Computer and Information Research Scientists

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Also known as:
Computer Scientist, Computer Specialist, Control System Computer Scientist, Research Scientist, Scientific Programmer Analyst

See all Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Careers.

ABOUT COMPUTER AND INFORMATION RESEARCH SCIENTIST CAREERS

Video transcript

Developing the tools and technologies of tomorrow... requires hard work today. Computer and information research scientists invent new approaches to computing technology and improve the use of existing technology. They study complex computing problems, and are often at the forefront of solving them for business, science, medicine, and other fields. These research scientists build algorithms, or sets of instructions that tell a computer what to do. They may use an algorithm to develop a new computing language, create programs to control robots, and simplify the ways people interact with computers. Their work often leads to technological advancements, such as better networking technology, faster computing speeds, and improved information security. In general, computer and information research scientists work at a more theoretical level than other computer professionals. Computer and information research scientists work for the federal government, computer systems design firms, research and development departments, and for colleges and universities. Most positions are full time. Most computer and information research scientists need a need a master's degree in computer science or a related field, such as computer engineering. For federal government jobs, a bachelor's degree may be sufficient.

SNAPSHOT

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.

Leadership	HIGH
Critical decision making	HIGH
Level of responsibilities	LOW
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines	MED
Dealing and handling conflict	LOW

Competition for this position	MED
Communication with others	HIGH
Work closely with team members, clients etc.	HIGH
Comfort of the work setting	HIGH
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions	LOW
Exposure to job hazards	LOW
Physical demands	LOW

Daily tasks

Develop performance standards, and evaluate work in light of established standards.

Develop and interpret organizational goals, policies, and procedures.

Evaluate project plans and proposals to assess feasibility issues.

Design computers and the software that runs them.

Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians to determine computing needs and system requirements.

Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.

Participate in multidisciplinary projects in areas such as virtual reality, human-computer interaction, or robotics.

Conduct logical analyses of business, scientific, engineering, and other technical problems, formulating mathematical models of problems for solution by computers.

Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.

Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.

Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.

MAIN ACTIVITIES

Interacting With Computers	Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems	Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Analyzing Data or Information	Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Thinking Creatively	Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Documenting/Recording Information	Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Processing Information	Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE

Computers and Electronics	Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Mathematics	Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Engineering and Technology	Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Administration and Management	Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Design	Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Telecommunications	Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Physics	Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.

TOP SKILLS

Judgment and Decision Making	Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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.

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.

Programming	Writing computer programs for various purposes.

Systems Evaluation	Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.