Materials Scientist
SOC 19-2032.00 · ESCO 2113 · OSCA 234533
Role snapshot
Overview
Conducts laboratory research into the properties and structures of substances at the atomic level to discover new materials or improve existing ones. This involves designing experiments, analyzing data, and developing theoretical models. Publishes findings in scientific journals and collaborates with engineers to translate discoveries into practical applications across various industries, from aerospace to medicine.
Drives innovation by creating advanced materials with superior properties, enabling technological breakthroughs in energy, electronics, medicine, and manufacturing, and contributing to sustainable solutions.
On the job
- Design and execute experiments to synthesize and characterize new materials.
- Operate and maintain specialized laboratory equipment such as electron microscopes and spectrometers.
- Analyze experimental data using statistical methods and computational modeling software.
- Prepare detailed scientific reports, technical documentation, and present research findings.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers and product developers, to apply research outcomes.
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
GrowingJob growth is expected to be above average over the next five years.
Education & training
A master's or doctoral degree in materials science, chemistry, physics, or a related engineering field is typically required.
AI impact outlook
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detail
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detailWhy this role received this rating
Core task exposure
high
How much of the role’s important work could AI perform?
The core tasks of data analysis, computational modeling, and drafting reports are highly exposed, though physical execution of experiments remains human.
End-to-end automation
moderate
Can AI complete the work without substantial human involvement?
While AI can simulate material properties and analyze vast datasets, the physical execution of experiments and iterative scientific discovery prevent full end-to-end automation.
Adoption pressure
high
How likely are employers to introduce AI into this work?
The drive for accelerated discovery and optimized material properties in competitive industries creates high pressure for AI adoption to enhance research efficiency.
Human dependence
moderate
How much does success depend on human judgement, relationships and accountability?
Human judgment is critical for interpreting novel experimental results, steering research direction, and understanding the nuanced implications of material properties beyond automated analysis.
Protective — a higher rating lowers the overall score.
Role adaptability
strong
How easily can the role evolve as AI takes on more tasks?
The role intrinsically involves adapting to new scientific techniques, instrumentation, and computational methods, making it highly adaptable to AI integration.
Shown for context — not part of the score.
What AI may take on
These are the parts of the role most likely to be automated or significantly accelerated.
- Analyzing large datasets from material characterization experiments.
- Suggesting new material compositions or structures based on desired properties.
- Running computational simulations for material behavior and properties (e.g., LAMMPS, VASP).
- Drafting initial scientific reports, technical documentation, and literature reviews.
- Optimizing experimental parameters for synthesis or characterization.
- Identifying patterns and anomalies in spectroscopic or microscopic data.
Where people remain essential
These parts continue to depend heavily on human judgement, relationships and accountability.
- Designing truly novel experiments and research hypotheses.
- Operating and troubleshooting complex, physical laboratory equipment.
- Interpreting ambiguous or unexpected experimental results.
- Collaborating with engineers and product developers to guide application.
- Making strategic decisions about research direction and funding.
- Presenting and defending research findings at conferences and to peers.
- Mentoring junior researchers and fostering scientific inquiry.
How the role may evolve
Less time on routine analysis; more on novel discovery and application.
The scientist's focus will shift from laborious data crunching and routine simulations to formulating ambitious hypotheses and interpreting complex, interdisciplinary findings.
Strengthen your future fit
- Developing advanced proficiency in AI/ML tools for materials science.
- Strengthening critical thinking for hypothesis generation and anomaly detection.
- Enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration and communication skills.
- Mastering the design of complex experiments that AI cannot yet formulate.
- Cultivating deep domain expertise to interpret AI-generated insights.
- Assessment horizon
- 3–7 years
- Confidence
- High
- Last reviewed
- August 2026
- Methodology
- v1.0
This assessment reflects current AI capabilities and expected adoption patterns. Actual impacts will vary by industry, employer and the way each role is performed.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Materials Scientist
Research & Academia
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
investigative · IRC
People who enjoy systematic investigation, hands-on experimentation with tools and equipment, and meticulous data analysis to understand complex material properties tend to thrive in this role.
Personality characteristics
Curious
Driven by a genuine desire to understand how materials work and to discover new properties.
Meticulous
Pays close attention to experimental details and data accuracy, ensuring reliable results.
Analytical
Enjoys breaking down complex problems, designing experiments, and interpreting scientific data.
Independent
Comfortable working autonomously on research projects and deep-diving into scientific challenges.
Calm under pressure
Maintains composure when experiments don't yield expected results or when facing technical difficulties.
Best for
- Individuals passionate about scientific discovery and understanding the fundamental properties of matter.
- Those who enjoy hands-on laboratory work combined with rigorous intellectual challenge.
- People who thrive in environments that reward precision, systematic thinking, and problem-solving.
Watch out for
- Can involve long hours in the lab and require patience with experimental failures.
- Requires strong analytical skills and comfort with complex data, which can be demanding.
- While collaborative, much of the core work is independent, requiring self-motivation.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a Materials Scientist — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
Real people. Real results.
Thousands of people
can't be wrong.
Frequently asked questions about Materials Scientist roles
What does a Materials Scientist do?
A Materials Scientist conducts laboratory research into the properties and structures of substances at the atomic level to discover new materials or improve existing ones. This involves designing experiments, analyzing data, and developing theoretical models. Publishes findings in scientific journals and collaborates with engineers to translate discoveries into practical applications across various industries, from aerospace to medicine. Drives innovation by creating advanced materials with superior properties, enabling technological breakthroughs in energy, electronics, medicine, and manufacturing, and contributing to sustainable solutions.
How much does a Materials Scientist earn?
A Materials Scientist earns a median of $115,000 per year in the US, typically ranging from $85,000 to $160,000.
What qualifications do you need to become a Materials Scientist?
To become a Materials Scientist, a master's or doctoral degree in materials science, chemistry, physics, or a related engineering field is typically required.
What personality suits a Materials Scientist?
Materials Scientist roles tend to suit people who are open and curious — drawn to variety, ideas and new approaches (Openness 82/100) and highly conscientious — precise, organised and strong on follow-through (Conscientiousness 80/100). The traits that matter most in the role are Curious, Meticulous, Analytical and Independent. Driven by a genuine desire to understand how materials work and to discover new properties. On interests, Materials Scientist maps to an IRC Holland Code profile — people who enjoy systematic investigation, hands-on experimentation with tools and equipment, and meticulous data analysis to understand complex material properties tend to thrive in this role.
Who does a Materials Scientist role suit?
A Materials Scientist role is usually a strong fit for these reasons. The role heavily involves investigative and realistic tasks, aligning with interests in scientific inquiry and hands-on experimentation. A significant portion of the work is dedicated to deep, focused research and data analysis. Requires high conscientiousness for meticulous experimental work and accurate reporting.
What are the downsides of being a Materials Scientist?
Materials Scientist roles come with trade-offs worth weighing up. Can involve long hours in the lab and require patience with experimental failures. Requires strong analytical skills and comfort with complex data, which can be demanding. While collaborative, much of the core work is independent, requiring self-motivation.
What is the work environment like for a Materials Scientist?
Work as a Materials Scientist is mostly lab-based with onsite arrangements common, semi-structured — a mix of set processes and self-directed work, a moderate pace and medium exposure to clients or stakeholders. Around 73% of the week is focused deep work.
What skills do you need to be a Materials Scientist?
Core skills for a Materials Scientist include Materials characterization, Experimental design, Data analysis and interpretation, Scientific writing and presentation, Problem-solving and Polymer science.
How do you become a Materials Scientist?
Common entry routes into Materials Scientist roles include Research Assistant, Postdoctoral Researcher and Laboratory Technician.
What career progression is there for a Materials Scientist?
From a Materials Scientist role, common next steps include Senior Materials Scientist and Research and Development Manager; lateral moves include Materials Engineer and Product Development Scientist.
What is the job outlook for Materials Scientist roles?
The outlook for Materials Scientist roles is currently rated growing. Job growth is expected to be above average over the next five years.
Will AI replace Materials Scientist roles?
Traitstack rates automation risk for Materials Scientist roles at 64 out of 100, which is strong. AI can significantly accelerate material discovery and data analysis, while human scientists retain the critical role of experimental design, nuanced interpretation, and translating findings into applications. AI is most likely to take on analyzing large datasets from material characterization experiments., suggesting new material compositions or structures based on desired properties. and running computational simulations for material behavior and properties (e.g., lammps, vasp).. Designing truly novel experiments and research hypotheses., operating and troubleshooting complex, physical laboratory equipment. and interpreting ambiguous or unexpected experimental results. stay with people. Less time on routine analysis; more on novel discovery and application. That score measures how much of the work could change, not the likelihood the job disappears. It is Traitstack's current view, revisited as AI capability moves.