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Between 2006 and 2009, 0.2% of employed doctoral graduates or 30 employed doctoral graduates, are known to have been working as metallurgists and materials scientists six months after graduation.

Job description

Doctoral level metallurgists and mineral scientists are typically found as researchers outside the HE sector at the start of their careers, although many enter HE research roles.

Much of this research work is very similar in nature to the research work the new entrant carried out as a doctoral student, with an increased level of responsibility. As a result, most entrants into these research roles should have a good idea of the basic nature of the job and many of the key responsibilities.

Metallurgists and materials scientists are concerned with the physical and chemical behaviour of materials of all kinds, including ceramics, composites, glasses, plastics, polymers, textiles and metals.

In the course of their work, they can be responsible for the research, specification, design and development of materials. Their expertise lies in understanding the properties and behaviours of different substances, from raw materials to finished products.

Metallurgists may specialise in chemical, physical or process metallurgy and this determines the type of job they do.

This can be a very diverse field, and the exact types of work involved tend to vary depending on the materials that the graduate specialised in. Typically, a doctoral graduate will be considered a technical specialist in one material or technique, or be involved in team management.

Typical work activities

Tasks which may be carried out across specialist areas typically involve:

  • Assessing materials for specific qualities (such as electrical conductivity, durability, renewability)
  • Making manufacturing time-critical decisions, monitoring quality standards in manufacturing and finishing
  • Taking responsibility for health and safety issues of staff and components in manufacturing
  • Writing documents, manuals and reports in support of customer liaison
  • Discussing different solutions to problems with other technical staff
  • Interpreting customers' manufacturing design requirements and product application
  • Installing and commissioning processing equipment
  • Researching and developing test or repair technology and new products
  • Selecting the best combination of materials for specific purposes
  • Testing materials to assess how resistant they are to forms of attack
  • Analysing data using computer modeling software
  • Developing prototypes
  • Considering the implications for waste and other environmental pollution issues of any product or process
  • Advising on the adaptability of a plant to new processes and materials
  • Working to solve problems that may arise either during the manufacturing process or with the finished product (e.g. problems caused by daily wear and tear or change of environment)
  • Supervising quality control throughout the construction and production process
  • Monitoring plant conditions and material reactions during use
  • Helping to ensure that products comply with national and international legal and quality standards
  • Advising on inspection, maintenance and repair procedures
  • Liaising with colleagues in manufacturing, technical and scientific support, purchasing, and marketing
  • Supervising the work of materials engineering technicians and other staff
  • Considering the costs implications of materials used and alternatives, in terms of both time and money
  • Taking account of energy usage in manufacturing and in-service energy saving, e.g. in transport and construction applications.

Specific work activities are dependant on the area of specialism.

Materials scientists may also find themselves working with specialists from other disciplines in process production, engineering, analysis and other related fields. At doctoral level, these roles may involve innovation and management.

Sector and disciplinary information

Sector information
Doctoral graduates from 2006-9 working in this group of occupation were known to be employed in the following profiled sectors six months after graduation:

Disciplinary background
The most common disciplinary backgrounds for doctoral graduates (2006-2009) entering metallurgy and materials science were:

Salary

  • Range of typical starting salaries is £22,000 - £28,000 (salary data collected July 2009).
  • Range of salaries with several years' experience is £30,000 - £40,000 (salary data collected July 2009).
  • Those with 10 to 15 years' experience can earn up to £60,000 (salary data collected August 2009).
  • For metallurgists/ scientists with chartered engineer status, salaries can be significantly higher.

Entry requirements

This is a specialist area and related qualifications are very important to entry.

The defence industry is a significant employer in the field, and posts related to the defence industry are often open only to British nationals. Security clearance may be required. Knowledge of a foreign language is advantageous, especially in multi-national organisations.

Career stories

Matthew Witt

Matthew completed his doctorate in metallurgy. His first role was with a large material supply company. He went on to found an internet business where he became Chief Operating Officer and is now working as a business operations consultant.

 "I ended up working for four or five materials supplies companies, getting smaller and smaller but getting further and further up the sort of the decision making chain of the company."

Other relevant career profiles:

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