What does a computer scientist do?
A computer scientist is responsible for analyzing network infrastructure and designing efficient computer systems according to clients' specifications and business functions. Computer scientists inspect the safety and security of the organization's database, ensuring its protection from malicious activities and unauthorized access. They also manage a large scale of software applications, identifying technical opportunities to improve optimal performance and navigations. A computer scientist must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, strong command on programming languages and system codes, and the ability to solve technical complexities for conceptualization.
Computer scientist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real computer scientist resumes:
- Lead cost evaluation for incremental release plan of business intelligence and cloud technology infusion.
- Accomplish relational database administration and implementation.
- Experience in Linux and Unix servers.
- Parallelize and optimize scientific models using C++ and MPI.
- Award DOE-EMSL funding and establish multi-scale modeling project on HPC cluster (Fortran90/C++) implementing MPI strategies.
- Prepare status reports for submission to DISA.
- Perform Fortran coding, debugging, and program optimization.
- Develop the new UI as per marketing team requirements.
- Configure DNS servers, DHCP servers, TCP/IP settings.
- Configure and quality control version releases of NGS software.
- Design and develop GUI displays, configuration tools, and device controls.
- Use SharePoint designer tool and InfoPath designer to build and publish pages.
- Install and configure BSDI Unix on several computers to produce IPv6 security prototypes.
- Design a unify API and plug-in framework to ingest uncompress audio and video frames.
- Utilize Solaris container and local zone virtualization to setup production, and test databases.
Computer scientist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 13% of Computer Scientists are proficient in Python, Computer System, and Machine Learning. They’re also known for soft skills such as Logical thinking, Math skills, and Analytical skills.
We break down the percentage of Computer Scientists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Python, 13%
Developed Python application to automate production of configuration files.
- Computer System, 10%
Developed an integrated computer system to help move the DoD into an enterprise environment for global implementation.
- Machine Learning, 10%
Devised a general framework for chemical library design and prioritized compound acquisition based on feature selection and machine learning techniques.
- Architecture, 9%
Factored source into multiple library architecture allowing other Adobe products to take advantage of ImageReady's functionality.
- DOD, 7%
Performed design, development and implementation of real-time socket based C/C++ client-server software for distributed interactive DoD simulation projects.
- Java, 5%
Developed a Java application to calculate network flows on oil pipelines for infrastructure simulation and analysis.
"python," "computer system," and "machine learning" are among the most common skills that computer scientists use at work. You can find even more computer scientist responsibilities below, including:
Logical thinking. The most essential soft skill for a computer scientist to carry out their responsibilities is logical thinking. This skill is important for the role because "computer algorithms rely on logic." Additionally, a computer scientist resume shows how their duties depend on logical thinking: "developed a biologically inspired distributed software architecture, called digital hormone, for controlling self-reconfigurable robots (phd research). "
Math skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling computer scientist duties is math skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "computer and information research scientists must have knowledge of advanced math and other technical topics that are critical in computing." According to a computer scientist resume, here's how computer scientists can utilize math skills in their job responsibilities: "research and development rapid prototyping software architecture applied mathematics deep learning computer vision"
Analytical skills. This is an important skill for computer scientists to perform their duties. For an example of how computer scientist responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "computer and information research scientists must be organized in their thinking and analyze the results of their research to formulate conclusions." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a computer scientist: "collaborated with nrl scientists to develop advanced visualization solutions for data intensive numerical modeling solutions. ".
Communication skills. For certain computer scientist responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "communication skills." The day-to-day duties of a computer scientist rely on this skill, as "computer and information research scientists must communicate well with programmers and managers and be able to clearly explain their conclusions to people with no technical background." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what computer scientists do: "implemented xml based inter-agent communication facilities in java. "
Detail oriented. Another common skill required for computer scientist responsibilities is "detail oriented." This skill comes up in the duties of computer scientists all the time, as "computer and information research scientists must pay close attention to their work, because a small programming error can cause an entire project to fail." An excerpt from a real computer scientist resume shows how this skill is central to what a computer scientist does: "maintained a mature object oriented database product written in c under unix. "
The three companies that hire the most computer scientists are:
- Applied Materials77 computer scientists jobs
- Amazon29 computer scientists jobs
- Southwest Research Institute17 computer scientists jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable computer scientist resume templates
Build a professional computer scientist resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your computer scientist resume.
Compare different computer scientists
Computer scientist vs. Software systems engineer
A software systems engineer is responsible for designing and creating software systems applications and programs according to clients' specifications or business' needs. They work to improve the features of existing applications to boost efficiency and optimal performance. Software systems engineers manage systems configuration and structural development to develop high-quality outputs and deliverables. They also run multiple diagnostic tests to ensure smooth navigations and server transitions and identify efficient technical solutions. A software systems engineer assists the end-users with application issues, performing troubleshooting operations, and creating resolution reports for reference.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, computer scientist responsibilities require skills like "computer system," "machine learning," "data analysis," and "artificial intelligence." Meanwhile a typical software systems engineer has skills in areas such as "software systems," "database," "san," and "jenkins." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Software systems engineers earn the highest salaries when working in the start-up industry, with an average yearly salary of $125,769. On the other hand, computer scientists are paid more in the technology industry with an average salary of $102,601.software systems engineers tend to reach similar levels of education than computer scientists. In fact, software systems engineers are 2.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 5.6% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Computer scientist vs. Research and development internship
When it comes to Research and Development Internship, the duties will vary according to the organization or company. Most of the time, the responsibilities will revolve around observing the industry, taking part in the research and analysis, lend a helping hand in experiments and surveys, explore theories and attempt to create a model of out it, present findings for evaluation, and develop more innovative designs and systems. Moreover, in the Research and Development Internship, it always helps to be critical in solving complex problems.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, computer scientist responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "computer system," "machine learning," "architecture," and "dod." Meanwhile, a research and development internship has duties that require skills in areas such as "powerpoint," "donor database," "jquery," and "math." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Research and development interns earn a lower average salary than computer scientists. But research and development interns earn the highest pay in the health care industry, with an average salary of $41,635. Additionally, computer scientists earn the highest salaries in the technology with average pay of $102,601 annually.research and development interns earn lower levels of education than computer scientists in general. They're 5.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 5.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for computer scientists in the next 3-5 years?
Xun Jiao Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Villanova University
Computer scientist vs. Computer systems analyst
A computer systems analyst is responsible for creating and designing computer applications and network solutions to support business functions and requirements. Computer systems analysts evaluate the systems' efficiency and performance to perform configuration and improve infrastructure for smooth navigation and controls. They also assist end-users in resolving network issues, perform troubleshooting, and write resolution reports for reference and failure prevention. A computer systems analyst must have excellent technical and computer skills, especially in installing new upgrades and developing features for existing applications.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from computer scientist resumes include skills like "python," "machine learning," "architecture," and "software development," whereas a computer systems analyst is more likely to list skills in "database," "computer programs," "troubleshoot," and "os. "
Computer systems analysts earn the best pay in the professional industry, where they command an average salary of $92,819. Computer scientists earn the highest pay from the technology industry, with an average salary of $102,601.computer systems analysts typically earn lower educational levels compared to computer scientists. Specifically, they're 7.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 5.9% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Computer scientist vs. Senior data scientist
A senior data scientist is responsible for overseeing the work of the junior data scientist and providing advanced expertise in mathematical and statistical concepts for the analytics and data department. You will perform various tasks, including outlining the work requirements, monitoring the performance of junior data scientists, and assigning tasks to them. Other typical duties include preparing non-technical reports detailing the limitations and successes of projects, providing recommendations on how insights might be utilized to inform business strategy, and keeping up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in data science.
Types of computer scientist
Updated January 8, 2025
