Occupation Details
Computer and Information 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.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$80,990.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$132,790.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$165,190.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
1,080
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
1,460
+38 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
125
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.4%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
More School - Graduate or advanced degree
Experience Requirements
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Training Details
Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, physician assistants, and veterinarians.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Systems Evaluation
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Innovation
Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Articulated robots
- Cluster systems
- Computer laser printers
- Computer scanners
- Digital cameras
- Digital video cameras
- Distributed heterogeneous computers
- File servers
- Free-field speakers
- Graphics workstations
- Hard disk drives
- High-performance cluster HPC computers
- High-speed networking testbeds
- Image capture devices
- Laser scanners
- Lighting grids
- Magneto optical discs
- Mainframe computers
- Massively parallel processors MPP
- Microcomputers
- Mobile robots
- Network interface cards NIC
- Network storage arrays
- Pan-tilt-zoom cameras
- Personal computers
- Quarter inch cartridge QIC tapes
- Real time motion capture systems
- Render farms
- Stereographic projectors
- Universal serial bus USB flash drives
Technology
- 3D graphics software
- Ada
- Algorithmic software
- Amazon DynamoDB
- Amazon Web Services AWS software
- Apache Flume
- Apache HTTP Server
- Apache Hadoop
- Apache Hive
- Apache Kafka
- Apache Solr
- Apache Spark
- Apache Subversion
- Augmint
- Automated document generation software
- Bash
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- write documentation for computer programming
- prepare reports
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- direct implementation of new procedures, policies, or programs
- provide technical computer training
- advise clients or customers
- recommend further study or action based on research data
- advise governmental or industrial personnel
- plan scientific research or investigative studies
- write research or project grant proposals
- write business project or bid proposals
- develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
- develop plans for programs or projects
- work as a team member
- communicate technical information
- make presentations
- confer with scientists
- explain complex mathematical information
- write scholarly or technical research papers
- confer with research personnel
- consult with managerial or supervisory personnel
- confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
- compile numerical or statistical data
- develop tables depicting data
- develop new products based on scientific research results
- design computer hardware or software interface
- design computer programs or programming tools
- design data processing systems
- design data security systems
- design hardware or software systems
- design engineered systems
- design electronic equipment
- develop mathematical ideas or interpretations
- develop mathematical or computer languages
- create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts
- develop mathematical simulation models
- develop scientific or mathematical hypotheses, theories, or laws
- analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
- use differential equations in computer programming
- use computer networking technology
- follow data security procedures
- follow data storage procedures
- use interpersonal communication techniques
- use knowledge of mainframe computers
- use object-oriented computer programming techniques
- use oral or written communication techniques
- use scientific research methodology
- use structural analysis techniques to analyze computer systems
- use public speaking techniques
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
- use project management techniques
- use quantitative research methods
- use library or online Internet research techniques
- collect scientific or technical data
- collect statistical data
- make decisions
- resolve engineering or science problems
- program computers for electronic engineering applications
- program computers using existing software
- program mainframe computer
- resolve symbolic formulations in data processing applications
- test computer programs or systems
- use computer programming language
- use computer application flow charts
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use relational database software
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- write computer software, programs, or code
- use geographical information system (GIS) software
- develop or maintain databases
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.
- 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.
- Evaluate project plans and proposals to assess feasibility issues.
- Participate in multidisciplinary projects in areas such as virtual reality, human-computer interaction, or robotics.
- Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians to determine computing needs and system requirements.
- Direct daily operations of departments, coordinating project activities with other departments.
- Develop and interpret organizational goals, policies, and procedures.
- Develop performance standards, and evaluate work in light of established standards.
- Participate in staffing decisions and direct training of subordinates.
- Approve, prepare, monitor, and adjust operational budgets.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Center for Youth in Engineering and Science (Y.E.S.), Sponsored Competitions and Fairs
YES promotes and sponsors activities which excite high school students about career opportunities in engineering and science. Some activities include Botball, FIRST Robotics and Lego League, Future Cities, Intel Science and Engineering Fair and Siemans Westinghouse Competition.
Learn MoreCollege of SUNY Geneseo Young Scholars Adventures: Summer Academy for Jr. Scientists
Summer Academy for Jr. Scientists creates a unique enrichment opportunity for hands-on activities and experiments. Choose from two courses: Powders and Potions and experiment with solids,liquids and gases and Wild Encounters and learn and interact with a variety of creatures and plants from the animal kingdom.
Learn MoreCollege of SUNY Geneseo Young Scholars Adventures: Summer Academy for Jr. Scientists at St. John Fisher Campus
Summer Academy for Jr. Scientists at St. John Fisher Campus creates a unique enrichment opportunity for hands-on activities and experiments. Choose from two courses: Powders and Potions and experiment with solids,liquids and gases and Wild Encounters and learn and interact with a variety of creatures and plants from the animal kingdom.
Learn MoreCornell University Summer College Program: Focus on the Sciences
Focus on the Sciences is designed especially for students who are passionate about subjects from astronomy to biology and who just can't wait to get to college to undertake in-depth scientific exploration. You?ll earn an average of six to eight credits and get advanced lab work under your lab coat while maybe figuring out what you want to study in college.
Learn MoreDigiGirlz High Technology Camps
DigiGirlz High Tech Camp, sponsored by Microsoft, is a technology camp for girls.The goal is to educate and inspire girls by introducing them to the considerable opportunities and career choices available in the high-tech industry. Stony Brook, NY , one of several sites, is this years local llocation.
Learn MoreDiscovery School's Science Fair Central
So you're going to do a science fair project! Science Fair Central: Creative Investigations into the Real World contains helpful links including a comprehensive guide to creating your science fair project, Janice VanCleave's winning science fair project help guide with helpful resources and project ideas listing project topics to help you get started.
Learn MoreDistributed Mentor Project (DMP):Mentoring Undergraduate Women in Computing Research
The objective of the DMP is to increase the number of women entering graduate studies in the fields of computer science and engineering. This highly selective program matches promising undergraduate women with a faculty mentor for a summer research experience at the faculty member's home institution.
Learn MoreFIRST and the Finger Lakes - Upstate New York Region
This year's game, titled Rack & Roll poses a new challenge to the high school teams to design and build robots that can pick-up donut-shaped pool floats and place them on a star-like ten-foot-tall structure on the playing field. The teams have a limited six-week period to design, build and test their robots. Rochester Institute of Technology will host the 2007 FIRST Finger Lakes Regional Robotics Competition.
Learn MoreFor Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) LEGO League
Considered the little league of the FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST LEGO League uses LEGO bricks and other elements such as sensors, motors, and gears. Teams gain hands on experience in engineering and computer programming principles as they construct and program their unique robot inventions.
Learn MoreFor Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics Competition
The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six week timeframe using a standard "kit of parts" and a common set of rules. Teams build robots from the parts and enter them in a series of competitions.
Learn MoreFor Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Vex Challenge
The FIRST Vex Challenge is a mid-level robotics competition intended to bridge the gap between FIRST Lego League and the premier FIRST Robotics Competition. Creative problem-solving skills are used to build robots that do amazing things.
Learn MoreFun Works
Have you ever wondered what career possibilities exist in fields that interest you? For example, do you enjoy art, music, or science? Would you like to find information about interesting jobs that involve them? Are you curious about what a day on the job might be like, how much money you would make, or what training you would need? This site helps young people like you explore ways to link interests to exciting future careers.
Learn MoreInternational Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
ISTE provides leadership and service to improve teaching, learning, and school leadership by advancing the effective use of technology in PK to 12 and teacher education.
Learn MoreJourney Inside: Engaging Technology to Explain Technology
The Journey Inside is a collection of 35 interactive, online lessons for students to complete. The curriculum is divided into six sections: Introduction to Computers, Circuits and Switches, Digital Information, Microprocessors, The Internet, and Technology and Society. Many of the lessons include interactive Flash activities, virtual field trips, and videos demonstrating the ideas discussed.
Learn MoreKids N Technolgy at New York University
The ultimate technology camp for ages 8-18. Campers build their own computers and take them home! Students design, build, configure, upgrade, troubleshoot and repair personal computers, authoring their own summer experience. Morning and afternoon sessions are offered this year at New York University, in the heart of Greenwich Village.
Learn MoreKopernik Talent Search (KTS)
The Kopernik Space Education Center offers a sequence of K12 programs for students highly interested in science and technology through the Kopernik Talent Search (KTS). KTS encourages young people to work and to think like scientists as they explore the world around them. Kopernik students discover the excitement of hands on learning at one of the best K12 science lab complexes available.
Learn MoreLEGO? MINDSTORMS?
Robotics is a popular and effective way for teachers to cover important areas of their Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths curricula. The LEGO? MINDSTORMS? for Schools series is tailor-made for classroom and after-school club use. It includes construction sets, programming tools and activity packs.
Learn MoreNew York City / New Jersey FIRST
New York City / New Jersey FIRST is dedicated to inspiring young people's interest in science and technology. Through the FIRST programs young proplr have the opportunity to participate on FIRST Robotics , FIRST Vex Challenge , and FIRST LEGO League and Junior FIRST LEGO League teams and compete in tournaments and competitions in the region and around the nation.
Learn MoreNew York State Science Olympiad
The Science Olympiad is an international nonprofit organization devoted to improving the quality of science education, increasing student interest in science and providing recognition for outstanding achievement in science education by both students and teachers.The State competition in New York consists of B(grades 6 to 9) and C (grades 9 to 12) Divisions with all of the official Science Olympiad events plus two Trial/Pilot events during the Spring months.
Learn MorePolytechnic University Summer Research Institute
The Summer Research Institute of Polytechnic University provides talented high school students with educational opportunities in science, engineering and mathematics beyond those regularly available in course and laboratories at students' high schools. Students engage in independent research in university laboratories under the guidance faculty mentors.
Learn MoreRensselaer Polytechnic Institute Center for Initiatives in Pre-College Education (CIPCE)
RPI, through CIPCE, works with area K12 teachers and students, as well as local, statewide and national organizations, to promote the use of robotics and other technologies in the classroom. Since its inception, a series of professional development, academic and after-school programs have been created.
Learn MoreRobotics: Assistive Design for the Future
The Robotics: Assistive Design for the Future program is designed to integrate engineering and technology into middle school students' after school and in-school curriculum. The curriculum is based on the students designing, building and programming a LEGO robot that will serve as an assistive device for some physically challenged population. The unit consists of ten lessons which take approximately 10 hours of instructional time with students.
Learn MoreSUNY New Paltz Summer Camp: Mad Science Robotics Camp
Mad Science has sparked imaginative learning with their unique brand of engaging and educational live programs and activities. Robotics Camp - Explore the basic technology used to design and build robots and discover how they work. Learn about simple machines, gear structure, battery wiring, motor principles and electronic circuits.
Learn MoreSchool-Business Partnerships of Long Island FIRST LEGO League
Eight weeks of research and design culminate in the SBPLI-LI FIRST LEGO League Tournament. The challenge and excitement of designing and building an original robot for 9 to 14 year olds demonstrates their problem-solving skills, creative thinking, teamwork, competitive play and sportsmanship. The synopsis of the 2007/08 season is not yet available.
Learn MoreSummer Computer Camp at Adelphi University
When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project-based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas:User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!
Learn MoreSummer Computer Camp at Adelphi University
When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas, User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!
Learn MoreSummer Computer Camp at Fordham University (Marymount Campus) - Tarrytown,NY
When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas, User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!
Learn MoreSummer Computer Camp at Fordham University (Marymount Campus) - Tarrytown,NY
When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project-based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas:User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!
Learn MoreSummer Computer Camp at New York Institute of Technology - Manhattan NY
When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas, User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!
Learn MoreSummer Computer Camp at Solomon Schechter School Westchester, NY
When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas, User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!
Learn MoreSummer Computer Camp at St. Johns University - Queens Campus,NY
When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project-based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas:User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!
Learn MoreSummer Computer Camp at St. Johns University, Queens Campus, NY
When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas, User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!
Learn MoreSummer Computer Camp at The New School Manhattan, New York
When it comes to learning cool new technologies at your own pace, Cybercamps gives you a lot of options. All of the courses are project based, which means you'll learn by making cool things. The courses are grouped into three main subject areas, User (Graphics),Coder (Programming), and Gamer (Game Design)!
Learn MoreSummer Cybersecurity Camp for High School Students
This week long program includes instruction in such cybersecurity topics as computer security, network security, digital forensics, cryptography, legal issues, security policy, identity theft, worms and viruses, steganography and wireless security.
Learn MoreSummer Research Institute (SRI)
SRI is designed to provide talented high school students with educational opportunities in science, engineering, and math beyond those normally available in the courses and laboratories of the students' high school. Students work on actual research in the University?s laboratories under the guidance of faculty members in a one-to-one relationship.
Learn MoreSummer at RPI: Computer Game Development Academy
Intended to teach high school students who will enter their senior year in the Fall the fundamentals of the video game creation and design process, artists and programmers will take separate classes that speak to their particular skill sets, and then interdisciplinary teams will be formed and then construct their game from start to finish.
Learn MoreSystems analysts, computer scientists, and database administrators
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreThink Quest New York City
ThinkQuest New York City creatively brings together learning and technology for students and educators. Be a part of the greatest adventure of our time, the Internet. Build an interactive Web site that will be freely available to others in the ThinkQuest New York City Library.
Learn MoreU.S. Geological Survey(USGS): Science for a Changing World
USGS is an unbiased, multi-disciplinary science organization that focuses on biology, geography, geology, geospatial information, and water, and are dedicated to the timely, relevant, and impartial study of the landscape, our natural resources, and the natural hazards that threaten us.
Learn MoreWave Hill Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Internship
Wave Hill and Lehman College collaborate to provide a summer opportunity combined with academic studies in Basic Mapping Science, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Site visits to environmentally significant locations and small work crews prune or clear excess vegetation, plant native species, fortify hillsides, and repair woodland trails to prevent erosion along the Hudson River. Lehman College's Department of Environmental, Geographic and Geological Sciences offers laboratory sessions and lectures by graduate students for three college credits, tuition-free.
Learn MoreWestchester Community College Children and Teens 2007
Westchester Community College Children and Teens 2007 programs include Ossining Summer Science Academy, Computer Arts for Teens, and Computers for Kids in Peekskill.
Learn MoreiD Tech Camps: Columbia University Computer Camp, NY
<p>iD Tech Camps offers summer computer camps for kids and teens. The courses are for beginner to advanced levels, and vary from creating video games and producing digital movies to designing web pages and learning programming and robotics.</p>
Learn MoreiD Tech Camps: Columbia University Computer Camps,NY
iD Tech Camps offers summer computer camps for kids and teens at over 30 universities. The summer computer camp courses are for beginner to advanced levels, and vary from creating video games and producing digital movies to designing web pages and learning programming and robotics.
Learn MoreiD Tech Camps: Vassar College Computer Camps,NY
iD Tech Camps offers summer computer camps for kids and teens at over 30 universities. The summer computer camp courses are for beginner to advanced levels, and vary from creating video games and producing digital movies to designing web pages and learning programming and robotics.
Learn MoreiD Tech Camps: Vassar College Computer Camps,NY
iD Tech Camps offers summer computer camps for kids and teens. The courses are for beginner to advanced levels, and vary from creating video games and producing digital movies to designing web pages and learning programming and robotics.
Learn MoreiD Tech Camps:Fordham University Computer Camps, NY
iD Tech Camps offers summer computer camps for kids and teens. The courses are for beginner to advanced levels, and vary from creating video games and producing digital movies to designing web pages and learning programming and robotics.
Learn More