Materials scientist
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours but may work irregular hours
- Usually work in laboratories, offices, universities and research centres, and may travel nationally and internationally
- May work in hazardous conditions with toxic chemicals
- Need to be methodical, accurate and identify and solve problems
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Study structural and chemical properties
- Develop products and methods
- Test materials and products
- Plan experiments and research
- Develop theories and models
- Help people use materials and technology
- Prepare reports and presentations
- Talk to clients
- Write articles, books and other material
Outlook
Materials science supports innovation in areas such as renewable energy, electronics, health technology, food packaging and low-carbon manufacturing. In New Zealand, opportunities are often connected to universities, research institutes and specialised industries. International advances in battery materials, biomaterials, nanotechnology and recycling influence local research. Roles are specialised and may depend on research funding, but new materials remain important for solving environmental and technology challenges.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Strong scientific understanding of chemistry, physics and materials
- Ability to design experiments and analyse results carefully
- Curiosity and persistence when investigating complex problems
- Confidence using laboratory, data-analysis and research tools
- Clear technical writing and presentation skills
- Awareness of laboratory safety, ethics and environmental impacts
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
Further study options
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.