Nanomaterials Scientists

High School

In high school, take courses in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science (including database design and artificial intelligence). Be sure to take English and speech classes because you’ll need to be able to effectively convey your research findings to colleagues, as well as to those who may not have an extensive scientific background.

Postsecondary Education

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement to become a nanomaterials scientist, but those with this credential typically work as lab assistants, technicians, or technologists. For research and managerial positions, many employers require a minimum of a master’s degree, or even a Ph.D.

A growing, but still small, number of colleges and universities (including Rutgers University, Rice University, the University of New Mexico, and the University of Central Florida) offer degrees or concentrations in nanotechnology or nanosystems engineering. Typical classes in nanosystems engineering programs include:

• Introduction to Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
• Nanoscale Mechanics of Materials
• Nanoscale Kinetics and Transport
• Crystallography and Diffraction for Nanomaterial Systems
• Phase Equilibria for Nanoscale Systems
• Mathematical Methods in Nanoscale Research
• Practical Modeling for Nanoscale Systems
• Nanoscale Analytic Techniques
• Nanoscale Device Principles
• Nanoscale Surfaces and Interfaces
• Nanoelectronic Devices, Circuits, and Systems
• Social and Ethical Implications of Nanotechnology

Visit https://trynano.org/education-resources/university-listings for a list of colleges and universities that offer degrees and certificates in nanotechnology, nanoscience, and nanoengineering.

If you don’t attend a college that awards a degree in nanotechnology, an alternate educational strategy is to major in chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, or engineering (biomedical, chemical, electrical/electronics, or environmental) and augment your education by taking nanotechnology/nanoscience classes or pursuing a minor in one of these areas.

Certification

The Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine offers certificate programs in laboratory management, testing, and technology. Visit https://myadlm.org/education/online-certificate-programs for more information.

Other Education or Training

Many nanomaterials scientists keep their skills sharp by participating in continuing education classes, webinars, seminars, and other professional development activities. Professional associations at the national and state levels provide these opportunities.

For example, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers offers conference sessions and courses on nanotechnology, nanofabrication, nanometrology, biomateriomics, nanomechanics, design, quality control, professional ethics, materials science, and other topics. The Nano Science and Technology Institute provides short courses in nanomedicine, nanocomposites, and micro, nano, and biofluidics. The American Chemical Society offers courses on laboratory safety, statistical analysis, special topics in chemistry, and technical writing, as well as leadership development classes and career-oriented webinars. The American Institute of Chemical Engineers, American Institute of Physics, Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine, Society of Cosmetic Chemists, and The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society also provide professional development opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.