Nanotechnologists

Career summary

Nanotechnology is used in many different fields and specialties, including:

• Engineering
• Chemistry
• Electronics
• Genetics
• Medicine

Nanotechnologists try to discover new properties of materials at the nanoscale (one billionth of a meter). They use this knowledge to create new tools, products, and technologies such as electric circuits and drug delivery systems.

Nanotech products are smaller, cheaper, and lighter. They are more functional. For example devices developed at the nanoscale are able to safely operate within the human body. They can track DNA to help us better understand the nature of genetic conditions.

Examples of other products developed using nanotechnology:

• Sunscreen
• Self-cleaning glass
• Clothing with UV protection
• Scratch-resistant coatings
• Antimicrobal bandages
• Computer chips

Nanotechnologists also hope to create computer chips at the nanoscale. Currently, chips are created from pieces of silicon.

Nanotechnologists spend most of their time doing research in laboratories. They work with specialized equipment. They produce images using ultraviolet radiation or microwaves.

Nanotechnologists work with other scientists and engineers. They write reports outlining their research results. They also make presentations about their research.

Related careers

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Chemical Engineers
• Chemists
• Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Materials Engineers
• Physicists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to nanotechnologists.

• Develop nanotechnology materials, components, devices, and systems.
• Use specific tools and techniques to produce images and measurements.
• Supervise or provide direction to technicians.
• Work with scientists and engineers to design and conduct experiments.
• Analyze the lifecycle of nanomaterials to determine their impact on the environment.
• Monitor hazardous waste cleanup procedures.
• Help develop and write grant and patent applications.
• Inspect and measure materials such as carbon nanotubes and polymers.
• Mix raw materials according to specifications.
• Compare the environmental impact of nanomaterials. Examine size, shape, or organization.
• Develop new or modify existing techniques for use with nanomaterials.
• Prepare presentations.
• May install new equipment.

Common work activities

Nanotechnologists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Analyze data or information
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Get information needed to do the job
• Document and record information
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Think creatively
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Use computers
• Process information
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Control machines and processes
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Evaluate information against standards
• Develop goals and strategies
• Teach others
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Schedule work and activities
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Develop and build teams
• Repair and maintain electronic equipment

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, nanotechnologists:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social interaction.
• Occasionally speak in front of large groups.
• Communicate with others by e-mail, telephone, and in person. They write letters and memos, but less often.
• Usually work as part of a team.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by other technologists.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors.
• May share office or work space with others.
• Are often exposed to contaminants.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous conditions.
• Always wear protective gear, such as gloves, glasses, and masks.

Work performance

• Must be exact and accurate when performing the job. Errors could cause complications that are difficult to correct.
• Regularly make decisions that impact the coworkers or the organization for which they work.
• Make most of their decisions without consulting a supervisor first.
• Repeat the same physical and mental activities.
• Work in a somewhat stressful, competitive atmosphere.
• Must meet strict weekly and monthly deadlines.

Hours/travel

• Work a regular, set schedule.
• Work 40 or more hours per week. Overtime is common.

Physical demands

Nanotechnologists frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for nanotechnologists to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for nanotechnologists to be able to:

• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Determine the distance between objects.

Skills and abilities

Nanotechnologists need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.
• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.

Use math and science

• Use scientific methods to solve problems.
• Use math skills to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.
• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Teach others how to do something.

Work with things

• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Operate and control equipment.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Nanotechnology

Other programs of study to consider

• Chemical Engineering
• Engineering, General
• Physics

Training

To work as a nanotechnologist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete at least a bachelor's degree in nanotechnology or a related field.

Many nanotechnologists have a master's degree or higher.

Education after high school

Most students prepare for this field by earning a bachelor's degree. However, there are only a handful of undergraduate degree programs in nanotechnology. You can also prepare for this field by majoring in a related field, such as engineering.

As a college student you study physics, chemistry, and math. You also take courses in engineering and biology. Beginning students should find a course in the fundamentals of nanoscience. This will provide an overview of nanotechnology using chemistry, physics, and the biological sciences. You may then enroll in more advanced nanotechnology courses, seminars, and internships. Nanoelectronics, nanomaterials, and nanobiotechnology are among the areas of specialization.

Many entry-level jobs in nanotechnology require a graduate degree. Most graduate programs in this field look for engineering or science students. Typically, a graduate program will seek students who have studied a mix of calculus, physics, chemistry, and biology. Students who want to do research, especially at a university, need a doctoral degree.

Work experience

You should participate in an internship while in college. An internship is usually part of a four-year degree program. It offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. An internship also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.

On-the-job training

New graduates work under the guidance of experienced scientists and engineers. You receive greater independence and work on more difficult tasks as you gain knowledge and experience.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements .

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Algebra
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Computer Applications
• Computer Science
• Physics

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Costs to workers

Nanotechnologists may join a professional association and pay a membership fee and annual dues.

Wages

Pay varies with the worker's level of education, responsibility, and experience. Full-time technologists generally receive benefits. Typical benefits are health insurance, a retirement plan, sick leave, and paid vacation. Some companies provide money for continuing education classes.

National wage information is not available specifically for nanotechnologists. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other engineering technicians."

Employment and outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Manufacturers
• Federal, state, and local government agencies

National outlook

Growth in this occupation will be slower than average as some industries hire fewer technologists. 

Employment and outlook information is not available specifically for nanotechnologists. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other engineering technicians."

Other resources

Discover Engineering 

eGFI - Dream Up the Future 

Engineer Girl! 
National Academy of Engineering

Nano Science and Technology Institute 

Nanooze 

National Academy of Engineering 
500 Fifth Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.334.3200

National Academy of Sciences Interviews 

National Nanotechnology Initiative 

National Science Foundation 
2415 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, Virginia 2231

Society of Women Engineers 
130 East Randolph Street, Suite 3500
Chicago, IL 60601
877.793.4636

Technology Student Association 
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

References

Career cluster

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupations

• Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other (17-3029.00) 
• Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists (17-3029.11) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Investigative/Conventional

COPSystem

• Science Professional