What Do Computer and Information Research Scientist Do?
Position Description 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?
- Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
- Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians to determine computing needs and system requirements.
- Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.
- Participate in multidisciplinary projects in areas such as virtual reality, human-computer interaction, or robotics.
- Develop performance standards, and evaluate work in light of established standards.
- Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.
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Computer & Information Research Scientist Required Skills
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.
Other Computer & Information Research Scientist Job Titles
- Systems Engineer
- Machine Learning Scientist
- Programmer
- Research Scientist
- Multi-Disciplined Language Analyst
What Kind of Computer & Information Research Scientist Job Opportunities Are There?
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. The BLS estimates 2,500 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
Salary for a Computer & Information Research Scientist
The average yearly salary of a Computer & Information Research Scientist ranges between $69,230 and $183,820.

Computer and Information Research Scientists who work in Washington, New Mexico, or Minnesota, make the highest salaries.
How much do Computer and Information Research Scientists make in each U.S. state?
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 do Computer and Information Research Scientists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Computer and Information Research Scientists:
- 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
How to Become a Computer & Information Research Scientist
Learn what Computer and Information Research Scientist education requirements there are.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Computer & Information Research Scientist?

Computer and Information Research Scientists Sector

Below are examples of industries where Computer and Information Research Scientists work:

Similar 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.
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