Will AI replace computer research scientists?
These are the individuals who invent new AI and computing paradigms; they are the last to be replaced by their own creations. The role is defined by novel discovery and pushing the boundaries of what is possible, which AI cannot do.
Why AI struggles to replace this job
- Scientific breakthroughs require original thinking that deviates from existing training data.
- Designing rigorous experiments to test new theories requires high-level abstract reasoning.
- Securing research funding requires human networking, persuasion, and institutional navigation.
- Interpreting the societal and ethical implications of new technology is a purely human responsibility.
Tasks AI could automate
- Summarizing existing academic literature on a specific sub-topic.
- Running statistical analysis on experimental data sets.
- Formatting citations and bibliographies for research papers.
- Generating basic visualizations for data trends.
The 10-year outlook
This is one of the fastest-growing and most secure roles in the economy. As the complexity of computing grows, the need for advanced researchers to solve fundamental problems will only intensify.
Common questions
Will AI replace computer research scientists?
These are the individuals who invent new AI and computing paradigms; they are the last to be replaced by their own creations. The role is defined by novel discovery and pushing the boundaries of what is possible, which AI cannot do.
What is the AI replacement risk for computer research scientists?
Computer Research Scientist scores 5/100 — This career is well shielded from AI replacement. Roughly 15% of the tasks in this role could be automated with current and near-future AI.
How much do computer research scientists earn?
The US median salary for a computer research scientist is about $145,000 per year, with projected employment growth of +23% over the next decade (much faster than average).