Computer and Information Research Scientists
SOC: 15-1111.00 · Job Zone 5 (Extensive preparation)
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.
AI Impact Summary
Computer and Information Research Scientists faces moderate AI displacement risk with a score of 36/100. Significant displacement is estimated between 2041 and 2051. Of 15 analyzed tasks, 3 are highly automatable, particularly in routine_cognitive. Strong protective factors — including social intelligence, creativity, or regulatory barriers — significantly reduce effective risk.
Protective Factors
Total protective discount: 25.4%
Skill 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 (7)
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Negotiation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
AI-Augmented Skills (5)
Recommendations
Skills to Develop
These skills are at risk from AI automation. Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals should diversify beyond them.
- Mathematics
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Information Ordering
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Reading Comprehension
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Programming
High reliance on Programming is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Mathematics
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Skills to Leverage
These human-centric skills remain difficult for AI to replicate. Double down here.
- Complex Problem Solving
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Coordination
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Social Perceptiveness
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Persuasion
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Instructing
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Tools to Adopt
AI can amplify these skills. Learn the tools that augment rather than replace your work.
- Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Systems Analysis
Systems Analysis will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Writing
Writing will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Active Learning
Active Learning will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
Task Breakdown
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 | Category | AI Capability | Risk Score | Time % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software. | Non-Routine Analytical | 65 | 53.0 | 15% |
| Design computers and the software that runs them. | Non-Routine Analytical | 60 | 51.0 | 12% |
| Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals. | Routine Cognitive | 80 | 81.2 | 3% |
| Evaluate project plans and proposals to assess feasibility issues. | Non-Routine Analytical | 60 | 51.0 | 8% |
| Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses. | Non-Routine Analytical | 45 | 45.0 | 15% |
| Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians to determine computing needs and system requirements. | Non-Routine Interpersonal | 30 | 27.0 | 8% |
| Maintain network hardware and software, direct network security measures, and monitor networks to ensure availability to system users. | Routine Cognitive | 85 | 83.2 | 4% |
| Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems. | Non-Routine Interpersonal | 20 | 23.0 | 6% |
| Conduct logical analyses of business, scientific, engineering, and other technical problems, formulating mathematical models of problems for solution by computers. | Non-Routine Analytical | 70 | 55.0 | 12% |
| Participate in multidisciplinary projects in areas such as virtual reality, human-computer interaction, or robotics. | Non-Routine Analytical | 55 | 49.0 | 5% |
| Develop and interpret organizational goals, policies, and procedures. | Non-Routine Analytical | 50 | 47.0 | 3% |
| Approve, prepare, monitor, and adjust operational budgets. | Routine Cognitive | 80 | 81.2 | 2% |
| Participate in staffing decisions and direct training of subordinates. | Non-Routine Interpersonal | 30 | 27.0 | 2% |
| Develop performance standards, and evaluate work in light of established standards. | Non-Routine Analytical | 60 | 51.0 | 2% |
| Direct daily operations of departments, coordinating project activities with other departments. | Non-Routine Interpersonal | 25 | 25.0 | 3% |
Community Assessment
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