What Do Computer Research Scientists Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Computer 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. They also analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.

Other tasks include:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

We asked Computer Research Scientists how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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78% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 45% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Computer Research Scientists analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software. They apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.

A typical day for a Computer and Information Research Scientist will also include:

• Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.
• 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.
• Participate in multidisciplinary projects in areas such as virtual reality, human-computer interaction, or robotics.
• Maintain network hardware and software, direct network security measures, and monitor networks to ensure availability to system users.

We asked some Computer Research Scientists a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	50% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	86% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	91% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	4% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	0% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	22% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Computer Research Scientists also develop and interpret organizational goals, policies, and procedures. They may also meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Computer Research Scientists Approve, prepare, monitor, and adjust operational budgets. They might also Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians to determine computing needs and system requirements.

In addition, they Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Direct daily operations of departments, coordinating project activities with other departments.

To some Computer Research Scientists, it is also their responsibility to Evaluate project plans and proposals to assess feasibility issues.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Computer and Information Research Scientist, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally..

They also like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm

http://www.acm.org/

http://www.cra.org/

http://www.iccp.org/