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Nanotechnologist

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

Average salary (a year)

£13,000 Starter

to

£60,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends occasionally

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:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English, maths and a science
  • 3 A levels including maths and either biology, physics or chemistry
  • 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.

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
  • you will be expected to know how to use a computer and tools to benefit this job.

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.

Training 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 Science Level 3

  • Provider: Kensington and Chelsea College
  • Start date: 11 September 2019
  • Location: London

Pre-Access to Science & Nursing

  • Provider: COLLEGE OF WEST ANGLIA
  • Start date: 02 September 2019
  • Location: King's Lynn
Find courses near you

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