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Artificial Intelligence Labs
OpenAI, Google DeepMind, Microsoft Research
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Computer and information research scientists invent new computing methods, test them with math and code, and try to turn abstract ideas into something a computer can actually use. The work stands out because it mixes deep research with practical system design, but the tradeoff is that progress can be slow and uncertain: many projects never make it beyond prototypes, papers, or lab demos.
Also known as Research ScientistAI Research ScientistMachine Learning Research ScientistApplied ScientistResearch Scientist, Computer Science
Median Salary
$140,910
Mean $152,310
U.S. Workforce
~38K
3.2K openings per year
10-Year Growth
+19.7%
40.3K to 48.3K
Entry Education
Master's degree
+ None experience
What This Role Looks Like in Practice
Computer and Information Research Scientists sits in the Technology category. In practical terms, this role combines day-to-day execution, cross-team coordination, and consistent decision-making under real business constraints.
U.S. employment is currently about ~38K workers, with a median annual pay of $140,910 and roughly 3.2K openings each year. Based on BLS projections, total employment is expected to grow from 40.3 K in 2024 to 48.3K in 2034.
Most hiring paths start with Master's degree in computer science or a related field, and employers typically expect none of related experience. Many careers in this track begin around Research Assistant / Junior Analyst and can progress toward Principal Research Scientist. High-value skills usually include Complex Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, and Judgment and Decision Making, paired with soft skills such as Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, and Clear Written Communication.
Core Responsibilities
- Break down hard computing problems and decide whether the answer belongs in hardware, software, or both.
- Build models and prototypes to test new algorithms or system designs before they are fully deployed.
- Look for ways to adapt new computing ideas into practical uses that solve real technical problems.
- Meet with engineers, users, managers, and vendors to figure out exactly what a system needs to do.
Keep exploring: more Technology careers or browse all job titles.
A Day in the Life
01 Break down hard computing problems and decide whether the answer belongs in hardware, software, or both.
02 Build models and prototypes to test new algorithms or system designs before they are fully deployed.
03 Look for ways to adapt new computing ideas into practical uses that solve real technical problems.
04 Meet with engineers, users, managers, and vendors to figure out exactly what a system needs to do.
05 Work with teams from other fields on projects like robotics, virtual reality, and human-computer interaction.
06 Set priorities, assign tasks, and keep research projects moving toward deadlines and goals.
Industries That Hire
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Cloud & Enterprise Software
Google, Amazon, Microsoft
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Semiconductors & Hardware
NVIDIA, Intel, AMD
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Defense, Aerospace & National Security
Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon
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Healthcare Technology
Epic Systems, GE HealthCare, Philips
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Universities & Research Labs
MIT, Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University
Pros and Cons
Advantages
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Pay is strong, with a mean annual wage of $152,310 and a median of $140,910.
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Growth is solid at 19.7% through 2034, with about 3.2 thousand openings a year.
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The work is intellectually challenging and gives you a chance to invent new methods instead of maintaining old systems.
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BLS says no prior work experience or on-the-job training is typically required, so the main barrier is education rather than a long apprenticeship.
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Skills transfer across AI, robotics, software, and research labs, so you can move between industries without starting over.
Challenges
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The field is small, with only 38,480 jobs now, so competition for openings can be stiff.
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A master's degree is the typical entry point, and 28.42% of workers have doctorates, so the education investment is high.
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Research can take a long time to pay off, which means your work may stay in prototype or paper form for months or years.
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Projects often depend on company budgets, grants, or product strategy, so good ideas can be delayed or canceled for reasons outside your control.
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Career growth can be narrow because advancement often depends on deep specialization, publications, or patents rather than a broad management track.
Career Progression
Research Assistant / Junior Analyst
0-2 years
$70K-$95K
Supports experiments, cleans data, writes code, and helps senior researchers test new ideas.
Computer and Information Research Scientist
3-7 years
$115K-$160K
Designs research methods, builds prototypes, and turns early concepts into working computing solutions.
Senior Research Scientist THIS ROLE
8-12 years
$165K-$215K
Leads larger projects, reviews technical direction, and mentors newer researchers on complex problems.
Principal Research Scientist
12+ years
$220K-$300K
Sets research priorities, coordinates across teams, and influences long-term product or lab strategy.
Education Paths
Master's degree in computer science or a related field
A common entry point, with 19.93% of workers reporting a master's degree and BLS listing a master's as the typical entry level.
Doctoral degree in computer science, AI, or a related research field
The most common level in the O*NET distribution, held by 28.42% of workers, especially for research-heavy roles.
Postdoctoral research training
An alternative path for highly specialized work; 4.5% of workers report post-doctoral training.
Key Skills
Technical
Complex Problem Solving 80%
Critical Thinking 80%
Judgment and Decision Making 80%
Systems Analysis 75%
Active Listening 75%
Reading Comprehension 75%
Programming 72%
Systems Evaluation 72%
Python, C++ & Scientific Programming 70%
TensorFlow, PyTorch & JAX 68%
MATLAB, R & Statistical Analysis 67%
Git, Linux & Research Computing Environments 65%
Soft Skills
Active ListeningReading ComprehensionClear Written CommunicationCollaborationCuriosityIndependence Job Outlook and Trends
+19.7%
Projected growth (2024-2034)
3.2K
Annual job openings
Employment is projected to rise from 40.3K to 48.3 K over the next decade, representing 19.7% growth. Around 3.2 K openings per year include both newly created roles and replacement hiring from turnover.
Remote availability is currently Moderate. Demand remains strongest where employers need practical domain knowledge plus modern workflow and data skills.