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Research computing specialist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted experts

Wendy Brown,

Matthew Wright Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical research computing specialist skills. We ranked the top skills for research computing specialists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 34.5% of research computing specialist resumes contained python as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a research computing specialist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 research computing specialist skills for your resume and career

1. Python

Python is a widely-known programming language. It is an object-oriented and all-purpose, coding language that can be used for software development as well as web development.

Here's how research computing specialists use python:

Collaborated with leading computational biology experts to automate simulations on Linux using Python.
Wrangled and analyzed epigenetic, genetic, and MRI datasets with Python & R. Authored scientific abstracts and papers.

2. Cloud

Cloud is a server that is accessed over the internet. There are different programs and software that also run on these servers. These clouds can be accessed from anywhere in the world as they are not present in your computer storage, but have their online servers. Cloud consists of data centers all across the world.

Here's how research computing specialists use cloud:

Worked with the Cloud and Autonomous Computer (CAC) center in the Autonomous Computing Laboratory.
Studied cloud computing architecture for summer research.

3. Linux

Linux is a Unix-like operating system. Just like Windows, Mac OS, and IOS, Linux is an operating system used by millions across the globe. Android itself is powered by the Linux operating system. Linux manages all the hardware resources that are associated with your computer. The software is famous because of the protection it grants from viruses, malware, and crashes. The Linux operating system is entirely free and is an open-source software meaning it can be altered by those equipped with the knowledge to code.

Here's how research computing specialists use linux:

Configure server and desktop operating systems such as Windows, Linux and Novell.
Developed Stroke-rehab system on Linux using image processing techniques; system testing; document management

4. GIT

Here's how research computing specialists use git:

Related skills: C++, Matlab, Unix, Git.

5. C

Here's how research computing specialists use c:

Required knowledge of C, VisionWorks, and SGI hardware.

6. C++

C++ is a general-purpose programming language that is used to create high-performing applications. It was invented as an extension to the C language. C++ lets the programmer have a high level of domination over memory and system resources. C++ is an object-oriented language that helps you implement real-time issues based on different data functions

Here's how research computing specialists use c++:

Developed several applications in C++ and Delphi implementing numerical methods for solving partial differential equations describing processes in Thermodynamics.
Debugged C++ programs to reverse engineer mathematical algorithms.

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7. Data Analysis

Here's how research computing specialists use data analysis:

Performed literature reviews, data entry/analysis, qualitative interview transcription, participant screening, and secondary data analysis for honors thesis.
Created a comprehensive report on the evolution of perception of the DukeEngage program; employed qualitative data analysis and statistical data analysis

8. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how research computing specialists use java:

Implemented the first experimental security layer (Java J2EE+C) using hardware time stamping for the PTP.
Course project involves building a Reduced-C compiler in Java.

9. Statistical Analysis

Here's how research computing specialists use statistical analysis:

Recommended innovative methodologies in implementing statistical analysis solutions.
Performed behavioral testing on primates, including task administration, compilation of data, statistical analysis and overall presentation of results.

10. Perl

A Practical Extraction and Report Language, or simply PERL, is a programming language used for a script intended for syntax. You can see this when a particular web programmer or a junior developer creates a script for servers. It is used to manipulate text and utilize tasks such as web development, programming, and system administration.

Here's how research computing specialists use perl:

Trained more than 20 graduate and undergraduate students in programming using C/C++, Perl, etc.
Implemented a Perl pipeline which streamlined the compression of these sets of genome files.

11. R

R is a free software environment and a language used by programmers for statistical computing. The R programming language is famously used for data analysis by data scientists.

Here's how research computing specialists use r:

Conducted antibody screening via ELISA to test efficacy of a developing vaccine prototype and implemented database management platforms R and MATLAB
Performed environmental data analysis in Excel and R, with additional experience in EPA government database management and processing.

12. CUDA

Here's how research computing specialists use cuda:

Reduced training time from 20 hours to 5 hours using low-level code optimizations via MATLAB MEX, C/C++, and CUDA.

13. Prototype

A prototype is a model or sample of a product, created prior to its release with the goal of testing the product and observing its behavior and effectiveness in use. The results of this testing are then used to further alter and improve the product in question, often redesigning it, fixing any issues which may have come up, and otherwise upgrading the already existing design.

Here's how research computing specialists use prototype:

Summer 2016 I developed a prototype image segmentation software as a part of an Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy project.

14. Experimental Data

Experimental Data is science and engineering data produced by measurements, test methods, and experimental designs. Data is collected and measured through standard objectives.

Here's how research computing specialists use experimental data:

Maintained detailed accurate records for all experimental data and related information.
Collected and analyzed experimental data.

15. Computational Chemistry

Here's how research computing specialists use computational chemistry:

Researched in the field of computational chemistry.

5 Research Computing Specialist resume examples

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What skills help Research Computing Specialists find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on research computing specialist resumes?

Wendy Brown

Professor, Goldey-Beacom College

Neither skill is universal and sometimes it is difficult to find one person who is skilled at both.

What research computing specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Matthew Wright Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Physics Department Chair, Director of the Business of Science, Adelphi University

Buy a Raspberry PI or a Beaglebone black and do something amazing with it.
All3dp

What type of skills will young research computing specialists need?

Elisha Blankson

Program Director NCCU, Assistant Professor, North Carolina Central University

Graduates will need a skill set about the field in which they received training and additional skills useful to the job market. For example, with the changing demographics in the United States, extra skills in information technology and foreign languages will be a plus when entering the job market.

What technical skills for a research computing specialist stand out to employers?

Shelly Lesher

Professor, University of Wisconsin – La Crosse

Employers value our graduates for their ability to independently solve complex problems, whether in or out of the lab. This skill has not and will not change regardless of instructional mode.

What soft skills should all research computing specialists possess?

Dr. Anne Paulet Ph.D.

Professor, History Department, Humboldt State University

In terms of soft skills, those probably won't change much, they will simply be practiced differently. Being flexible is important since jobs may switch between home and office and since one may be dealing with someone else working from home and the challenges that can present-what cat owner hasn't had their cat walk in front of the camera or step on the wrong computer key? The ability to work in groups will continue to have importance as well as the ability to manage your own time and meet deadlines. At the same time, the nature of computer camera interaction means that people will have to learn to "read" others differently than they would in an in-person environment. Many recent articles have talked about how it is harder to read facial cues or detect emotional responses on the computer. Again, those presently taking synchronous classes have the opportunity to practice these skills--providing students turn on their cameras rather than relying only on audio. If the past year has demonstrated anything, it is that people need to be more culturally aware and sensitive and also be able to work with people of diverse backgrounds. History classes are a great way for students to better understand what others have gone through and how that might impact interaction today. Additionally, history classes-as well as college in general-should provide students with the skills to help create the kind of changes in institutions and companies that need to be made to make them more inclusive. Perhaps the greatest skill college students have is the ability to learn. I never intended to teach online, yet here I am doing just that. It required learning new ways to approach teaching, reconsideration of the ways students learned in the new environment, and figuring out new online programs to make all this happen. I was forced to do this as a result of the pandemic but most students will find that this sort of adjustment-whether foreseen or not-will be a regular part of their career path. The ability to learn these new skills, to apply new methods and to approach issues in new and innovative ways will help them stand out when it comes to looking for a job.

What hard/technical skills are most important for research computing specialists?

Harriet Phinney Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Seattle University

Empirical data collection: Research skills for collecting original data, analyzing the data, writing up the information collected, and presenting it in a professional manner.

Do you want to know more?

List of research computing specialist skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a research computing specialist resume and required skills for a research computing specialist to have include:

Python
Cloud
Linux
GIT
C
C++

Data Analysis
Java
Statistical Analysis
Perl
R
CUDA

Prototype
Experimental Data
Computational Chemistry
Maya
Research Projects
Symposium

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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