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Materials Scientists

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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.

Sample of reported job titles: Materials Scientist, Micro Electrical/Mechanical Systems Device Scientist (MEMS Device Scientist), Polymer Materials Consultant, Research and Development Scientist (R and D Scientist), Research Scientist, Scientist

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Tasks  |  Technology Skills  |  Tools Used  |  Knowledge  |  Skills  |  Abilities  |  Work Activities  |  Detailed Work Activities  |  Work Context  |  Job Zone  |  Education  |  Credentials  |  Interests  |  Work Styles  |  Work Values  |  Related Occupations  |  Wages & Employment  |  Job Openings  |  Additional Information

Tasks

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  • 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.See more occupations related to this task.
  • 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.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials with special characteristics.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Prepare reports, manuscripts, proposals, and technical manuals for use by other scientists and requestors, such as sponsors and customers.See more occupations related to this task.
  • 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.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures.See more occupations related to this task.
  • 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.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Write research papers for publication in scientific journals.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Confer with customers to determine how to tailor materials to their needs.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Supervise and monitor production processes to ensure efficient use of equipment, timely changes to specifications, and project completion within time frame and budget.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Visit suppliers of materials or users of products to gather specific information.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Test individual parts and products to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Teach in colleges and universities.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Research methods of processing, forming, and firing materials to develop such products as ceramic dental fillings, unbreakable dinner plates, and telescope lenses.See more occupations related to this task.

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Technology Skills

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  • Analytical or scientific software — Bruker AXS LEPTOS; IBM SPSS Statistics Hot technology ; PANalytical X’Pert Epitaxy; VAMP/VASP (see all 26 examples)See more occupations related to this technology.
  • Data base user interface and query software — International Centre for Diffraction Data ICDD DDViewSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Development environment software — National Instruments LabVIEW Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Electronic mail software — Email softwareSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Internet browser software — Web browser softwareSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Object or component oriented development software — R Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Word processing software — Microsoft Word Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.

Hot technology Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.

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Knowledge

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  • Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Chemistry — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Physics — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.See more occupations related to this knowledge.

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Skills

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  • Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Science — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Operations Analysis — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Instructing — Teaching others how to do something.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Learning Strategies — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Systems Evaluation — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Persuasion — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.See more occupations related to this skill.

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Abilities

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  • Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Mathematical Reasoning — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Flexibility of Closure — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Fluency of Ideas — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Number Facility — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Originality — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.See more occupations related to this ability.

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Work Activities

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  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Working with Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.See more occupations related to this activity.

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Detailed Work Activities

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  • Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Develop new or advanced products or production methods.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Design research studies to obtain scientific information.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Devise research or testing protocols.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Advise others on the development or use of new technologies.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Test quality of materials or finished products.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Confer with clients to exchange information.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Write articles, books or other original materials in area of expertise.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys.See more occupations related to this activity.

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Work Context

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  • Electronic Mail — 95% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 86% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 62% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 43% responded “Extremely important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work — 52% responded “Some freedom.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 43% responded “Extremely important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 43% responded “Some freedom.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 57% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Duration of Typical Work Week — 57% responded “40 hours.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Responsible for Others’ Health and Safety — 38% responded “Very high responsibility.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Telephone — 62% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 57% responded “Important results.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Level of Competition — 52% responded “Highly competitive.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Contact With Others — 40% responded “Contact with others most of the time.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Spend Time Sitting — 48% responded “More than half the time.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Coordinate or Lead Others — 52% responded “Very important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Time Pressure — 57% responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 33% responded “High responsibility.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions — 24% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Frequency of Decision Making — 38% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Letters and Memos — 43% responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”See more occupations related to this work context.

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Job Zone

Title Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Education Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master’s degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Related Experience Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Job Training Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Job Zone Examples These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, neurologists, and veterinarians.
SVP Range (8.0 and above)

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Education


Percentage of Respondents
Education Level Required
38   Bachelor’s degree
24   Master’s degree
24   Doctoral degree

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Credentials

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Interests

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Interest code: IR   Want to discover your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler at My Next Move.

  • Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.See more occupations related to this interest.
  • Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.See more occupations related to this interest.

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Work Styles

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  • Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Independence — Job requires developing one’s own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.See more occupations related to this work style.

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Work Values

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  • Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.See more occupations related to this work value.
  • Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.See more occupations related to this work value.
  • Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.See more occupations related to this work value.

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Related Occupations

Show fewer All 10 displayed
11-9121.00 Natural Sciences Managers
17-2031.00 Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
17-2111.00 Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
17-2112.02 Validation Engineers   Bright Outlook Bright Outlook
17-2131.00 Materials Engineers
19-1021.00 Biochemists and Biophysicists
19-1029.04 Biologists
19-2031.00 Chemists
19-2042.00 Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
25-1052.00 Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary

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Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2020) $47.82 hourly, $99,460 annual
State wages
 
Local wages
  
Employment (2020) 7,100 employees
Projected growth (2020-2030) Slower than average (1% to 5%) Slower than average (1% to 5%)
Projected job openings (2020-2030) 700
State trends
 
Top industries (2020)
Manufacturing
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2020 wage data external site and 2020-2030 employment projections external site. “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2020-2030). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

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Job Openings on the Web

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Sources of Additional Information

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Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

  • American Association for the Advancement of Science external site
  • American Chemical Society external site
  • American Institute of Chemical Engineers external site
  • American Physical Society external site
  • American Vacuum Society external site
  • ASM International external site
  • IEEE external site
  • Materials Research Society external site
  • National Resource Center for Materials Technology Education external site
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook: Chemists and materials scientists external site
  • Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society external site
  • Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering external site
  • Society of Plastics Engineers external site
  • The American Ceramic Society external site
  • The Electrochemical Society external site
  • The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society external site

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