Materials Scientists

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 2 (13%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 11 (69%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 3 (19%)

• Prepare reports, manuscripts, proposals, and technical manuals for use by other scientists and requestors, such as sponsors and customers.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Write research papers for publication in scientific journals.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Conduct research on the structures and properties of materials, such as metals, alloys, polymers, and ceramics, to obtain information that could be used to develop new products or enhance existing ones.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials with special characteristics.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Perform experiments and computer modeling to study the nature, structure, and physical and chemical properties of metals and their alloys, and their responses to applied forces.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Confer with customers to determine how to tailor materials to their needs.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Supervise and monitor production processes to ensure efficient use of equipment, timely changes to specifications, and project completion within time frame and budget.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Test individual parts and products to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Research methods of processing, forming, and firing materials to develop such products as ceramic dental fillings, unbreakable dinner plates, and telescope lenses.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Test metals to determine conformance to specifications of mechanical strength, strength-weight ratio, ductility, magnetic and electrical properties, and resistance to abrasion, corrosion, heat, and cold.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Visit suppliers of materials or users of products to gather specific information.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Teach in colleges and universities.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use