Computer and Information Research Scientists

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Computer & Mathematical
• O*NET-SOC code: 15-1221
• O*NET job zone: 5 — extensive preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.
• Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.
• Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.
• Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
• Design computers and the software that runs them.
• Conduct logical analyses of business, scientific, engineering, and other technical problems, formulating mathematical models of problems for solution by computers.
• Evaluate project plans and proposals to assess feasibility issues.
• Participate in multidisciplinary projects in areas such as virtual reality, human-computer interaction, or robotics.
• Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians to determine computing needs and system requirements.
• Develop and interpret organizational goals, policies, and procedures.
• Develop performance standards, and evaluate work in light of established standards.
• Maintain network hardware and software, direct network security measures, and monitor networks to ensure availability to system users.

Tools and technology

Amazon DynamoDB, Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2, Amazon Redshift, Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation, Amazon Web Services AWS SageMaker, Amazon Web Services AWS software, Ansible software, Apache Airflow, Apache Cassandra, Apache Hadoop, Apache Hive, Apache Kafka

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Data Scientists
• Mathematicians
• Software Developers
• Computer Programmers
• Operations Research Analysts
• Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
• Computer Systems Analysts
• Bioinformatics Technicians

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 5 (extensive preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Computer and Information Research Scientists — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.