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Careers in Artificial Intelligence

Computer/Information Research Scientist

by Daniel Vest

Snapshot

Career Cluster(s): Information Technology; Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Interests: Computers; Data Science; Technology

Earnings (Yearly Average): $131,490

Employment & Outlook: Faster Than Average Growth Expected

OVERVIEW

Sphere of Work

Computer and information research scientists design innovative uses for new and existing technology. They study and solve complex problems in computing for business, science, medicine, and other fields. Increasingly, these advances in technology involve some form of artificial intelligence (AI).

Work Environment

Some scientists collaborate with engineers or other specialists or research scientists in different locations and do much of their work online.

Occupation Interest

Computer and information research scientists are highly educated, disciplined thinkers, whose work involves a great deal of analytical thought. Searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally, they will need to follow a set of procedures and routines, and having done this foundational work, they will be free to let their creative side take over. Through outside-of-the- box thinking and experimentation, they can find new solutions to the design, testing, and improving of computer systems.

Computer research scientists design innovative uses for new and existing computing technology.

CarAI_p0100_0001.jpg

Photo via iStock/Nastasic. [Used under license.]

Profile

Working Conditions: Inside

Physical Strength: Light Work

Education Needs: Bachelor’s Degree; Masters; PhD

Licensure/Certification: N/A

Opportunities for Experience: On-the-Job Training

Interest Score: IRC

A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities

Computer and information research scientists create and improve computer software and hardware.

To create and improve software, computer and information research scientists work with algorithms: sets of instructions that tell a computer what to do. Some difficult computing tasks require complex algorithms, which these scientists simplify to make computer systems as efficient as possible. These simplified algorithms may lead to advancements in many types of technology, such as machine learning systems and cloud computing.

To improve computer hardware, these scientists design computer architecture. Their work may result in increased efficiencies, such as better networking technology, faster computing speeds, and improved information security.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Exploring problems in computing and developing theories and models to address those problems

  • Collaborating with scientist and engineers to solve complex computing problems

  • Determining computing needs and system requirements

  • Developing new computing languages, software systems, and other tools to improve how people work with computers

  • Designing and conducting experiments to test the operation of software systems, frequently using techniques from data science and machine learning

  • Analyzing the results of their experiments

  • Writing papers for publication and presenting research finding at conferences

OCCUPATION SPECIALTIES

Programming

Some computer and information research scientists study and design new programming languages that are used to write software. New languages make software writing efficient by improving an existing language, such as Java, or by simplifying a specific aspect of programming, such as image processing.

Robotics

These scientists study the development and application of robots. They explore how a machine can interact with the physical world. For example, they may create systems that control the robots or design robots to have features such as information processing or sensory feedback. AI increasingly plays a role in this developing industry.

Some computer and information research scientists work on multidisciplinary projects with electrical engineers, computer hardware engineers, and other specialists. For example, robotics specialists and engineers who design robots’ hardware may team up to test whether the robots complete tasks as intended.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Immediate Physical Environment

Work settings for computer and information research scientists could be anywhere with a solid internet connection and include Federal office buildings; college and university research buildings; medical and scientific laboratories; perhaps even a home office, as remote work grows more and more prevalent.

Human Environment

While it can be cerebral and sometimes solitary work, some research scientists find themselves in collaboration with engineers or other specialists in order to solve complex computing problems. Computer and information research scientists also frequently write papers for publication and then present their findings in front of their peers and colleagues at various conferences.

Technological Environment

A variety of computer software skills and know-how are necessarily part of the job, as computer and information research scientists will be designing, testing and improving computer systems continuously over the course of their careers. Analytical software (minitab), Development software (Apache Kafka, Eclipse IDE), Operating systems (Bash, Oracle Solaris, UNIX) among many other varieties of software may be valuable and even necessary.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

High School/Secondary

High school computer classes can begin to lay the foundations for prospective computer and information research scientists. The basic computing and research skills anyone may need should begin here. As well, a strong grasp of mathematics is a must; high school math and science classes must be pursued.

Suggested High School Subjects

  • Algebra

  • Computer Science

  • Earth or Life or Physical Science

  • English

  • Geometry

  • Physics

  • Trigonometry

Related Career Pathways/Majors

Information Technology Career Cluster

  • Programming & Software Development Pathway

Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Career Cluster

  • Engineering & Technology Pathway

  • Science & Mathematics Pathway

Transferable Skills and Abilities

Analytical skills

  • Must be organized in their thinking to evaluate the results of their research

Communication skills

  • Clearly explaining their research, including to a nontechnical audience

  • Writing papers for publication

  • Presenting their research at conferences

Detail oriented

  • Paying close attention to their work, such as when testing the systems they design

Interpersonal skills

  • Working effectively with programmers and managers

  • Working on teams with engineers or other specialists

Logical thinking

  • Using sound reasoning when working on algorithms

Math skills

  • Grasping advanced math and other technical subjects critical to computing

Problem-solving skills

  • Thinking creatively to find innovative solutions in their research

Postsecondary

Computer and information research scientists typically need a master’s or higher degree in computer science or a related field, such as computer engineering. A master’s degree usually requires 2 to 3 years of study after earning a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field, such as computer science or information systems. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a PhD. Others, such as the federal government, may hire candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology.

They may build algorithms, or sets of instructions, that tell a computer what to do.

CarAI_p0104_0001.jpg

Photo via iStock/matejmo. [Used under license.]

Computer/information research scientists who work in a specialized field may need knowledge of that field. For example, those working on biomedical applications may need to have studied biology.

Related College Majors

  • Computer Engineering

  • Computer Science

  • Cybersecurity

  • Information Science

  • Mathematics

  • Software Engineering

  • Systems & Network Administration

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

The median annual wage for computer and information research scientists was $131,490 in 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $74,210, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $208,000.

Most computer and information research scientists work full time. Some computer and information research scientists advance to become computer and information systems managers.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Computer and information research scientists held about 33,000 jobs in 2020. Employment is projected to grow 22 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 3,200 openings for computer and information research scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

The research and development conducted by computer and information research scientists turn ideas into technology. As demand for new and better technology grows, demand for computer and information research scientists will grow as well.

Workers in this field may create programs to control robots.

CarAI_p0106_0001.jpg

Photo by Humanrobo, via Wikimedia Commons.

Rapid growth in data collection by businesses will lead to an increased need for data-mining services. Computer and information research scientists will be needed to write algorithms that help businesses make sense of very large amounts of data.

A growing emphasis on cybersecurity also should lead to new jobs because computer and information research scientists will be needed to find innovative ways to prevent potential cyberattacks. In addition, an increase in demand for software may increase the need for computer and information research scientists who create new programming languages to make software writing more efficient.

Related Occupations

  • Computer/Information Systems Manager

  • Computer Hardware Engineer

  • Computer Network Architect

  • Computer Programmer

  • Computer Systems Analyst

  • Database Administrator/Architect

  • Information Security Analyst

  • Network/Computer Systems Administrator

  • Software Developer

  • Web Developer/Digital Designer

MORE INFORMATION

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)

1601 Broadway, 10th Floor

New York, NY 10019-7434

212.869.7440

acmhelp@acm.org

www.acm.org

Association for Women in Computing (AWC)

P.O. Box 2768

Oakland, CA 94602

info@awc-hq.org

www.awc-hq.org

Computing Research Association (CRA)

1828 L Street, NW, Suite 800

Washington, DC 20036

202.234.2111

cra.org

IEEE Computer Society

2001 L Street NW, Suite 700

Washington, DC 20036

202.371.0101

help@computer.orrg

computer.org

International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology

contact@iacsit.org

www.iacsit.org

National Center for Women & Information Technology

1909 26th Street, 2nd Floor

Boulder, Colorado 80302

303.735.6671

info@ncwit.org

ncwit.org

USA JOBS

1900 E Street NW

Washington, DC 20415

www.usajobs.gov

Conversation With... WILLIAM P. SMYTH

IT Program Analyst, Federal GovernmentWashington, D.C.IT Program Analyst, 31 years

What was your individual career path in terms of education/training, entry-level job, or other significant opportunity?

I went to Hampton University in Virginia for electrical engineering, but dropped out and joined the U.S. Marine Corps. I ended up doing aviation electronics, which I studied at a community college. I spent six years in the Marines, and played football for the Marine Corps team. NFL teams were scouting me. I went to Atlanta, but wasn’t what they were looking for. Then I came to D.C. because the Redskins wanted to see me. However, a motorcycle accident ended my NFL dreams at age 26.

After I healed, I started looking for jobs. At the time, computers were not widespread. I got a downtown D.C. territory repairing electronic typewriters. The law firm Steptoe & Johnson was a client and they had desktop computers. I’d never seen one before, but somebody saw a problem with a cable and asked me to look at it. I traced the cable back, plugged it in, and said, “Try now.” That prompted me to get into computers, and I never looked back.

I spent many overnights at law firms setting up networks with little support. It made me really good at my job, even though it could be frustrating. But I’m the kind of person who is persistent and likes to troubleshoot.

Eventually, I moved on to a company called Banctech that built banking machines and computers. I did phone support on networks and was there about five years. The company moved to Texas; I didn’t want to go to Texas. So, I found a job as a contractor for a federal agency during Bill Clinton’s first term. The agency had no networks or desktop computers, so I was the first one to put in their networks.

After 15 years as a contractor, I was hired eight years ago as a federal employee to support a departmental network and help desk, where I work with a team of 25 people. We handle Freedom of Information requests and run a certification and accreditation program. If someone internally wants to set up a website-for instance, so people can get information from the DOE about solar panels-we review the site and run tests to look for security weaknesses. This is an annual process. In addition, I get pulled in to run projects that are highly technical. For instance, you can’t just plug into the internet from our system. Vendors and others who need to do that come to me to find out how.

What are the most important skills and/or qualities for someone in your profession?

You really have to understand the theory of computers. If you understand how everything works from the bottom up, you’ll be able to troubleshoot. I have to stress that you need a love for this, because things change every six months. If you’re not willing to be constantly updated, you’ll be far behind pretty quickly.

What do you wish you had known going into this profession?

I wish I had known that hacking would become such a big deal. I was on the leading edge when I started, when the internet was DOS-based. I could go onto important websites and there was no protection. Looking back, I could have come up with something to fix vulnerabilities and I wouldn’t be working now!

Are there many job opportunities in your profession? In what specific areas?

Absolutely. Every day in the news, somebody is getting hacked. However, the security field is intense. You’re on the clock 24 hours. Not everybody wants to do that. You can make a lot of money in the security field if you can get those difficult Cisco security certifications. But you can get dismissed real quick, too, if somebody gets into a system you’re watching.

How do you see your profession changing in the next five years, what role will technology play in those changes, and what skills will be required?

I think it’s going to change based on protocols. New protocols-computer languages-are being developed all the time, because every company is trying to stop hackers. And hackers are constantly working on how to get in. You really need to learn programming and protocols.

What do you enjoy most about your job? What do you enjoy least about your job?

I most enjoy troubleshooting. When an organization has a problem, I get to figure it out. I least like supporting difficult fellow employees who work in departments other than IT. For instance, I have to approve purchases. If somebody wants a 27-inch monitor, they need to tell me why-and not just assume that they will get it.

Can you suggest a valuable “try this” for students considering a career in your profession?

On websites such as http://etherealmind.com or https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/community/learning_center/games, you can play security games, take security tests, or join groups to discuss the topic. You’ll find out if you have a real interest in security.

This interview was originally published in 2019.

Citation Types

Type
Format
MLA 9th
Vest, Daniel. "Computer/Information Research Scientist." Careers in Artificial Intelligence, edited by Stuart Paterson, Salem Press, 2022. Salem Online, online.salempress.com/articleDetails.do?articleName=CarAI_0012.
APA 7th
Vest, D. (2022). Computer/Information Research Scientist. In S. Paterson (Ed.), Careers in Artificial Intelligence. Salem Press. online.salempress.com.
CMOS 17th
Vest, Daniel. "Computer/Information Research Scientist." Edited by Stuart Paterson. Careers in Artificial Intelligence. Hackensack: Salem Press, 2022. Accessed May 09, 2025. online.salempress.com.