Nanotechnology, the study and manipulation of microscopic particles of matter, influences a wide variety of science and engineering endeavors, from medicine to automotive design. The United States leads the world in the area of nanotechnology patent and grant application, with 54% of last year’s applications originating with U.S.-based inventors. With all those inventions and innovative ideas flowing from our best and brightest, it seems intuitive that those companies would be looking to hire in nano-related fields. But what does the competition look like and what can new talent expect during the job-search process?
A Look at the Nanotechnology Industry
According to Wanted Analytics, nanotechnology is a growing industry, although there aren’t as many nano-specific jobs as you might expect given the number of new patents emerging. Here’s a quick look at the current job market:
- Approximately 190 employers are currently seeking employees with nanotechnology credentials
- San Jose (CA), Albany (NY), Boston (MA), and New York (NY) currently have the highest number of companies advertising for nanotechnology jobs
- The most common job openings are in engineering, research, and teaching.
What This Means for Workers
Nanotechnology, although a growing field, is not necessarily a skill that is widely sought across the nation. However, those entering the field can expect to see continual growth based on current trends. The total number of patents and patent applications increased from 14, 250 to nearly 18,900 between 2007 and 2012. And as practical applications continue to be developed and implemented, demand for these skills will continue to rise.
The good news for American workers is that the U.S. continues to outpace other countries in the field of nanotechnology by a significant margin, with the nearest competitor accounting for only 7.8% of new patent applications and grants (South Korea). Most available jobs originate in or near Silicon Valley, a not-unexpected statistic. These positions include mechanical and electrical engineers, research scientists, and developers. Nanotechnology professors are also highly sought-after as new positions demand well-educated and gifted talent to meet the need.
The Bottom Line
The outlook for hiring within the nanotechnology field looks bright. Because openings aren’t widely available, companies within the field must compete for the best and brightest talent in order to remain on the front edge of development. New talent entering the field should expect demanding, challenging positions that require a sharply-honed skill set in order to continue the current development trend.
