Materials Scientists
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.
How AI Impacts Each Task
16 tasks analyzed
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.
Prepare reports, manuscripts, proposals, and technical manuals for use by other scientists and requestors, such as sponsors and customers.
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.
Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials with special characteristics.
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.
Teach in colleges and universities.
Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials.
Research methods of processing, forming, and firing materials to develop such products as ceramic dental fillings, unbreakable dinner plates, and telescope lenses.
Confer with customers to determine how to tailor materials to their needs.
Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments.
Test individual parts and products to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met.
Supervise and monitor production processes to ensure efficient use of equipment, timely changes to specifications, and project completion within time frame and budget.
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.
Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures.
Visit suppliers of materials or users of products to gather specific information.
Write research papers for publication in scientific journals.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 15% | |
| Prepare reports, manuscripts, proposals, and technical manuals for use by other scientists and requestors, such as sponsors and customers. | 47.48Observed | 68.2% | 8% | |
| 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. | 57.93Observed | 50.2% | 12% | |
| Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials with special characteristics. | 50Estimated | 47.0% | 8% | |
| 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. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 8% | |
| Teach in colleges and universities. | 59.38Observed | 38.8% | 5% | |
| Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials. | 40Estimated | 43.0% | 5% | |
| Research methods of processing, forming, and firing materials to develop such products as ceramic dental fillings, unbreakable dinner plates, and telescope lenses. | 50Estimated | 47.0% | 5% | |
| Confer with customers to determine how to tailor materials to their needs. | 46.85Observed | 33.7% | 4% | |
| Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments. | 70Estimated | 55.0% | 4% | |
| Test individual parts and products to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met. | 70Estimated | 77.2% | 5% | |
| Supervise and monitor production processes to ensure efficient use of equipment, timely changes to specifications, and project completion within time frame and budget. | 30Estimated | 27.0% | 5% | |
| 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. | 51.73Observed | 69.9% | 5% | |
| Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures. | 40Estimated | 43.0% | 4% | |
| Visit suppliers of materials or users of products to gather specific information. | 10Estimated | 19.0% | 2% | |
| Write research papers for publication in scientific journals. | 65Estimated | 53.0% | 5% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
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Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
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Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Related News
Recent articles about AI affecting this occupation
OpenAI targets research jobs with new discovery-acceleration tools
The AI giant is positioning its latest models to act as autonomous research assistants capable of parsing complex physics and materials science data. This threatens to automate the grunt work traditionally handled by graduate students and junior lab techs.
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis