What Do Computer and Information Research Scientist Do?
Computer & Information Research Scientist Definition Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.
Life As a Computer & Information Research Scientist: What Do They Do?
- Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.
- Develop and interpret organizational goals, policies, and procedures.
- Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians to determine computing needs and system requirements.
- Approve, prepare, monitor, and adjust operational budgets.
- Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.
- Conduct logical analyses of business, scientific, engineering, and other technical problems, formulating mathematical models of problems for solution by computers.
Skills Needed to be a Computer & Information Research Scientist
These are the skills Computer and Information Research Scientists say are the most useful in their careers:
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Types of Computer & Information Research Scientist Jobs
- Information Scientist
- Systems Engineer
- Programmer
- Artificial Intelligence Specialist
- Computer Scientist
Is There Job Demand for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
There were about 27,900 jobs for Computer and Information Research Scientist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 19% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5,300 new jobs for Computer and Information Research Scientist by 2026. There will be an estimated 2,500 positions for Computer & Information Research Scientist per year.
The states with the most job growth for Computer & Information Research Scientist are Nebraska, Washington, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Mississippi, Alaska, or South Carolina. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Computer & Information Research Scientist Average Salary
Computer and Information Research Scientists make between $69,230 and $183,820 a year.
Computer and Information Research Scientists who work in Washington, New Mexico, or Minnesota, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Computer and Information Research Scientists in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $138,510 |
Arizona | $111,510 |
Arkansas | $95,220 |
California | $136,310 |
Colorado | $121,180 |
Connecticut | $117,990 |
District of Columbia | $127,900 |
Florida | $101,120 |
Georgia | $100,140 |
Hawaii | $107,520 |
Idaho | $137,180 |
Illinois | $113,350 |
Indiana | $107,150 |
Kansas | $94,300 |
Louisiana | $89,810 |
Maryland | $119,180 |
Massachusetts | $116,920 |
Michigan | $103,350 |
Minnesota | $129,890 |
Mississippi | $95,860 |
Missouri | $96,810 |
Nebraska | $86,400 |
Nevada | $103,070 |
New Hampshire | $128,240 |
New Jersey | $127,420 |
New Mexico | $136,370 |
New York | $131,220 |
North Carolina | $108,460 |
Ohio | $112,490 |
Oklahoma | $84,070 |
Oregon | $130,220 |
Pennsylvania | $107,660 |
Rhode Island | $108,890 |
South Carolina | $96,870 |
Tennessee | $113,960 |
Texas | $125,800 |
Utah | $98,210 |
Virginia | $129,840 |
Washington | $143,080 |
West Virginia | $77,580 |
Wisconsin | $77,870 |
What Tools & Technology do Computer and Information Research Scientists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Computer and Information Research Scientists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Git
- Python
- MySQL
- Data entry software
- MongoDB
- Data visualization software
- Microsoft Project
- Structured query language SQL
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- SAS
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Linux
- Ruby
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Extensible markup language XML
- IBM SPSS Statistics
Becoming a Computer & Information Research Scientist
Education needed to be a Computer and Information Research Scientist:
What work experience do I need to become a Computer & Information Research Scientist?
Who Employs Computer and Information Research Scientists?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Computer and Information Research Scientist might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: U.S. Army graphic via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.