Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)
Materials Scientist
Properties and applications of materials
What this life looks like
You investigate what things are made of and how to make them better. Materials Scientists study the structure, properties, and performance of materials — metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, and nanomaterials — developing new materials that enable stronger buildings, lighter aircraft, better batteries, and more effective medicines.
What she actually does
You characterise material microstructures using electron microscopes and spectroscopic techniques, test mechanical and electrical properties, develop new material compositions and processing methods, investigate why materials fail, work with engineers to select the right material for each application, and scale promising materials from laboratory to industrial production.
Where you can work
| Sector | Places in Africa |
|---|---|
| Research Institutions | CSIR South Africa, Mintek (South Africa), universities with materials science departments |
| Mining & Minerals | Anglo Platinum, Implats, De Beers — mineral beneficiation and new materials research |
| Manufacturing | BMW South Africa, Denel, aerospace and defence component manufacturers |
| Pharmaceutical | Aspen Pharmacare — drug delivery materials and medical device development |
Why it matters in Africa
Africa's mining and minerals sector is the world's source for many materials used in modern technology — from platinum catalysts to cobalt in batteries. African materials scientists who can add value to these raw materials through processing and research create economic opportunities that keep more of the value chain on the continent.
Your pathway in
- Excel in Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics at school
- Study Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Physics at university
- Develop laboratory skills in materials characterisation techniques
- Consider postgraduate research for a career in advanced materials research
- Look for internships with mining, manufacturing, or research organisations
Skills you will need
- Materials characterisation (SEM, XRD, FTIR)
- Mechanical testing
- Metallurgy and processing
- Scientific writing
- Data analysis
- Problem-solving for engineering applications
A woman in this field
Tebogo Mashifana
South Africa
Tebogo is a South African materials scientist at the University of Johannesburg specialising in the beneficiation of industrial waste materials — developing processes that turn mining and industrial by-products into useful construction and engineering materials. Her research contributes to both environmental sustainability and local industrial development, addressing Africa's waste challenge through materials innovation.
Take your first step
- Study Chemistry and Physics at school, paying special attention to atomic structure and bonding
- Research materials science and metallurgical engineering programmes at universities in your country
- Look for science exhibitions and competitions where you can explore materials science concepts
- Follow CSIR South Africa at csir.co.za and learn about African materials research