Materials Scientist
Researches and studies the structures and chemical properties of natural, synthetic and composite materials — metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, semiconductors and glass. Develops new materials with specific properties for products ranging from phone screens to aerospace components. Uses electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and computational modelling.
- AI exposure
- 70 of 100, high exposure
- Hiring trend
- Rising
- Hiring rate
- 38%
The role
What the work is, what it pays, and what it costs you.
At a glance
- Remote friendly
- No
- Freelance potential
- Low
- Time to senior
- 9 years
- Adaptation level
- Moderate
A day in the role
Analyses X-ray diffraction data from a new ceramic composite, adjusts the synthesis parameters, tests mechanical properties, and discusses potential industrial applications with a manufacturing partner.
What it pays
Kenyan market, per month- Entry
- KES 100,000-150,000
- Mid
- KES 200,000-350,000
- Senior
- KES 400,000-750,000
Exposure
How much of this a machine can already do, and how that was worked out.
Where this rating sits
1,516 rated careersRated above 92% of the 1,516 careers in the catalogue, which averages 43. Inside science the mean is 45, across 71 careers.
What the rating is made of
Share of recorded tasks- Machine does it
- 15%Software can already complete this work end to end.
- Machine assists
- 45%A person still decides, but the drafting is done for them.
- Person does it
- 40%Judgement, relationships and accountability that do not transfer.
Named task by task
Already automated
- Computational modelling of material properties using DFT and ML
- Predicting material behaviour from composition data
- Generating research report drafts and literature reviews
- Automating XRD and SEM data analysis pipelines
Still human
- Conducting experiments on material properties (mechanical, thermal, electrical)
- Operating characterization equipment (SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy)
- Designing and developing new materials with specific properties
- Collaborating with engineers to apply materials in products
- Writing research publications and patent applications
- Performing failure analysis and quality control on materials
- Supervising laboratory technicians and research students
Getting in
The routes into the role and what each one asks for.
What to study
8 courses- Diploma in Dairy TechnologyKsh 64,120a year
- Craft Certificate in Food Processing and Preservation TechnologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Analytical BiologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Analytical ChemistryKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Applied BiologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Food Science and TechnologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Petroleum and GeoscienceKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Science Laboratory TechnologyKsh 67,189a year
How people get in
Materials science or chemistry degree
4-5 yearsHigh cost
BSc from UoN, JKUAT or TUK
Materials science postgrad
2-4 yearsHigh cost
MSc or PhD Materials Science
Who hires
- KIRDI
- NM-AIST Kenya
- Materials Science Society of Kenya
- Kenya Bureau of Standards
- Bamburi Cement
Common misconceptions
Materials science is just chemistry
It integrates physics, chemistry and engineering to understand how structure determines material properties.
No industry demand in Kenya
Manufacturing, construction, energy and standards bodies all need materials expertise.
What happens next
How the role changes from here, and where it leads.
Supply and demand
- Demand
- 38
- Supply pressure
- 8
- Balance
- High demand
What to learn
- Computational materials modelling
- Analytical techniques
- Materials synthesis
Kenyan market notes
O*NET lists Materials Scientist as Bright Outlook occupation with 5-6% projected growth (2024-2034). BLS: median $104,160/year, 10th percentile $61,460, 90th $168,500. Orbyt 2026: average $98,000 base, $142K total comp. PhD holders in semiconductor, battery, or composites earn 25-40% more. 72% of job postings require 3+ years experience. 65% require data analysis/computational skills. Kenya: limited but growing demand in construction materials (cement, steel), packaging and manufacturing. Bamburi Cement and steel mills employ materials specialists. Potential for remote computational materials work.
Further reading
This role is rated 70 out of 100 today. Save it and the app keeps that number, then tells you by how much it has moved when the record is next reviewed.