MightyRecruiterComputer and information research scientists look into and resolve the complex computer problems that plague business, medicine, science and other industries. They are the people tasked with designing and inventing new technology or innovating existing technology already in place.
Education is important to this line of work, and your computer and information research scientist job description must list the required post-graduate degree, which is most likely a Ph.D. or equivalent. The degree should be in a computer-related field, e.g. computer science or information technology.
Advanced analytical and critical-thinking skills are also crucial to this job, as are ingenuity and logic. As with all computer-related vocations, strength in mathematics in important, and your ideal candidate will be detail oriented and a fantastic communicator. Please review the computer and information research scientist job description below for an idea of how to approach your write-up.
Computer and Information Research Scientist Job Summary
We have a job opening for a computer and information research scientist guru. You are a guru if you love to research and then design, invent or theorize computer and information science. If we have a problem with our hardware or software, you’ll present the solution, and, yes, we will love you forever for it. We will call you “Doctor Guru” because you have a Ph.D. in a computer-related science, and you will wear the moniker proudly as you make the difference in how we interact with our computerized equipment. Notice we said make “the” difference — your role will be integral to our operations; as such, you will be integral to our operations.
Job Responsibilities
- Analyze all computer hardware and software to isolate problems and develop solutions to those problems daily; propose new computer hardware and software acquisitions based on company needs
- Evaluate proposals and planned projects to assess any issues, determine feasibility and make recommendations based on research and expertise when needed
- Break down accepted project deliverables and assign tasks to appropriate personnel
- Schedule tasks in accordance with project goals and work priorities, and ensure all personnel complete assigned deliverables on time
- Meet with all company personnel and outside vendors to discuss computer requirements and/or existing or anticipated issues when needed
- Use theoretical expertise to research, innovate and redesign current technology to resolve existing or anticipated issues, and to design new technology if the current technology is determined insufficient for the company’s needs
- Hire and train direct subordinates and develop the organizational policies and procedures, performance standards and evaluation standards under which they are bound
Job Skills and Qualifications
Reqiured:
- Ph.D. or professional degree in computer science-related study
- Advanced analytical, critical-thinking, innovative, mathematical and problem-solving skills
- Advanced computer hardware and software experience
- Ability to communicate well with persons both in-house and externally
Preferred:
- Five or more years’ experience in similar role
- Previous supervisor/management experience
Computer and Information Research Scientist Job Responsibilities
Computer and information research scientists are often responsible for the invention and design of new computing technology. This career is very rewarding and comes with unique tasks that set it apart from similar positions. Use your well-written job responsibilities section, which should make up the bulk of your computer and information research scientist job description, to outline those distinctive tasks. This will help either encourage qualified applicants to apply or deter those who aren’t a good fit for the position.
Fortunately, there are some tactics you could use to boost the efficacy of your computer and information research scientist job responsibilities section. Use a clear, no-nonsense format, such as outlining responsibilities in a bulleted list. Choose action verbs and descriptive nouns, cutting out unnecessary words that distract from your main point. Limit the number of responsibilities to no less than six and no more than eight.
We’ve included some responsibility examples that may be valuable in your computer and information research scientist job description:
- Research computer and information science theory and design
- Develop solutions to evolving issues with computer hardware and software systems
- Evaluate proposals and plans to identify feasibility issues
- Apply theoretical expertise to adapt or create new technology
- Conduct logical analyses of technical problems, drawing upon scientific, engineering, mathematical and technical acumen to develop solutions
- Participate in multidisciplinary projects, such as robotics and virtual reality theory
Computer and Information Research Scientist Job Specifications
Although the job qualifications and skills section of the computer and information research scientist job description may seem easy to write, don’t underestimate its value. The short section needs to include the minimum requirements for the open position, as well as any qualifications the hiring manager might prefer. When this section is well-written, applicants can quickly discern whether they have the ability to perform the tasks you’ve outlined.
If the computer and information research scientist job specifications aren’t clearly described, you may have an influx of candidates without the capability to do the work. In other words, the qualifications section could affect the number of unqualified candidates you’ll have to sort through. Avoid this extra work by asking your hiring committee, or professionals who are already working in the position, to explain which specifications are necessary to complete the job and which would help the candidate excel at it. Separate these into two distinct categories.
Take a look at some examples you could use in your computer and information research scientist job description:
- Doctorate degree in computer science, computer engineering or related field, required
- Specialization in hardware, software systems, program languages or computational modeling, preferred
- Superior analytical and organizational skills
- Demonstrable use of innovation and problem-solving abilities
- Understanding of advanced math and technical topics
