Nanotechnologist

Nanotechnologists design and build devices and materials on a tiny scale.

Salary range: £13,000 to £60,000

How to become a nanotechnologist

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• working towards this role

University

You’ll usually need a degree or a postgraduate master’s qualification in nanotechnology, or a related course which includes nanotechnology. Relevant courses include:

• nanoscience
• physics
• chemistry
• electronics engineering
• materials science

Some employers may expect you to have, or be working towards, a PhD. You’ll usually also need experience of working in a laboratory environment.

Employers value experience. It may help to study for a degree that includes experience in the industry you want to work in. You could look for work placements with nanotechnology companies.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

Work

You may be able to move into nanotechnology if you’re already working in research science or engineering, for example, as a chemist, physicist or electronics engineer.

More information

Further information

You can find out more about careers in nanotechnology through Nanowerk.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You’ll need:

• science skills
• maths knowledge
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of physics
• analytical thinking skills
• persistence and determination
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to day duties may include:

• creating devices and materials on the nanoscale – 0.1 to 100nm in size
• operating scientific instruments to separate and analyse your products
• performing experiments to test the nanotechnology you have produced
• maintaining production and experimental equipment
• using computers to interpret data
• preparing learning materials and planning lectures
• giving lectures to students and leading workshops
• planning research schedules and overseeing staff in a laboratory
• writing reports and articles
• ordering materials, chemicals and stock for your laboratory

Working environment

You could work in a laboratory.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

With experience you could work your way up to a management role. 

You could also move into a teaching or lecturing role.