Part of the Future Tech Jobs (opens in a new tab) network
Sign in

Materials Scientist Jobs

Experts who design, develop, and characterise advanced materials. A role at the heart of innovation, from nanomaterials to biomaterials.

Open roles
2
Salary range
£29k – £54k
Hiring companies
3
View 2 live roles → Get an alert

Materials Scientists are at the forefront of developing and characterising advanced materials that drive technological advancements. They work in a variety of sectors, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, and healthcare, focusing on everything from polymers and nanomaterials to biomaterials and metallurgy. These scientists conduct experiments, analyse data, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to create materials with unique properties and applications.

What the role does

Inside the role of a Materials Scientist

A typical week for a Materials Scientist is a mix of laboratory work, data analysis, and collaboration with other researchers.

  1. 01
    Conduct experiments to test material properties
  2. 02
    Analyse data and prepare reports
  3. 03
    Collaborate with engineers and other scientists
  4. 04
    Attend project meetings and present findings
  5. 05
    Write research papers and technical documents
  6. 06
    Stay updated with the latest research and industry trends
Salary on the board

£29k – £54k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 7 UK listings priced in pounds in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
19% of listings advertise a salary.
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 1 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Materials Science
100%
Ceramics
100%
Materials Characterisation
100%
Process Optimisation
100%
Laboratory Testing
100%
Data Analysis
100%
Python
100%
Modelling and Simulation
100%
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for materials scientists. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior Materials Scientist

    0–2 yrs

    Assist in experiments, data collection, and basic material characterisation under supervision.

  2. Level 2

    Materials Scientist

    3–5 yrs

    Lead specific projects, design experiments, and contribute to the development of new materials.

  3. Level 3

    Senior Materials Scientist

    6–10 yrs

    Manage multiple projects, mentor junior scientists, and play a key role in strategic research initiatives.

  4. Level 4

    Principal Materials Scientist

    10+ yrs

    Oversee large-scale research programmes, lead innovation, and influence the direction of materials science within the organisation.

Pathway

How to become a Materials Scientist

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Academic Foundation

    Complete a degree in materials science, chemistry, physics, or a related field.

  2. 2

    Research Experience

    Gain practical experience through internships, research assistant roles, or PhD projects.

  3. 3

    Entry-Level Position

    Start as a Junior Materials Scientist, assisting in experiments and data analysis.

  4. 4

    Specialisation

    Develop expertise in a specific area of materials science, such as nanomaterials or biomaterials.

  5. 5

    Leadership Roles

    Progress to Senior Materials Scientist, managing projects and mentoring junior team members.

  6. 6

    Strategic Influence

    Advance to Principal Materials Scientist, shaping the future of materials science in your organisation.

Live jobs

2 live roles

Materials scientist

The role involves working as a materials scientist with a focus on Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), SEM/EDX, and FTIR technologies. Responsibilities include handling and preparing samples, troubleshooting instruments, and writing detailed reports. The position requires strong communication skills and the ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

Templarfox Consultancy Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 7DP, United Kingdom

Technical Manager/Materials Scientist

The Technical Manager role involves leading research and development projects, developing new products, and improving existing technologies in advanced refractory materials. The position requires a PhD in Materials Science or a related field, strong technical and project management skills, and the ability to communicate complex technical information clearly.

Sourced Recruitment Limited Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom £45,000 – £55,000 pa
FAQs

Common questions

  • Materials Scientists are hired by a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, healthcare, and manufacturing.

  • Essential skills include a strong background in chemistry and physics, proficiency in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and the ability to work collaboratively.

  • Career progression typically starts with entry-level roles, moves through specialisation and leadership, and culminates in strategic influence within the organisation.

  • Salary ranges vary based on experience and industry. For more detailed information, refer to the salary section on this page.

Hiring materials scientists?

Post your role in 90 seconds and reach the specialist audience that already reads this page.

Post a job → See pricing

🍪 A basic record of what gets searched and viewed on Materials Science is always kept — it is how we run the boards and report activity to employers. Accepting also loads third-party tools: Google Analytics, Microsoft Clarity and HubSpot. We never sell your data or share it with data brokers. See our Cookie Policy.