Computer and Information Research Scientists
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.
How AI Impacts Each Task
15 tasks analyzed
Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.
Design computers and the software that runs them.
Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.
Evaluate project plans and proposals to assess feasibility issues.
Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.
Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians to determine computing needs and system requirements.
Maintain network hardware and software, direct network security measures, and monitor networks to ensure availability to system users.
Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
Conduct logical analyses of business, scientific, engineering, and other technical problems, formulating mathematical models of problems for solution by computers.
Participate in multidisciplinary projects in areas such as virtual reality, human-computer interaction, or robotics.
Develop and interpret organizational goals, policies, and procedures.
Approve, prepare, monitor, and adjust operational budgets.
Participate in staffing decisions and direct training of subordinates.
Develop performance standards, and evaluate work in light of established standards.
Direct daily operations of departments, coordinating project activities with other departments.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software. | 59.6Observed | 50.8% | 15% | |
| Design computers and the software that runs them. | 50Estimated | 47.0% | 10% | |
| Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals. | 39.9Observed | 65.2% | 5% | |
| Evaluate project plans and proposals to assess feasibility issues. | 28.12Observed | 38.3% | 8% | |
| Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses. | 73.45Observed | 56.4% | 15% | |
| Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians to determine computing needs and system requirements. | 63.73Observed | 40.5% | 8% | |
| Maintain network hardware and software, direct network security measures, and monitor networks to ensure availability to system users. | 77Estimated | 80.0% | 4% | |
| Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems. | 20Estimated | 23.0% | 6% | |
| Conduct logical analyses of business, scientific, engineering, and other technical problems, formulating mathematical models of problems for solution by computers. | 52.12Observed | 47.9% | 12% | |
| Participate in multidisciplinary projects in areas such as virtual reality, human-computer interaction, or robotics. | 40Estimated | 43.0% | 5% | |
| Develop and interpret organizational goals, policies, and procedures. | 56.53Observed | 49.6% | 3% | |
| Approve, prepare, monitor, and adjust operational budgets. | 72Estimated | 78.0% | 2% | |
| Participate in staffing decisions and direct training of subordinates. | 20Estimated | 23.0% | 3% | |
| Develop performance standards, and evaluate work in light of established standards. | 55.65Observed | 49.3% | 2% | |
| Direct daily operations of departments, coordinating project activities with other departments. | 30Estimated | 27.0% | 2% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Programming is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Recommended Courses
Courses matched to Computer and Information Research Scientists skill gaps, ranked by relevance to your displacement risk profile.
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Upskill to Reduce Risk
Courses addressing your most AI-vulnerable skills
IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate
by IBM
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AI-Augmentation Tools
Learn to work alongside AI and boost your productivity
Systems Thinking In Practice
by The Open University
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Strengthen Your Edge
Double down on skills AI can't replicate
Leading People and Teams Specialization
by University of Michigan
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Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
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Score History
Risk score over 3 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
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Recent articles about AI affecting this occupation
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Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis