Computer and Information Research Scientist (CIRS) – Job Analysis Report

Background Information 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects exponential job growth in the next decade compared to the previous decade – creating an estimated 11.5 million jobs by 2026. Another notable observation is the prospect that 65% of children joining primary school today will hold jobs that do not exist now. A 2017 report by the LinkedIn Economic graph team on emerging jobs in the U.S. established technology to be the key driver. Jobs with the leading growth potential are tech-focused, driven by the demand from both and non-tech firms. The explosion in tech roles over the last five years saw hiring in the hardware industry rise by 10% and approximately 15% in the software industry by the end of 2016 (Economic Graph Team, 2017). Computer and Information Research Scientist (CIRS), is among the jobs whose demand grew over the cited period and face bright future prospects. There were 27,900 computer and information research scientists’ jobs in 2016. The profession is expected to growth by 19% by 2026, contributing an additional 5,400 jobs (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018).

The job summary report on O*Net describes that the role of the computer and information research scientists is to conduct research in the field of computing as theorists, designers, and inventors (O*Net, 2018). The main objective is to develop solutions in the fields of computer hardware and software. The job’s proliferation in stature owes to the growth and widespread application of sophisticated technology. The increase in the application of artificial intelligence (AI), calls for specialized machine learning and data analysis roles (Economic Graph Team, 2017), which fall under the jurisdiction of CIR scientists.

Computer and information research scientists work in the fields of data mining, robotics, and programming. The fields are critical in the creation of data products and application of data science in work production. Computer and information research scientists form a crucial cog in the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). According to Langdon, McKittrick, Beede et al. (2011), they drive America’s innovation and competitiveness through new ideas, companies, and industries. Consequently, the growth in STEM jobs in the last decade tripled that of non-STEM jobs. The implication of the trend and developments is that computer and information research scientists are less likely to experience joblessness than their non-STEM counterparts. In the US, the federal government is the leading employer of computer and information research scientists, absorbing 26% of the workforce in 2012 (Truity, 2018), but exponential demand continues to materialize in other sectors as well. There are excellent job prospects for this profession.

Job Analysis Statements 

Computer and information research scientists are experts in the field of computer. They are holders of a PhD or professional degree who employ their knowledge of the field in devising solutions to existing and complex problems and situations. They seek to expand the knowledge base available to the computer industry and improve the efficiency of computer technology through innovations in software technology needed to advance computer hardware capabilities (Computer Science Degree Hub, 2018). The proliferation of jobs related to the professions provides a soft landing for individuals perturbed by the disruptive role of technology in relation to job security. According to Frey and Osborne (2017), recent advances in Machine Learning (ML) and Mobile Robotics (MR) have essentially increased the susceptibility of occupations to computerization. On the contrary, the demand and diverse roles of computer and information research scientists illustrate the development of niches of jobs that can withstand the technology revolution. People continue to be an essential component of computerization for the foreseeable future because AI, which would supposedly take the majority of human roles, is still under formative stages. O*Net (2018) and Career Planner (2018) provide detailed accounts describing tasks, knowledge, and skills of computer and information research scientists, some of which are highlighted below.

Task Statements of the Job 

• Directing daily departmental operations project coordination, and assignment of schedules to meet project goals and deadlines
• Analyzing problems and developing solutions for computer hardware and software
• Evaluating project proposals and plans to assess their feasibility
• Deploy theoretical expertise to innovate, create, or apply new technology and adapt application of computer principles to new uses
• Consulting with the management, technicians, vendors, and users to determine computing needs and system requirements
• Collaborations with stakeholders to solicit cooperation and resolve problems
• Developing and interpreting organizational goals, policies, and procedures
• Participation in staffing and training of new entrants and subordinate staff
• Maintenance of hardware and software, implement network security protocols and ensure accessibility and availability of the network to system users
• Participation in multidisciplinary projects in the fields of virtual reality, AI, and robotics
• Development of performance standards, evaluation and appraisal tools
• Approval, preparation, monitoring, and adjustment of organizational budgets
• Designing computers and related software
• Logical assessment of the business, mathematical, engineering, and other technical problems and develop solutions to address them
• Analysis of experimental results and publication in academic journals

Knowledge Statements 

• Knowledge in computer and electronics ensures familiarity with hardware and software
• Knowledge in mathematics is essential in the application of arithmetic, algebra, statistics, geometry, and calculus
• English language knowledge including content, rules of composition, and grammar
• Knowledge in education and training to facilitate understanding and design of the curriculum including teaching and instruction methods for different audiences
• Telecommunication knowledge in transmission, broadcasting, switching control, and operations management
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools and principles for production of plans, blueprints, and models
• Knowledge in administration and management in business for strategic planning, supply chain management, resource allocation, human resource management, leadership, and production methods
• Knowledge of engineering and technology in the practical application of scientific and engineering principles, procedures, techniques, equipment, and design in the production of goods and services
• Knowledge in customer service to assess and meet customer needs and specifications through quality products and services
• Knowledge in media and communication to produce, disseminate and communicate information including through alternative oral, written, or visual methods

Skill Statements 

• Ability to identify and solve complex problems and review pertinent information to develop and evaluate options for implementation of solutions
• The ability to make prudent judgment and decisions relative to costs and benefits and choosing the most appropriate
• Programming capabilities to write computer programs for different uses
• System evaluation and analysis abilities to identify performance indicators and corrective actions
• Monitoring abilities to assess individual and group performance and make adjustments to align them to organizational goals

Survey Results Summary 

Overall, computer and information research scientists carry out ad hoc analysis and reporting, statistical analysis and modelling in experimentation, and develop machine prototypes. The job holders face many complex problems that require critical thinking and analytical skills. They must demonstrate control and the capability to develop and execute concepts, analyze the results, and draw conclusions. The tasks require ingenuity, implying they must constantly develop innovative ways of solving problems, especially in situations where the original idea fails to work. Most importantly, communication skills play a crucial role in the working relationships with managers and programmers as they explain their conclusions, including presentations to people with no technical background.

The most frequently used skillset by computer and information research scientists include analytical, problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. The skillset brings into play all other capabilities and knowledge required to accomplish tasks. Every project or task handled by the jobholders is a complex problem with no existing solution. Troubleshooting is often a necessary approach, and this requires them to demonstrate exceptional levels of critical thinking, creativity, analysis, and problem-solving, all the time. The skillset is central regardless of whether one works in robotics, data mining, or programming. The skillset draws from others such as attention to detail, aptitude for mathematics, multitasking abilities, versatility, and commitment to learning.

Lessons from the Project 

Technology is the king. This lesson illustrates the increasing dependence on technology, a phenomenon responsible for driving up the demand for people with computer knowledge and skills such as computer and information scientists. On the other hand, technology is responsible for a shift in the way people relate, a process with major implications for business and other operations. The role of the traditional soft skills in people management (Economic Graph Team, 2017) cannot be understated even in a technology-driven world. The other emergent factor from the project is the validity of the information on the susceptibility of traditional occupational roles to computerization (Frey & Osborne, 2017). One can argue that critics of technology concerns about the loss of jobs due to disruptions and inevitable change from adoptions and the implementation of technology are justified.

However, they miss a crucial point about the potential of technology to create new jobs suited to current and future market demands. Langdon et al. (2011) clearly illustrated the trends in the growth of STEM and non-STEM jobs. The former grew by 7.9% between 2000 and 2010, and 17.0% between 2008 and 2018. On the contrary, non-STEM jobs grew by 2.6% and 9.8% within the same periods. The interdependence between tech jobs that demand technical skills and knowledge and non-tech jobs that draw on soft skills could potentially address concerns about job loss due to computerization. People need to adapt to the changing business and employment environment by learning new skill sets demanded by the market. Computer and information research scientist job requires numerous skills to perform the diverse and complex roles of the profession. The implication for other professions is that with artificial innovation on the horizon, they too must innovate or perish.

References

Career Planner (2018). Computer and information research scientist – job description. Retrieved from https://job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/Computer-and-Information-Research-Scientist.cfm.

Computer Science Degree Hub. (2018). What is a computer and information research scienctistt? Retrieved from https://www.computersciencedegreehub.com/faq/computer-information-research-scientist/.

Economic Graphic Team. (2017). LinkedIn’s 2017 U.S. emerging jobs report. LinkedIn. Retrieved from https://economicgraph.linkedin.com/research/LinkedIns-2017-US-Emerging-Jobs-Report.

Frey, C. B., & Osborne, M. A. (2017). The future of employment: how susceptible are jobs to computerisation?.  Technological forecasting and social change ,  114 , 254-280. Retrieved from http://enliza.es/SECCIONES_1/1_EL%20FUTURO%20DEL%20TRABAJO/RECURSOS/The_Future_of_Employment_OMS_Working_Paper.pdf

Langdon, D., McKittrick, G., Beede, D., Khan, B., & Doms, M. (2011). STEM: Good Jobs Now and for the Future. ESA Issue Brief# 03-11.  US Department of Commerce . Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED522129.pdf

O*Net. (2018). Summary Report for: 15-1111.00 - Computer and Information Research Scientists. Retrieved from https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1111.00

Truity. (2018). Computer and information scientist. Retrieved from https://www.truity.com/career-profile/computer-or-information-research-scientist.

US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2018). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Computer and information research scientist. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/Computer-and-Information-Technology/Computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm.