What is a Computer and Information Research Scientist?
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?
- Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.
- Participate in multidisciplinary projects in areas such as virtual reality, human-computer interaction, or robotics.
- Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
- Maintain network hardware and software, direct network security measures, and monitor networks to ensure availability to system users.
- Develop performance standards, and evaluate work in light of established standards.
- Direct daily operations of departments, coordinating project activities with other departments.
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Computer & Information Research Scientist 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.
Related Job Titles
- Computational Theory Scientist
- Computer Scientist
- Data Science Director
- Bioinformatics Software Engineer
- Data Consultant
Job Opportunities for Computer and Information Research Scientists
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 27,900 jobs in the United States for Computer and Information Research Scientist. 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 2,500 job openings in this field each 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 Salary
The salary for Computer and Information Research Scientists ranges between about $69,230 and $183,820 a year.

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 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 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
What education or degrees do I need to become a Computer and Information Research Scientist?

What work experience do I need to become a Computer & Information Research Scientist?

Computer and Information Research Scientists Sector

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.
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