Materials scientists require post-secondary education, related work experience, and lab skills. They investigate material properties, modify materials, and create new ones. A degree in materials science and engineering is required, along with laboratory experience. Precision and focus are essential.
There are three things it takes to become a materials scientist: post-secondary training, related work experience, and lab skills. A materials scientist typically works in a laboratory for a consumer product development company or a mining-related company. The primary focus of this role is to investigate the properties of different materials, perform experiments to determine the strength of bonds between molecules, and determine how the material can be modified or used to meet a specific need.
Materials science is also known as materials engineering. This field requires science and engineering training. Through materials engineering, new materials are created, existing materials strengthened, and new options made available. For example, nanotechnology was developed from a materials science perspective and then expanded to become its own specialty.
People who want to become a materials scientist are usually detail oriented, enjoy working independently, have a high degree of mental focus, and are typically very precise. The volume of knowledge needed to succeed in this career is quite significant and requires a high level of dedication and study. The most attractive part of materials science is its focus on creating new materials or changing the properties of existing materials. These types of developments have a huge impact on product development, the cost of consumer products, disposal issues, and long-term environmental management.
The first requirement to become a materials scientist is to complete a post-secondary education program. Typically, this is a university degree in materials science and engineering, available in the Faculty of Engineering at a wide variety of universities. Career advancement in this field can be achieved through continuing education or solid work experience.
Related work experience includes experience gained through an internship or internship program during your studies. It is extremely rare for anyone without a formal post-secondary education in materials science to gain a position in this industry. Related jobs include research assistant, lab assistant or materials analyst.
Laboratory skills are essential for anyone wanting to become a materials scientist. The vast majority of the day is spent in the laboratory, testing the properties of different materials, documenting the properties, observing bond types, and conducting experiments to determine different options with that material. These skills are taught during post-secondary training. Accuracy, precision and focus are essential to achieving a high quality work product.
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