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How exposed to AI is a Materials Scientist?

Of the 16 tasks O*NET lists for materials scientists, 7 could be done in half the time with a chat window today. 7 cannot be sped up at all. Here is which.

Exposure means published research judged an AI could halve the time a task takes, at the same quality. It does not mean the task stops needing a person. How to read this

Also called
Applications ScientistMaterials Research EngineerMaterials ScientistMetallurgical EngineerMicro Electrical/Mechanical Systems Device Scientist (MEMS Device Scientist)Polymer Materials ConsultantR and D Scientist (Research and Development Scientist)Research ScientistScientist
Reachable today Needs software built first Cannot be sped up
16
tasks rated for this occupation
95%
hold a degree, from a survey of 21
7k
people do this job in the US
46 of 60
least protected in science

Every task, and what AI can do with it

These are O*NET's task statements for this occupation, exactly as written, sorted into the three bands by the ratings behind this report. Nothing has been reworded.

Reachable with a chat window today

7
  • 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
  • Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials with special characteristics
  • Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials
  • Prepare reports, manuscripts, proposals, and technical manuals for use by other scientists and requestors, such as sponsors and customers
  • Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments
  • Write research papers for publication in scientific journals
  • Research methods of processing, forming, and firing materials to develop such products as ceramic dental fillings, unbreakable dinner plates, and telescope lenses

Only with software built on top

2
  • 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
  • Confer with customers to determine how to tailor materials to their needs

Cannot be sped up

7
  • 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
  • Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures
  • 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
  • Supervise and monitor production processes to ensure efficient use of equipment, timely changes to specifications, and project completion within time frame and budget
  • Visit suppliers of materials or users of products to gather specific information
  • Test individual parts and products to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met
  • Teach in colleges and universities
What this does not say

This is not a prediction about your job

Nobody surveyed an employer. Tasks are counted equally, so a percentage here is a share of the list rather than a share of your week. And the ratings were made in 2023, which makes every figure a floor rather than a ceiling.

It must never be used to select anyone for redundancy. The full limits are here.

Where to go next

This is the standard task list for the title. The useful next question is which of the tasks you actually do should go near AI, and which should not.

Sort your own tasks Read the full report

Exposure ratings from Eloundou, Manning, Mishkin and Rock, GPTs are GPTs: Labor market impact potential of LLMs, Science 384, 1306–1308, 2024, used under the MIT licence. This page includes information from the O*NET Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. People Team AI has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Employment figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.