Working as a researcher in a university as a materials scientist is great. There is a lot more freedom to pursue the avenues that interest you than there is in a profit-driven company. Also, in the labs I have always found there is a good ethic of successful work mixed with a friendly atmosphere. Research is just that - looking for what works, so obviously there are some brick walls to be faced along the way, which is more of a problem for some people than others. If considering a career like mine, I would recommend getting some experience, maybe for 3 months, to see how you like it.