communication scientist
Role lens
Are you fascinated by how people communicate and interact with technology? As a communication scientist, you’ll delve into the complexities of information exchange, shaping strategies and conducting research to improve how we connect.
Communication scientists at the Leadership & Strategy career band are typically involved in designing and implementing communication strategies across various platforms and contexts. This involves analyzing communication patterns, researching the impact of technology on human interaction, and developing innovative approaches to information dissemination. You'll likely lead research projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and present findings to stakeholders, influencing organizational decisions based on your insights.
- • Conducting research on communication processes, including verbal, non-verbal, and technological interactions.
- • Developing and evaluating communication strategies for organizations or specific projects.
- • Analyzing data to identify trends and patterns in communication behavior.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Legal, social and cultural professionals — 186 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Denmark, Italy.
Longest-running shortage: Italy, 2 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
Explore More
Find your career path and explore the science behind our recommendations.
Could communication scientist fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Analytical Thinking?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Attention to Detail?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Persistence?
Future Outlook for communication scientist
The outlook for communication scientist reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could communication scientist change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could communication scientist change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- interact professionally in research and professional environments
- evaluate research activities
- manage intellectual property rights
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- analyse the comments of selected audiences
- manage open publications
- demonstrate disciplinary expertise
Tasks most exposed to automation
- synthesise information
- apply for research funding
- manage research data
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Marketing & Sales
A typical day as a communication scientist
09 09:00 · Morning apply for research funding
10 10:30 · Mid-morning apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
12 12:00 · Midday analyse the comments of selected audiences
14 14:00 · Afternoon manage intellectual property rights
15 15:30 · Late afternoon operate open source software
17 17:00 · Wrap-up apply scientific methods
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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anthropology
The study of development and behaviour of human beings.
- communication
- communication studies
- media studies
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manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data
Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary.
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perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
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apply scientific methods
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
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conduct quantitative research
Execute a systematic empirical investigation of observable phenomena via statistical, mathematical or computational techniques.
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apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.
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promote open innovation in research
Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.
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draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation
Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.
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disseminate results to the scientific community
Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.
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publish academic research
Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal academic accreditation.
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write scientific publications
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
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manage research data
Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be familiar with open data management principles.
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use data processing techniques
Gather, process and analyse relevant data and information, properly store and update data and represent figures and data using charts and statistical diagrams.
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interact professionally in research and professional environments
Show consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.
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operate open source software
Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.
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speak different languages
Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.
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evaluate research activities
Review proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
See whether this role fits your Career DNA
Take the free Career DNA assessment to see how communication scientist aligns with your interests, work style, and future path. In less than 10 minutes, you will get a personalized fit signal and a roadmap for what to do next.
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Explore typical career progression paths, adjacent skills, and similar roles to plan your next transition.
Where does communication scientist fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of technologies might a communication scientist work with?
- Communication scientists increasingly study interactions with technologies like robots, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality. Research might focus on how people perceive and interact with these technologies, and how to design them for optimal communication and user experience.
- What’s the difference between a communication scientist and a marketing specialist?
- While both roles involve communication, a communication scientist focuses on *understanding* communication processes through research and analysis, often with a broader scope than marketing. Marketing specialists primarily focus on promoting products or services, whereas communication scientists may study the impact of media on society or the effectiveness of crisis communication strategies.
- What skills are particularly important for success in this role?
- Strong analytical skills, research methodologies, and the ability to interpret data are crucial. Equally important are leadership qualities, strategic thinking, and excellent communication skills to effectively present complex information to diverse audiences.
- Communication Scientist — is there a shortage in Europe?
- No. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a surplus was reported in 10 of the 12 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Austria, Czechia, Germany, Greece and 6 more. 2 countries reported a shortage. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Communication Scientist — what does it pay in the United States?
- $77,800 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $49,880 to $135,000. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.