Materials Scientist
40AI USED FOR40%moving to78%
THE DOOR, NOWC
THE DOOR, 20 YRSE
STARTING PAY£30,000 - £35,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM PHYSICAL SCIENCES →
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientists are at the forefront of innovation, shaping the future of technology and sustainability through the study and development of new materials. Their work is crucial in various sectors, including aerospace, healthcare, and renewable energy, making a significant impact on global challenges such as climate change and resource scarcity.
THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years
AI helps here, but has not taken over
AI is already used for some of this job, but the day-to-day work still leans on a person to decide, check and take responsibility. Nothing formally protects this job though, so the safest move is to keep building the judgement AI cannot yet copy.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior Materials ScientistIn this entry-level role, you will assist in laboratory experiments, conduct basic analyses, and support senior scientists in their research projects.£30,000 - £35,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Materials ScientistAs a mid-level scientist, you will lead projects, mentor junior staff, and take on more complex research tasks, contributing significantly to product development.£45,000 - £55,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Materials ScientistIn this peak career role, you will oversee major research initiatives, drive innovation strategies, and represent your organisation in industry conferences and publications.£70,000+
Apprenticeship listings for this career → (June 2026 snapshot; check closing dates on the official service)
The degree route
Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Physics with AstrophysicsUniversity of Exeter · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£35,000 median
🎓Acoustical Engineering with Industrial Placement YearUniversity of Southampton · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£32,000 median
🎓Chemistry with Cosmetic ScienceThe University of Reading · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£29,000 median
🎓Chemistry with Medicinal ChemistryThe University of Manchester · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£29,000 median
All Physical Sciences courses as cards →
Real apprenticeship standards
Live UK apprenticeship standards that lead into this career, from the Institute for Apprenticeships register.
L6Materials science technologist (degree)48 months typicalnot published
There is more than one way in
You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.
Degree subjects that lead this way
Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.
Physics with AstrophysicsUniversity of Exeter · DegreeAcoustical Engineering with Industrial Placement YearUniversity of Southampton · DegreePhysicsQueen's University of Belfast · DegreeChemistry with Cosmetic ScienceThe University of Reading · DegreeChemistry with Medicinal ChemistryThe University of Manchester · DegreePhysicsUniversity of Aberdeen · Degree