We surveyed 486 materials scientists to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical materials scientist. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a materials scientist?
Low
High
Working as a materials scientist typically requires higher levels of intelligence when compared with the average career. This means that materials scientists are required to actively learn new things related to their discipline and solve complex problems.
Can I learn to become a materials scientist?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a materials scientist typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a materials scientist?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a materials scientist. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for materials scientists.
Do materials scientists work full-time or part-time?
79% of materials scientists work in full-time roles while 21% work part-time.
Is being a materials scientist stressful?
Low
High
Materials scientists tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as a materials scientist?
Low
High
Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being a materials scientist.
How competitive is the workplace for materials scientists?
Low
High
Competition at work is not common for materials scientists.
Does being a materials scientist require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for materials scientists.
Are materials scientists allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Materials scientists rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.
Do materials scientists have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
While sometimes the direction is set, occasionally materials scientists will have some flexibility over the direction of their work.
Is being a materials scientist physically demanding?
Low
High
Work as a materials scientists is not the most physically demanding of careers, falling in the bottom half of all careers.
Are materials scientists exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
Materials scientists tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.
Does being a materials scientist require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as a materials scientist.
Does being a good materials scientist require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a materials scientist.