Science communicator

Science communicators communicate science to the general public. They need to make scientific research understandable to people who may not have a background or career in science. Science communicators can be a science journalists or work in a university press office promoting the scientific research carried out by academics. They may deliver science shows or organise events at science festivals, schools or science centres or design and make interactive exhibits for science centres.

Attributes: creative, curious, logical

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Systems Engineer

Systems engineers design and create systems to meet specific needs by combining and integrating people, components and processes into a whole system and ensuring each of those components work correctly. Systems are used in industrial processes to increase output, but a toilet, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, an automatic iron, a car and even the human body are all systems. Larger systems include moveable bridges, manufacturing plants or the International Space Station.

Attributes: collaborative, imaginative, resilient

Robotic Technician

Robotic technicians work with a team of robotics professionals, assisting mechanical engineers, electronics engineers, and robotics engineers in designing, manufacturing, testing, and repairing robots. A robotics technician acts as a liaison between the development team and the customer. They perform the installation of the robot and provide training on its functions. Robotic technicians are also in charge of maintenance and repairs. They may work in for the government in defence, for the medical industry or in the manufacturing industry.

Attributes: self-motivated, patient, resilient

Civil Engineer

Civil engineers are responsible for the designing and building of structures such as bridges, transport links and road systems as well as larger structures such as stadiums. Civil engineers work in both the public and private sector, planning projects with clients, analysing surveys, creating blueprints, checking the risks and the effects on the environment and managing and checking progress at each stage of the project.

Attributes: open-minded, organised, resilient

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Structural Engineer

Structural engineers are focused on all aspects concerned with buildings and built structures, such as houses, hospitals, office blocks, bridges, oil rigs, ships and aircraft. They work to understand, predict and measure aspects such as the strength, stability and how rigid buildings are. They also work to develop new designs or modify the designs of buildings or structures which are to be constructed and are responsible for choosing the appropriate materials, such as concrete, steel, timber and masonry, to meet design specification.

Attributes: observant, committed, resilient

Solar Array Manufacturing Engineer

Solar Array Manufacturing Engineers are experts in utilising sunlight to generate electricity. They work on large arrays of solar panels which usually sit in ordered rows for example, in the desert. Solar array manufacturing engineers work in the manufacturing, construction, and maintenance of solar power materials and solar power plants. They may also work on developing low-cost solar panels for space applications.

Attributes: creative, self-motivated, organised

Crystallographer

Crystallographers study atomic and molecular structures. They work in many disciplines, including chemistry, geology, biology, materials science, metallurgy and physics. They study diverse substances such as living cells, protein molecules, superconductors and ceramics. Crystallographers use methods such as x-rays, atomic force microscopy, neutron diffraction, electron crystallography, molecular modelling and high-pressure diffraction in order to discover how the atoms in a material are arranged and understand the relationship between the atomic structure and the properties of these materials.

Attributes: collaborative, passionate, hard-working

Design Engineer

Design engineers create the initial blueprints and schematics for various structures, systems, machines, or equipment. Design engineers research using mathematical modelling to work through new developments and innovations. They turn research ideas into technical plans for prototypes using computer-aided design and computer-assisted engineering. They collect and analyse data from prototype testing, modifying designs ahead of manufacture or installation. Designer engineers are employed in many different industries including research and development companies, construction firms and product manufacturing plants.

Attributes: collaborative, open-minded, creative

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Product/Process Development Scientist

Product and process development scientists improve the efficiency and profitability of manufactured products. Process development scientists optimise the performance of manufacturing systems. They identify and develop new processes for product manufacture and implement process controls to ensure the products are of a high quality. Product development scientists work with research scientists to develop new ideas and scientific discoveries to be used in the manufacture of new products. They also develop and improve existing products.

Attributes: organised, imaginative, open-minded

Geologist

Geologists work to understand the history of our planet so they can understand Earth’s history and can predict how events and processes of the past might influence the future. Geologists seek to understand the processes of landslides, earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruptions well enough to avoid building important structures where they might be damaged. They prepare maps of areas that have flooded in the past in order to prepare maps of areas that might be flooded in the future. Geologists locate rocks that contain important metals, plan the mines that produce them and the methods used to remove the metals from the rocks. They also locate and produce oil, natural gas, and groundwater. Geologists study past climates of Earth and how they have changed across time. This provides an understanding of how our current climate is changing and what the results might be. They also study the age of rocks, attempting to piece together a chronology of events for the formation of our land masses and changes over time.

Attributes: observant, curious, creative

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