Career Details
15-1221.00 - Computer and Information Research Scientists
Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.
Key Facts

Tasks

Core
- Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.
- Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.
- Evaluate project plans and proposals to assess feasibility issues.
- Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.
- Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians to determine computing needs and system requirements.
- Meet with managers, vendors, and others to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
- Conduct logical analyses of business, scientific, engineering, and other technical problems, formulating mathematical models of problems for solution by computers.
- Develop and interpret organizational goals, policies, and procedures.
- Develop performance standards, and evaluate work in light of established standards.
- Design computers and the software that runs them.
- Participate in multidisciplinary projects in areas such as virtual reality, human-computer interaction, or robotics.
Supplemental
- Participate in staffing decisions and direct training of subordinates.
- Maintain network hardware and software, direct network security measures, and monitor networks to ensure availability to system users.
- Approve, prepare, monitor, and adjust operational budgets.
- Direct daily operations of departments, coordinating project activities with other departments.
Knowledge

- 91%Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- 81%Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- 79%Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
- 78%Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- 66%Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
- 65%Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- 62%Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
- 57%Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
- 54%Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
- 54%Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- 53%Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
- 52%Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
Tools

- Articulated robots
- Mobile robots
- Cluster systems
- Distributed heterogeneous computers
- File servers
- High end computer servers
- High-performance cluster HPC computers
- Mainframe computers
- Massively parallel processors MPP
- Personal computers
- Render farms
- Web servers
- Computer laser printers
- Computer scanners
- Graphics workstations
- Image capture devices
- Laser scanners
- Real time motion capture systems
- Digital cameras
- Digital video cameras
- Pan-tilt-zoom cameras
- Free-field speakers
- Hard disk drives
- Network storage arrays
- Quarter inch cartridge QIC tapes
- Universal serial bus USB flash drives
- High-speed networking testbeds
- Lighting grids
- Magneto optical discs
- Microcomputers
- Network interface cards NIC
- Stereographic projectors
- Video projectors
Technology

- Ada
- Apache KafkaHOT
- Automated document generation software
- C
- C#HOT
- C++HOT
- Charm++
- CMAKE
- DjangoHOT
- Doxygen
- Eclipse IDEHOT
- Eiffel
- Embarcadero JBuilder
- Extensible markup language XMLHOT
- Extensible stylesheet language transformations XSLT
- Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
- Greenhills Ada compilers
- High-performance software libraries
- IBM InfoSphere DataStage
- IBM Rational Apex
- IBM Rational Rose
- Integrated development environment IDE softwareHOT
- Intel Integrated Performance Primitives
- JavaScriptHOT
- Jupyter Notebook
- List processing language LISP
- Low-level virtual machine LLVM compilers
- Microsoft ActiveX
- Microsoft AzureHOT
- Microsoft Visual BasicHOT
- Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBAHOT
- Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScriptHOT
- Microsoft Visual Basic.NET
- Microsoft Visual C# .NET
- Microsoft Visual StudioHOT
- Microsoft Visual Studio.NET
- National Instruments LabVIEWHOT
- Object oriented development environment software
- Oracle JavaHOT
- Perforce Software Configuration Management System
- PHP: Hypertext PreprocessorHOT
- Polaris parallelizing compilers
- Practical extraction and reporting language PerlHOT
- Prolog
- PythonHOT
- RHOT
- RubyHOT
- ScalaHOT
- Software libraries
- Source code management SCM software
- Sun Microsystems Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition J2EE
- Unified modeling language UMLHOT
- Verilog
- Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis Weka
- Advanced numerical software
- Algorithmic software
- Augmint
- Computational statistics software
- Computer aided design and drafting CADD softwareHOT
- Data visualization software
- IBM SPSS StatisticsHOT
- Intel Math Kernel Library
- Mathematical software
- MinitabHOT
- Multisensory data representation software
- Optimization software
- Polhemus Fasttrack System
- PTC Creo ParametricHOT
- Rice Simulator for ILP Multiprocessors RSIM
- SASHOT
- Simulation software
- StataCorp Stata
- The MathWorks MATLABHOT
- Amazon DynamoDBHOT
- Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2HOT
- Amazon RedshiftHOT
- Amazon Web Services AWS softwareHOT
- Apache CassandraHOT
- Apache Flume
- Apache HadoopHOT
- Apache HiveHOT
- Apache HTTP ServerHOT
- Apache PigHOT
- Apache SolrHOT
- Apache SparkHOT
- CA Erwin Data Modeler
- Clustering software
- Clustermatic
- Data entry softwareHOT
- Data mining software
- ElasticsearchHOT
- Google AnalyticsHOT
- IBM Cognos ImpromptuHOT
- Microsoft SQL ServerHOT
- MicroStrategyHOT
- MongoDBHOT
- MySQLHOT
- NoSQLHOT
- Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise EditionHOT
- Oracle DBMS
- Parallel systems software
- PostgreSQLHOT
- Qlik Tech QlikViewHOT
- Relational database management softwareHOT
- Relational database management system software
- Structured query language SQLHOT
- TableauHOT
- Teradata DatabaseHOT
- Transact-SQLHOT
- Apache Subversion SVNHOT
- GitHOT
- BashHOT
- LinuxHOT
- Microsoft Windows XP
- Oracle SolarisHOT
- Shell scriptHOT
- Sun Microsystems Solaris
- Ubuntu
- UNIXHOT
- UNIX ShellHOT
- VME PowerPC VxWorks
- DockerHOT
- GitHubHOT
- ESRI ArcGIS softwareHOT
- Geographic information system GIS softwareHOT
- Google AdWordsHOT
- Microsoft OfficeHOT
- Microsoft ProjectHOT
- Graphics pipelines
- Microsoft ExcelHOT
- Microsoft PowerPointHOT
- Open Graphics Library OpenGL
- Plug-in file software
- Three-dimensional 3D graphics software
- Video editing software
- IBM Domino
- Microsoft DynamicsHOT
- SAP Business ObjectsHOT
- Splunk EnterpriseHOT
Certifications

Licensing

Related Programs

Clicking on the Degree programs in the list below will take you away from the Careers page.
The Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) in Information Technology degree program provides a broad view of various relevlant topics within the field of IT.
The Computer Information Systems (CIS) degree at JMU prepares students for professional careers that require both the business knowledge and the technical skills to help clients design, build and deliver competitive computer-based solutions. Computer and information systems managers play a vital role in the technological direction of their organizations and must stay abreast of the latest technology to ensure the organization does not lag behind its competitors.
JMU's CIS program was recognized as one of the top ten undergraduate information technology programs in the United States (TechRepublic, 2008) and is part of the nationally recognized JMU College of Business. Professors in the program use a variety of teaching methods including projects, cases and business simulations to prepare graduates with strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills; effective communication and presentation skills; hands-on experience; and the ability to work effectively in individual and team-oriented environments.
Several features of JMU's CIS program are distinctive:
- Outstanding placement of graduates: the JMU CIS program is viewed as a prime recruiting school by many leading employers throughout the mid-Atlantic region.
- Course work in a variety of specialties.
- Business intelligence
- Business process management
- Computer forensics
- Computer security management
- Information technology consulting
- Information technology project management
- Excellent opportunities for internships and job-related work experience through JMU's Handshake program and an active JMU CIS alumni network of over 3,100 graduates.
- Active student chapter of the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP): Students regularly compete in the National Collegiate Conference, network with industry professionals, engage in service-learning projects, and expand their leadership skills by serving as chapter leaders.
The major puts students in the middle of the exploding information revolution where they study technological advances such as object-oriented software, communication networks, multimedia systems, information security and artificial intelligence. Students will learn about computing technologies used by today’s professionals and how to use these technologies to solve real-world problems. Students will learn to analyze problems, design solutions, implement solutions using multiple computing technologies, test and install those solutions, and communicate those solutions to others in written and verbal presentations.
The Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology focuses on highly relevant skills in cybersecurity, computer networking, and end-user design and development. The Information Technology degree goes beyond the science behind computers, teaching students how to design, develop, test and maintain solutions in a wide range of computing and networking application areas.
Information Technology studies are integrated to provide students with the knowledge and skills to meet the computer technology needs of business, government, healthcare, education and other organizations. In addition to core competencies in programming and networking, security and privacy, and other application-focused computing fields, the Information Technology major features a junior-level project to address a community need. Also, students in the Information Technology major are required to complete a two-semester senior capstone project, allowing them to apply the range of their abilities in a real-world context. Students in the Information Technology major are also required to select 9 credit hours of IT senior class electives from various fields such as cyber-security, web/mobile development and computer networking.
The curriculum is designed primarily for students who wish to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a baccalaureate degree in computer science. The curriculum emphasizes the study of the science of computing and the use of computing in a scientific setting.
This curriculum is designed for those who seek employment in the field of information technology, for those who are presently in that field and who wish to increase their knowledge and update their skills, and for those who must augment their abilities in other fields with knowledge and skills in information technology.
Credit for Prior Learning: Students in this program may be eligible for credit for prior learning. See an academic advisor or counselor for further information.
This program prepares the student to design and implement traditional/legacy stand-alone and client-server applications using procedural and object-oriented development techniques. Upon completion, graduates are prepared to study for one of the following industry certifications: MCP-Programming or the Sun Certified Programming for Java 2.
Purpose: This program is designed to provide students with skills that support the newest capabilities and advances in digital data analytics. These new features in digital data analytics technology enable the data analyst to collect, analyze and make data accessible for making business decisions. This program focuses on training data analytics specialists who can provide these advantages to their employers and stay on the leading edge of technology. Upon completion, graduates are prepared to study for data analytics exams such as CompTIA Data+, Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate and Google Data Analytics Certificate. Credit for Prior Learning: Students in this program may be eligible for credit for prior learning. See an academic advisor or counselor for further information.
This curriculum is designed for those who seek employment in the field of cloud computing, for those who are presently in that field and who desire to increase their knowledge and update their skills, and for those who must augment their abilities in other fields with knowledge and skills in cloud computing.
Credit for Prior Learning: Students in this program may be eligible for credit for prior learning. See an academic advisor or counselor for further information.
Purpose: This curriculum is designed for those who seek employment in the field of cloud computing, for those who are presently in that field and who desire to increase their knowledge and update their skills, and for those who must augment their abilities in other fields with knowledge and skills in cloud computing.
Credit for Prior Learning:Students in this program may be eligible for credit for prior learning. See an academic advisor or counselor for further information.
Purpose: This program prepares students for entry-level employment in data centers and related industries that require technicians/technologists trained in engineering technology, information technology, fiber optics, electronics, and data processing. Coursework will prepare students to earn the A+ Hardware, A+ Software, Network Troubleshooting, ETA FOI (Fiber Optic), and OSHA 10 industry credentials. Recommended prerequisites: There are no required prerequisites for this certificate. It is recommended that the student possess proficiency in high school English, high school algebra, and geometry and possess the ability to utilize hand tools and instrumentation.
Purpose:This program is designed for individuals seeking employment in either a mobile application software development firm or large organization with a mobile application development team as well as for those persons already employed who wish to update their skills in mobile application development and testing. This curriculum will prepare students for employment as junior mobile application developers as well as quality assurance test engineers for native mobile applications. Upon completion, graduates are prepared to study for the Google Associate Android Developer certification.
This curriculum is designed for persons who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a baccalaureate degree program in information technology.
Whether studied with professional goals in mind, to supplement the study of any other field, or just for interest’s sake, computer science offers a powerful way to approach many challenging problems. When combined with selected courses in mathematics and physics, the minor will help prepare the student for graduate work in computer science and related fields
Randolph College provides many ways to engage with mathematics. In addition to the rigorous training afforded by our regular course offerings, faculty frequently engage students in independent study based on student and faculty interests. Furthermore, Randolph College students have been very successful participating in various mathematics competitions against other undergraduate students in the United States. Furthermore, Randolph College Mathematics students have participated regularly in undergraduate research opportunities and internships.
The study of computer science offers students the opportunity to develop problem solving facility and helps develop skills which have broad utility in theory and application and are amongst the most sought-after by employers. The abstraction of real-world problems, the construction of algorithms to display and transform data, and the theory of computation are all central concerns of computer science. The minor in computer science can be effectively combined with any major. Whether studied with professional goals in mind, to supplement the study of any other field, or just for interest's sake, computer science offers a powerful way to approach many challenging problems. When combined with selected courses in mathematics and physics, the minor will help prepare the student for graduate work in computer science and related fields.
The computer science curriculum integrates theory and practice by including foundational topics that underpin the discipline and by emphasizing the value of abstraction and good engineering design in project development. Elective courses provide an opportunity for deeper study in areas of interest. An important part of the curriculum is the inclusion of professional practice activities such as research experience, teamwork, oral communication and technical writing, and project development. While being sensitive to changes in technology, the curriculum also seeks to prepare students for lifelong learning to enable them to meet future challenges.
A student expecting to major or minor in computer science should enroll in CSCI 111-CSCI 112 in the first year. If credit is given for one or both of these courses, then a student should enroll in CSCI 211 or CSCI 210. A student interested in future graduate studies should complete the two calculus sequences, MATH 131-MATH 132. A student interested in computer hardware is encouraged to select PHYS 210 to meet one of the collegiate science requirements.
The computer science curriculum integrates theory and practice by including foundational topics that underpin the discipline and by emphasizing the value of abstraction and good engineering design in project development. Elective courses provide an opportunity for deeper study in areas of interest. An important part of the curriculum is the inclusion of professional practice activities such as research experience, teamwork, oral communication and technical writing, and project development. While being sensitive to changes in technology, the curriculum also seeks to prepare students for lifelong learning to enable them to meet future challenges.
A student expecting to major or minor in computer science should enroll in CSCI 111-CSCI 112 in the first year. If credit is given for one or both of these courses, then a student should enroll in CSCI 211 or CSCI 210. A student interested in future graduate studies should complete the two calculus sequences, MATH 131-MATH 132. A student interested in computer hardware is encouraged to select PHYS 210 to meet one of the collegiate science requirements.
Computer Science courses required for the Computer Science degree are available at the Chesapeake and Virginia Beach campuses.
TCC is an Oracle Academic Initiative (OAI) Partner and an authorized Oracle training site. The courses in this program prepare students for the examinations leading to Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) and Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) industry certifications.
The courses in this program prepare students for the examinations leading to industry certifications as a Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA).
TCC is an Oracle Academic Initiative (OAI) Partner and an authorized Oracle training site. The courses in this program prepare students for the examinations leading to Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) and Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) industry certifications.