A career in nanoscience can be significant in terms of impact and opportunity. Nanoscience is an interdisciplinary field that combines knowledge from physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering to study and manipulate materials at the nanometer scale. Due to its small size, the properties of materials at the nanometer scale can be very different from those at the macroscale, which makes nanoscience a fascinating field to explore. 

The research in nanoscience has the potential to revolutionise many industries, such as medicine, energy, electronics, and materials science, by creating new materials, devices, and technologies that are more efficient, durable, and sustainable. Additionally, the demand for professionals with nanoscience skills is increasing as the field becomes increasingly essential in the global economy. 

As a result, a career in nanoscience can offer many opportunities for growth, innovation, and a positive impact on the world.

What is Nanoscience?

Nanoscience is a rapidly growing and highly interdisciplinary field that brings together experts from various scientific disciplines, including chemistry, physics, biology, materials science, and engineering. This field aims to study and manipulate materials at the nanometer scale, one billionth of a meter. The unique properties of materials at this scale can differ significantly from those at the macroscale, making them useful for many applications.

One of the critical advantages of nanoscience is its ability to take advantage of the enhanced properties of materials at this scale. For example, nanomaterials can be stronger and more durable than their macroscale counterparts, making them useful for many materials science applications, such as constructing more concrete and lightweight structures. 

Nanoscience also has an immense potential to solve problems in agriculture, medicine and environment sectors; for example, it can help to develop new ways to grow crops more efficiently or to create new methods for cleaning up environmental pollution. The field is also being used to develop new energy storage devices, like batteries and supercapacitors, which can be used in electric cars and other applications.

Overall, the field of nanoscience is a rapidly growing and exciting field that has the potential to revolutionise many industries and improve people's lives in a wide range of ways. The opportunities for growth, innovation, and making a positive impact on the world are abundant in this field.

Eligibility Criteria to Study Nanoscience

• A solid academic background, including a minimum of 60% or above in Class XII board exams for the science stream. 
• A bachelor's degree in a related field, such as physics, chemistry, or biotechnology, or a BE/BTech degree from a UGC-recognized university is typically required.
• Furthermore, to enrol in master's or PhD programs in this field, it is necessary to clear entrance exams conducted by different universities.

Courses in Nanoscience

Bachelor’s Course

• Bioengineering
• Chemical engineering
• Chemistry
• Electrical engineering
• Materials science and engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Physics

Master’s Course

• M.Sc in Nanotechnology
• M.Sc in Nanoscience and Technology
• M.Tech in Nanotechnology
• M.Tech in Material Science and Nanotechnology
• M.Tech in Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials

Doctoral Course

• Doctor of Philosophy in Nanotechnology
• Doctor of Philosophy in Nanoscience and Technology

Job Prospects and Salary

The field of nanoscience is expanding rapidly, and as a result, many career opportunities are available for professionals with expertise in this field. Due to its interdisciplinary nature, nanoscience has the potential to revolutionise many industries, such as medicine, energy, electronics, and materials science. This has led to an increasing demand for professionals with nanoscience skills, making it an exciting and promising field to pursue a career in.

Some potential career opportunities in nanoscience include research and development in academic and industrial settings. Researchers in nanoscience are often involved in discovering and developing new materials and technologies and may work on projects related to medicine, energy, electronics, and materials science. They also may work in research institutions, universities, or government agencies.

Job Profile

Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing engineers use their knowledge and expertise in nanoscience to improve various industries' manufacturing processes, quality, and efficiency. They employ advanced discoveries in nanoscience to optimise the production process, improve product quality, and increase manufacturing operations' efficiency.

Optical Engineer

Optical engineers specialise in designing, building, and testing optical systems and devices. They use their knowledge of light and optical materials properties to develop and improve products such as cameras, telescopes, and other optical instruments.

One of the critical responsibilities of optical engineers is building and designing optical benchtop setups. This involves creating and assembling the components that make up an optical system, such as lenses, mirrors, and other optical elements. They use specialised software and equipment to simulate and optimise the system's performance before it is built.

Optical engineers are also responsible for prototyping diffractive elements. This involves creating small-scale models of optical devices, such as lenses and mirrors, which can be used to test the design and performance of the final product. They use advanced technologies like lithography and interference to create these prototypes.

Research Scientist

A research scientist is a professional who conducts scientific investigations and experiments in various fields, such as biotechnology, space research, genetics, environmental science, food science and agriculture. They can work in multiple settings, including government-funded national laboratories, universities, and private research institutions. They may also have the opportunity to participate in international research projects, collaborating with scientists from other countries. 

Research scientists typically have advanced degrees in their field of study, and their work often involves designing and conducting experiments, analysing data, and publishing their findings in academic journals. They are essential in advancing knowledge and understanding in their field and developing new technologies and products.

Nano - Geoscientists

A nano-geoscientist is a scientist who studies the chemical behaviour of tiny particles, known as nanoparticles, in the oceans, atmosphere and on land. They use advanced techniques in nanotechnology to investigate how these particles interact with the Earth's processes. They look at how these particles are formed, transported, and transformed in the environment and how they may affect the Earth's systems. 

Their research aims to understand the potential impacts of these particles on the environment and predict any unexpected outcomes that could occur due to their presence. They collaborate with other environmental science, chemistry and geology scientists to understand the complex interactions between nanoparticles and the Earth's systems. They play a crucial role in identifying potential environmental hazards and developing solutions to mitigate their impacts.

Salary

Generally, nanoscience graduates with a Bachelor's degree can expect to earn a starting salary of around $50,000 to $70,000 annually. In comparison, those with a Master's degree may earn starting salaries of around $60,000 to $90,000 per year. Those with a PhD may start at a higher salary range of $70,000 to $120,000 annually.

In the private sector, nano-science graduates who work in the technology industry, such as in the semiconductor or electronics industry, may earn a higher salary than those in other industries. Graduates in research and development positions may also earn a higher salary than those in different positions.