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Computer and Information Research Scientists

Under the title Computer and Information Research Scientists, workers conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Expect to analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software. The strongest interest signal is Investigative (7.0 of 7), then Conventional (4.8) and Realistic, which gives it the code ICR. Plan on graduate school and often five years or more of related experience; O*NET labels this extensive preparation. Strength in judgment and decision making, critical thinking, and complex problem solving helps most here. You may also need to apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses. People who want research, analysis and working through hard problems usually fit better here than those who need helping, teaching or caring for people.

What they do

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.

Main tasks

  • 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.

Skills

  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Critical Thinking
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Systems Analysis
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You enjoy working out why something happens, not just what happened.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You are prepared for graduate-level study and a long training path.
  • You are comfortable relying on judgment and decision making and critical thinking.

May not suit you if

  • You lose interest when a job asks for long stretches of analysis.
  • You want helping people to be at the center of your work. Social rates 2.0 out of 7 here.
  • You want to be working in the field within the next few years.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code ICR takes the three highest, and Investigative comes first here.

Preparation

Extensive preparation. Many jobs here need graduate study, and people often spend five years or more building specialist experience.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Doctoral Degree. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Computer Scientist
  • Computer Specialist
  • Control System Computer Scientist
  • Research Scientist
  • Scientific Programmer Analyst

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.