Computer Science Overview - Preparation - Specialty Areas - Day In The Life - Earnings - Employment - Career Path Forecast - Professional Organizations

Job Duties
Computer and information research scientists typically do the following:

-- Explore fundamental issues in computing and develop theories and models to address those issues

-- Help scientists and engineers solve complex computing problems Invent new computing languages, tools, and methods to improve the way in which people work with computers

-- Develop and improve the software systems that form the basis of the modern computing experience

-- Design experiments to test the operation of these software systems Analyze the results of their experiments

-- Publish their findings in academic journals and present their findings at conferences

Computer and information research scientists create and improve computer software and hardware.

Creating and improving software involves working with algorithms, which are sets of instructions that tell a computer what to do. Some computing tasks are very difficult and require complex algorithms. Computer and information research scientists try to simplify these algorithms to make computer systems as efficient as possible. The algorithms allow advancements in many types of technology, such as machine learning systems and cloud computing.

Computer and information research scientists design new computer architecture that improves the performance and efficiency of computer hardware. Their work often leads to technological advancements and efficiencies, such as better networking technology, faster computing speeds, and improved information security. In general, computer and information research scientists work at a more theoretical level than do other computer professionals. Some computer scientists work with electrical engineers, computer hardware engineers, and other specialists on multidisciplinary projects.

The following are examples of types of specialties for computer and information research scientists:

Robotics. Some computer and information research scientists study how to improve robots. Robotics explores how a machine can interact with the physical world. Computer and information research scientists create the programs that control the robots. They work closely with engineers who focus on the hardware design of robots. Together, these workers test how well the robots do the tasks they were created to do, such as assemble cars or collect data on other planets.

Programming. Computer and information research scientists design new programming languages that are used to write software. The new languages make software writing more efficient by improving an existing language, such as Java, or by making a specific aspect of programming, such as image processing, easier..

The Workplace
Computer scientists normally work in offices or laboratories in comfortable surroundings. They usually work about 40 hours a week -- the same as many other professional or office workers do. However, evening or weekend work may be necessary to meet deadlines or solve specific problems. Given the technology available today, telecommuting is common for computer professionals. As networks expand, more work can be done from remote locations through modems, laptops, electronic mail, and the Internet.

Like other workers who spend long periods in front of a computer terminal typing on a keyboard, computer systems analysts, database administrators, and computer scientists are susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort, and hand and wrist problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome or cumulative trauma disorder. Through the adoption of good practices and modification of the workplace environment these problems can be mitigated.

Teams and Coworkers
Although computer specialists sometimes work independently, they frequently work in teams on large projects. They must be able to communicate effectively with computer personnel, such as programmers and managers, as well as with users or other staff who may have no technical computer background.

Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.