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Nanotechnologist

Alternative titles for this job include

Nanotechnologists design, create and manipulate materials on a tiny scale.

Average salary (a year)

£15,000 Starter

to

£40,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

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
  • computer science

Some employers may expect you to have, or be working towards, a PhD. This is particularly so in the field of medicine and healthcare nanotechnology. 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

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.

You can find short introductory courses on the ways that nanotechnologies are applied in fields like healthcare through FutureLearn.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

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

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

The tasks you'll do will depend on the industry that you work in. Nanotechnologists can be found in fields like medicine, engineering and manufacturing.

Typically you will:

  • create devices and materials on the nanoscale - 0.1 to 100nm in size
  • operate scientific instruments to separate and analyse your products
  • perform experiments to test the nanotechnology you have produced
  • maintain production and experimental equipment
  • use computers to interpret data
  • prepare learning materials and plan lectures
  • give lectures to students and lead workshops
  • plan research schedules and oversee staff in a laboratory
  • write reports, funding bids and articles
  • order 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

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience you could lead project teams in a management role. 

You could also move into a teaching in higher education.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a nanotechnologist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Access to HE Diploma (Science)

  • Provider: NEWCASTLE AND STAFFORD COLLEGES GROUP
  • Start date: 12 September 2023
  • Location: Stafford

Access to HE Diploma (Science)

  • Provider: RNN GROUP
  • Start date: 05 September 2023
  • Location: Rotherham
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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