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What does a scientific programmer analyst do?

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read
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Scientific programmer analyst responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real scientific programmer analyst resumes:

  • Conduct comparative functional assessment of simulation models written in FORTRAN code, which lead to DoD-wide adoption of assessment results.
  • Manage to increase company productivity by implementing digital scanning system to replace handwriting practices while being responsible for entire SDLC process.
  • Port HP-UX programs to Linux.
  • Develop graphical user interfaces (GUI).
  • Use SAS tools to perform data cleansing, discovery and analysis.
  • Design and develop SAS and SPSS programs to manipulate and analyze data.
  • Develop a GUI in ArcView to process data sets into shape files.
  • Test and debug PIC/CFD simulation of astrophysical plasma in Cray and VAX/VMS Fortran.
  • Utilize PL/SQL to write business processes as well as reverse engineer vendor and consultant written processes to accommodate specific business needs.
  • Develop customized DB2 comparison utility program, which reduce region to region component migration time and error.
  • Develop and maintain reusable reports and ETL processes to incorporate state and third-party administrator data into internal database systems.
  • Create a dBase program for the scheduling of due dates for data management.
  • Design a graphical representation of project using UML diagrams such as structure, behavioral and interaction diagrams.
  • Participate in the development of IBM's first 'load and go' system for the VM operating system.
  • Used JDBC to communicate with database.

Scientific programmer analyst skills and personality traits

We calculated that 29% of Scientific Programmer Analysts are proficient in Python, Linux, and MATLAB. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Creativity, and Analytical skills.

We break down the percentage of Scientific Programmer Analysts that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Python, 29%

    Programmed a basic software in Python language that parse a limited sample of tweets and categorize them under different topics.

  • Linux, 14%

    Created make files to compile C & FORTRAN programs in Linux and HP-UX operating environment.

  • MATLAB, 12%

    Developed the program in MATLAB.

  • Unix, 8%

    Developed an automated faculty evaluation application using SAS, UNIX and VMS scripts.

  • Fortran, 7%

    Programmed and maintained device drivers, graphics conversion and plot utility programs on VAX and PC in C and FORTRAN.

  • SQL, 7%

    Managed developers and collaborated with developers in the Richardson, TX office to maintain and support CAD data using SQL RDBMS.

Common skills that a scientific programmer analyst uses to do their job include "python," "linux," and "matlab." You can find details on the most important scientific programmer analyst responsibilities below.

Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a scientific programmer analyst to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "analysts work as a go-between with management and the it department and must explain complex issues in a way that both will understand." Scientific programmer analysts often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "attended dec clist, jcl and communication courses. "

Creativity. Many scientific programmer analyst duties rely on creativity. "because analysts are tasked with finding innovative solutions to computer problems, an ability to “think outside the box” is important.," so a scientific programmer analyst will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways scientific programmer analyst responsibilities rely on creativity: "invent and successfully champion rpc framework utilizing mainframe and pc's, used to enhance and extend the erp system. "

Analytical skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of scientific programmer analysts is analytical skills. This skill is critical to many everyday scientific programmer analyst duties, as "analysts must interpret complex information from various sources and decide the best way to move forward on a project." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "developed a gui in arcview to process data sets into shape files. "

See the full list of scientific programmer analyst skills

The three companies that hire the most scientific programmer analysts are:

Compare different scientific programmer analysts

Scientific programmer analyst vs. Information technology consultant

An Information Technology Consultant, also known as IT Consultant, is responsible for sharing extensive knowledge of Information Technology by providing suggestions and solving issues within the company. Among the duties include installing and maintaining the necessary software and hardware, designing new procedures, overseeing all implementations, and ensuring that all systems are running smoothly, employing methods to secure databases, and providing essential instructions when needed. Furthermore, an Information Technology Consultant needs to coordinate and report to management or supervisors at all times.

The annual salary of information technology consultants is $992 higher than the average salary of scientific programmer analysts.Even though scientific programmer analysts and information technology consultants are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require linux, unix, and management system in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a scientific programmer analyst are more likely to require skills like "python," "matlab," "fortran," and "sql." On the other hand, a job as an information technology consultant requires skills like "customer service," "database," "project management," and "cloud." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Information technology consultants tend to make the most money working in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $99,092. In contrast, scientific programmer analysts make the biggest average salary, $90,539, in the professional industry.On average, information technology consultants reach lower levels of education than scientific programmer analysts. Information technology consultants are 8.9% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 4.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Scientific programmer analyst vs. Technical consultant

A technical consultant is an individual who provides technical support and performs troubleshooting functions for the company's product or application. A consultant should be highly knowledgeable about the product or application so that he/she can assist users and clients with whatever issues they may be facing. A bachelor's degree is required to work as a technical consultant, particularly a degree in Computer Science or Engineering. Also, a consultant should conduct training sessions and therefore, must possess excellent communication skills.

On average, technical consultants earn a $5,492 higher salary than scientific programmer analysts a year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Scientific programmer analysts and technical consultants both require similar skills like "linux," "unix," and "management system" to carry out their responsibilities.

Each career also uses different skills, according to real scientific programmer analyst resumes. While scientific programmer analyst responsibilities can utilize skills like "python," "matlab," "fortran," and "sql," technical consultants use skills like "java," "database," "customer service," and "project management."

On average, technical consultants earn a higher salary than scientific programmer analysts. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, technical consultants earn the most pay in the professional industry with an average salary of $99,121. Whereas scientific programmer analysts have higher pay in the professional industry, with an average salary of $90,539.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Technical consultants tend to reach lower levels of education than scientific programmer analysts. In fact, they're 6.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 4.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Scientific programmer analyst vs. Analyst lead

The duties of an analyst lead depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around performing research and analysis, coordinating with different departments to gather leads and data, reviewing findings, and producing reports and presentations for the stakeholders and other higher-ranking officials. Through the results, an analyst lead can provide advice, devise strategies for business optimization, spearhead the development of processes, identify strengths and weaknesses, and offer recommendations on areas in need of improvement. All of this is done while in adherence to the company's vision and mission.

On average, analyst leads earn higher salaries than scientific programmer analysts, with a $11,466 difference per year.Using the responsibilities included on scientific programmer analysts and analyst leads resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "linux," "unix," and "visualization.rdquo;

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from scientific programmer analyst resumes include skills like "python," "matlab," "fortran," and "sql," whereas an analyst lead is more likely to list skills in "analytics," "data analysis," "project management," and "customer service. "

Analyst leads earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $110,488. Comparatively, scientific programmer analysts have the highest earning potential in the professional industry, with an average salary of $90,539.Most analyst leads achieve a similar degree level compared to scientific programmer analysts. For example, they're 3.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 3.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Scientific programmer analyst vs. Analyst

Analysts are employees or individual contributors with a vast experience in a particular field that help the organization address challenges. They help the organization improve processes, policies, and other operations protocol by studying the current processes in place and determining the effectiveness of those processes. They also research industry trends and data to make sound inferences and recommendations on what the company should do to improve their numbers. Analysts recommend business solutions and often help the organization roll out these solutions. They ensure that the proposed action plans are effective and produce the desired results.

Analysts typically earn lower pay than scientific programmer analysts. On average, analysts earn a $10,791 lower salary per year.While both scientific programmer analysts and analysts complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like unix, r, and remote sensing, the two careers vary in some skills.Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A scientific programmer analyst uses "python," "linux," "matlab," and "fortran." Analysts are more likely to have duties that require skills in "customer service," "troubleshoot," "data analysis," and "project management. "The technology industry tends to pay the highest salaries for analysts, with average annual pay of $79,330. Comparatively, the highest scientific programmer analyst annual salary comes from the professional industry.analysts reach lower levels of education compared to scientific programmer analysts, in general. The difference is that they're 8.8% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 3.5% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of scientific programmer analyst

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
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.

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