Natural Sciences Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.
How AI Impacts Each Task
16 tasks analyzed
Confer with scientists, engineers, regulators, or others to plan or review projects or to provide technical assistance.
Develop client relationships and communicate with clients to explain proposals, present research findings, establish specifications, or discuss project status.
Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.
Review project activities and prepare and review research, testing, or operational reports.
Develop or implement policies, standards, or procedures for the architectural, scientific, or technical work performed to ensure regulatory compliance or operations enhancement.
Determine scientific or technical goals within broad outlines provided by top management and make detailed plans to accomplish these goals.
Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
Recruit personnel or oversee the development or maintenance of staff competence.
Prepare project proposals.
Provide for stewardship of plant or animal resources or habitats, studying land use, monitoring animal populations, or providing shelter, resources, or medical treatment for animals.
Conduct own research in field of expertise.
Prepare and administer budgets, approve and review expenditures, and prepare financial reports.
Make presentations at professional meetings to further knowledge in the field.
Develop innovative technology or train staff for its implementation.
Advise or assist in obtaining patents or meeting other legal requirements.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Confer with scientists, engineers, regulators, or others to plan or review projects or to provide technical assistance. | 15Estimated | 21.0% | 10% | |
| Develop client relationships and communicate with clients to explain proposals, present research findings, establish specifications, or discuss project status. | 54.17Observed | 36.7% | 10% | |
| Plan or direct research, development, or production activities. | 40Estimated | 43.0% | 12% | |
| Review project activities and prepare and review research, testing, or operational reports. | 35.65Observed | 41.3% | 8% | |
| Develop or implement policies, standards, or procedures for the architectural, scientific, or technical work performed to ensure regulatory compliance or operations enhancement. | 50Estimated | 47.0% | 6% | |
| Determine scientific or technical goals within broad outlines provided by top management and make detailed plans to accomplish these goals. | 40Estimated | 43.0% | 8% | |
| Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing. | 55Estimated | 49.0% | 8% | |
| Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff. | 15Estimated | 21.0% | 8% | |
| Recruit personnel or oversee the development or maintenance of staff competence. | 20Estimated | 23.0% | 5% | |
| Prepare project proposals. | 62.02Observed | 51.8% | 6% | |
| Provide for stewardship of plant or animal resources or habitats, studying land use, monitoring animal populations, or providing shelter, resources, or medical treatment for animals. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 3% | |
| Conduct own research in field of expertise. | 66.1Observed | 53.4% | 5% | |
| Prepare and administer budgets, approve and review expenditures, and prepare financial reports. | 87Estimated | 84.0% | 5% | |
| Make presentations at professional meetings to further knowledge in the field. | 20Estimated | 23.0% | 2% | |
| Develop innovative technology or train staff for its implementation. | 50Estimated | 47.0% | 2% | |
| Advise or assist in obtaining patents or meeting other legal requirements. | 49.6Observed | 46.8% | 2% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Reading Comprehension 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 Mathematics 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.
Programming 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.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Negotiation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Recommended Courses
Courses matched to Natural Sciences Managers 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
SQL Fundamentals Skill Track
by DataCamp
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AI-Augmentation Tools
Learn to work alongside AI and boost your productivity
Creative Writing Specialization
by Wesleyan 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
Related News
Recent articles about AI affecting this occupation
FDA Deploys AI to Automate Clinical Trial Monitoring Workflows
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Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis