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
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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.
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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.