity Description |
81
|
Processing Information
|
80
|
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
|
76
|
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
|
75
|
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
|
75
|
Analyzing Data or Information
|
73
|
Getting Information
|
71
|
Thinking Creatively
|
70
|
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
|
70
|
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
|
67
|
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
|
65
|
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
|
60
|
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People
|
60
|
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
|
59
|
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization
|
59
|
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
|
59
|
Documenting/Recording Information
|
59
|
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
|
56
|
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
|
55
|
Scheduling Work and Activities
|
55
|
Controlling Machines and Processes
|
55
|
Developing Objectives and Strategies
|
51
|
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others
|
50
|
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
|
48
|
Interacting With Computers
|
44
|
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
|
43
|
Training and Teaching Others
|
43
|
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
|
42
|
Coaching and Developing Others
|
41
|
Performing Administrative Activities
|
38
|
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
|
37
|
Handling and Moving Objects
|
34
|
Performing General Physical Activities
|
30
|
Selling or Influencing Others
|
30
|
Developing and Building Teams
|
29
|
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
|
27
|
Staffing Organizational Units
|
25
|
Assisting and Caring for Others
|
23
|
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
|
23
|
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
|
15
|
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
|
13
|
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
|