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What does Computer or Information Research Scientist do?

#research #scientist #researcher

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Wayne’s Answer

Hi Kateryna.

Computer and information research scientists invent and design new approaches to computing technology and find innovative uses for existing technology. They study and solve complex problems in computing for business, science, medicine, and other fields.

Some of their duties may include:
- Explore fundamental issues in computing and develop theories and models to address those issues
- Help scientists and engineers solve complex computing problems
- Invent new computing languages, tools, and methods to improve the way in which people work with computers
- Develop and improve the software systems that form the basis of the modern computing experience
- Design experiments to test the operation of these software systems
- Analyze the results of their experiments
- Publish their findings in academic journals and present their findings at conferences

Some computer scientists work with electrical engineers, computer hardware engineers, and other specialists on multidisciplinary projects. The following are examples of types of specialties for computer and information research scientists:

- Robotics. Some computer and information research scientists study how to improve robots. Robotics explores how a machine can interact with the physical world. Computer and information research scientists create the programs that control the robots. They work closely with engineers who focus on the hardware design of robots. Together, these workers test how well the robots do the tasks they were created to do, such as assemble cars or collect data on other planets.
- Programming. Computer and information research scientists design new programming languages that are used to write software. The new languages make software writing more efficient by improving an existing language, such as Java, or by making a specific aspect of programming, such as image processing, easier.

Most jobs for computer and information research scientists require a master’s degree in computer science or a related field. In the federal government, a bachelor’s degree may be sufficient for some jobs.

Some of the important qualities of computer scientists include:

- Analytical skills. Computer and information research scientists must be organized in their thinking and analyze the results of their research to formulate conclusions.
- Communication skills. Computer and information research scientists must communicate well with programmers and managers and be able to clearly explain their conclusions to people with no technical background. They often present their research at conferences.
- Critical-thinking skills. Computer and information research scientists work on many complex problems.
- Detail oriented. Computer and information research scientists must pay close attention to their work, because a small programming error can cause an entire project to fail.
- Ingenuity. Computer and information research scientists must continually come up with innovative ways to solve problems, particularly when their ideas do not initially work as intended.
- Logical thinking. Computer algorithms rely on logic. Computer and information research scientists must have a talent for reasoning.
- Math skills. Computer and information research scientists must have knowledge of advanced math and other technical topics that are critical in computing.

Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for answering my question it is very helpful. Kateryna
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Allan’s Answer

Hi Kateryna,
I think Wayne provided an excellent answer. I also suggest search job openings for computer research scientists or information research scientists. You can search Google, or use job boards like Indeed.com.
Here is how the US Bureau of Labor Statistics describes this job: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm#tab-2

Computer and information research scientists invent and design new approaches to computing technology and find innovative uses for existing technology. They study and solve complex problems in computing for business, science, medicine, and other fields.

Duties
Computer and information research scientists typically do the following:

Explore fundamental issues in computing and develop theories and models to address those issues
Help scientists and engineers solve complex computing problems
Invent new computing languages, tools, and methods to improve the way in which people work with computers
Develop and improve the software systems that form the basis of the modern computing experience
Design experiments to test the operation of these software systems
Analyze the results of their experiments
Publish their findings in academic journals and present their findings at conferences
Computer and information research scientists create and improve computer software and hardware.

Creating and improving software involves working with algorithms, which are sets of instructions that tell a computer what to do. Some computing tasks are very difficult and require complex algorithms. Computer and information research scientists try to simplify these algorithms to make computer systems as efficient as possible. The algorithms allow advancements in many types of technology, such as machine learning systems and cloud computing.

Computer and information research scientists design new computer architecture that improves the performance and efficiency of computer hardware. Their work often leads to technological advancements and efficiencies, 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 do other computer professionals.

Some computer scientists work with electrical engineers, computer hardware engineers, and other specialists on multidisciplinary projects. The following are examples of types of specialties for computer and information research scientists:

Robotics. Some computer and information research scientists study how to improve robots. Robotics explores how a machine can interact with the physical world. Computer and information research scientists create the programs that control the robots. They work closely with engineers who focus on the hardware design of robots. Together, these workers test how well the robots do the tasks they were created to do, such as assemble cars or collect data on other planets.

Programming. Computer and information research scientists design new programming languages that are used to write software. The new languages make software writing more efficient by improving an existing language, such as Java, or by making a specific aspect of programming, such as image processing, easier.

Good luck!
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