What Do Research Scientists Do?
Wondering what the job is really like for research scientists?
You've come to the right place.
Keep reading to find detailed information about what research scientists do, including the type of work they are tasked with on a daily basis, industries in which they work, and the specific skills needed for a successful career.
Research Scientists Overview & Description
Let's get started with the basics about research scientists by taking a look at a simple description and popular job titles.
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.
Popular Job Titles For Research Scientists
Sample of Reported Job Titles
- Computer Scientists
- Computational Scientists
- Research Computer Scientists
- Scientists
- Principal Scientists
- Cryptologists
- NLP Engineers
- Applied Scientists
- Applications Scientists
- Associate Scientists
- Staff Scientists
- Transformation Analysts
Read on for insight into the industries where the highest concentration of jobs for research scientists can be found.
Best Industries for Research Scientists
Research Scientists Jobs By Industry
- Federal Government, Civilian: 31.5%
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services: 21.4%
- Scientific Research and Development Services: 15.3%
- Software Publishers: 7.6%
- Education and Hospitals (State Government): 6.5%
- Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services: 3.1%
- Other: 14.6%
When it comes to jobs in the United States, the largest single category of research scientists can be found working in the Federal Government, Civilian sector. In 2023, about 31.5% of all jobs for research scientists were found there.
Other top industries by percentage include Computer Systems Design and Related Services (21.4%), Scientific Research and Development Services (15.3%), Software Publishers (7.6%), Education and Hospitals (State Government) (6.5%) and Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (3.1%).
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Degree Options for Research Scientists
Learn to translate business requirements into robust yet functional software applications and database designs to help businesses not only run but thrive, and jump start your career as a user support specialist, computer system analyst, or software developer.
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Equip yourself for a role as an IT, network or help desk specialist with fundamental technology skills, including medium-scale network administration, small website and application development, and database design and querying.
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- Cost Per Credit: $398
Go beyond basic programming and develop the technical skills necessary to apply, design, and implement software systems.
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- Cost Per Credit: $398
Bridge the gap between business and technology and develop the interpersonal skills to become an IT liaison in your organization.
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- Cost Per Credit: $398
Harness the power of data by creating data-driven strategies and communicating data insights with a B.S. Information Systems-Analytics Focus.
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- Cost Per Credit: $398
Develop your ability to lead, communicate and make strategic decisions that impact projects and processes with a B.S. Information Systems-Business Analysis & Project Management Focus
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- Cost Per Credit: $398
Build technical savvy and business acumen that bridges the gap between business and technology with a B.S. Information Systems with a Business Information Systems focus.
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- Cost Per Credit: $398
Get the knowledge to manage healthcare data, navigate regulations and inform ethical decision-making with a B.S. Information Systems-Healthcare Information Systems Focus
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- Cost Per Credit: $398
Play a vital role in any business environment by designing and implementing mission-critical infrastructure, security, and servers.
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- Cost Per Credit: $398
Develop the advanced technical skills needed to turn complex programming specifications into well-designed computer programs.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Deliver high-quality software that helps companies and organizations maintain data security and integrity with Franklin’s 20-month online M.S. in Computer Science with a focus in Cybersecurity.
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- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Cybersecurity 100% online in as few as 16 months.
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- Months To Complete: 16
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Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Data Analytics 100% online in as few as 16 months.
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- Months To Complete: 16
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Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Healthcare 100% online in as few as 16 months.
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- Months To Complete: 16
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Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in IT Leadership 100% online in as few as 16 months.
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- Months To Complete: 16
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Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in IT Management 100% online in as few as 16 months.
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Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Learning Technology 100% online in as few as 16 months.
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Certificates & Microcredentials for Research Scientists
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This DeepLearning AI certificate course lets you dive into the cutting-edge world of AI specialization, machine learning and data-driven solutions.
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- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
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In-demand programmers know Git. You can, too, with GitHub certificate courses that put you among the ranks of other Git certification-ready development pros.
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- Time To Complete: 3-4 months
- Cost: $35/month
Fast track your IT career with the Google IT support training and certificate that helps you learn about network protocols, operating systems, and solving problems using code.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
Put your creativity to work with these Google UX design courses that equip you to build and test user-centered solutions and to use Google Analytics to improve usability.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
Develop practical skills in Python and IBM applied AI thanks to deep learning courses that show you how to design, build and deploy AI-powered apps.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
Build your cloud developer portfolio with this hands-on IBM full stack cloud developer certificate course that uses the latest tools and technologies to manage full stack cloud native apps.
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- Time To Complete: 5-6 months
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- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 1-2 months
- Cost: $35/month
What Do Research Scientists Do on a Daily Basis?
So you have a high-level understanding of what research scientists do and the types of industries in which they work - but what do they really do each day?
A great way to understand the type of work research scientists do is to examine actual job postings and focus on the specific skills that employers are seeking. That will help paint a clearer picture of the tasks that research scientists tackle each day.
Continue reading for a breakdown of specialized skills found in job postings for research scientists, as well as common skills - interpersonal qualities and attributes - that can help you thrive in the workplace.
In-Demand Skills for Today's Research Scientists
Based on 6,582 job postings
Top 5 Specialized Skills for Research Scientists
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 3,587 | 54% |
| Python (Programming Language) | 2,503 | 38% |
| Machine Learning | 2,415 | 37% |
| Artificial Intelligence | 1,982 | 30% |
| Statistics | 1,513 | 23% |
Top 5 Common Skills for Research Scientists
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Research | 3,939 | 60% |
| Communication | 2,279 | 35% |
| Mathematics | 1,935 | 29% |
| Management | 1,397 | 21% |
| Writing | 1,380 | 21% |
Based on 6,582 job postings related to research scientists, computer science was the top specialized skill sought by employers, with 54% of all postings looking for that skillset. Skills for python (programming language), machine learning, artificial intelligence, statistics and algorithms were also highly sought.
As for common skills, research was the most desired skill found in job postings for research scientists, followed by communication, mathematics, management, writing and innovation.
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 3,587 | 54% |
| Python (Programming Language) | 2,503 | 38% |
| Machine Learning | 2,415 | 37% |
| Artificial Intelligence | 1,982 | 30% |
| Statistics | 1,513 | 23% |
| Algorithms | 1,441 | 22% |
| Software Engineering | 1,325 | 20% |
| C++ (Programming Language) | 1,231 | 19% |
| Computer Engineering | 1,136 | 17% |
| Data Science | 1,097 | 17% |
| Software Development | 1,054 | 16% |
| R (Programming Language) | 1,026 | 16% |
| Data Analysis | 976 | 15% |
| Natural Language Processing (NLP) | 945 | 14% |
| Java (Programming Language) | 906 | 14% |
| Physics | 878 | 13% |
| Systems Design | 838 | 13% |
| Programming Languages | 825 | 13% |
| Deep Learning | 815 | 12% |
| Project Management | 813 | 12% |
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Research | 3,939 | 60% |
| Communication | 2,279 | 35% |
| Mathematics | 1,935 | 29% |
| Management | 1,397 | 21% |
| Writing | 1,380 | 21% |
| Innovation | 1,273 | 19% |
| Operations | 1,167 | 18% |
| Problem Solving | 910 | 14% |
| Presentations | 893 | 14% |
| Leadership | 824 | 13% |
| Verbal Communication Skills | 697 | 11% |
| Teaching | 677 | 10% |
| Mentorship | 615 | 9% |
| Interpersonal Communications | 555 | 8% |
| Troubleshooting (Problem Solving) | 522 | 8% |
| Information Technology | 516 | 8% |
| Planning | 505 | 8% |
| Self-Motivation | 490 | 7% |
| Coordinating | 440 | 7% |
| English Language | 357 | 5% |
Most In-Demand Jobs for Research Scientists
Top 5 Posted Job Titles
| Job Title | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Scientists | 3,418 | 39.2% |
| Computational Scientists | 1,167 | 13.4% |
| Research Computer Scientists | 990 | 11.4% |
| Scientists | 741 | 8.5% |
| Principal Scientists | 551 | 6.3% |
According to job postings that were published between September 2022 and August 2023, the top job sought by employers was computer scientists, with 1,480 unique job postings. Computational scientists were second, with 362 postings, followed by research computer scientists, scientists and principal scientists.
Expand the section below to see unique job postings for all occupations related to research scientists.
| Job Title | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Scientists | 3,418 | 39.2% |
| Computational Scientists | 1,167 | 13.4% |
| Research Computer Scientists | 990 | 11.4% |
| Scientists | 741 | 8.5% |
| Principal Scientists | 551 | 6.3% |
| Cryptologists | 320 | 3.7% |
| NLP Engineers | 215 | 2.5% |
| Applied Scientists | 225 | 2.6% |
| Applications Scientists | 273 | 3.1% |
| Associate Scientists | 131 | 1.5% |
| Staff Scientists | 153 | 1.8% |
| Transformation Analysts | 52 | 0.6% |
| Applied Researchers | 61 | 0.7% |
| Postdoctoral Research Associates | 44 | 0.5% |
| Digital Solutions Directors | 60 | 0.7% |
| Computer Scientists/Software Engineers | 99 | 1.1% |
| Modeling Analysts | 36 | 0.4% |
| Artificial Intelligence Consultants | 63 | 0.7% |
| Artificial Intelligence Engineers | 51 | 0.6% |
| Speech Language Pathologists | 69 | 0.8% |
Additional Links
Ready to dig deeper into career information for research scientists? Visit our other pages focused on salary and education for research scientists.
How much do research scientists make?
Research Scientists: How do you become one?
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