computer scientist
Snapshot
Are you fascinated by the underlying principles of technology and enjoy tackling complex challenges? As a computer scientist, you'll be at the forefront of innovation, shaping the future of computing and information systems.
Computer scientists in a leadership and strategy role drive advancements in computing technology through research, design, and problem-solving. Your work involves exploring fundamental aspects of information and communication technology (ICT), developing novel approaches, and finding creative applications for existing tools. This often includes writing detailed research reports and proposals to secure funding and guide projects.
- • Conducting original research to expand knowledge of ICT principles.
- • Designing and inventing new computing technologies and algorithms.
- • Developing innovative applications for existing technology.
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 Information and communications technology professionals — 75 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus and 6 more.
Longest-running shortage: Austria, 3 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 computer 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 Cooperation?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Achievement?
Future Outlook for computer scientist
The outlook for computer 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 computer scientist change as AI adoption grows?
Several task areas may shift toward AI-assisted workflows, so reskilling becomes more important.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could computer scientist change as AI adoption grows?
Several task areas may shift toward AI-assisted workflows, so reskilling becomes more important.
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
- apply statistical analysis techniques
- use an application-specific interface
- manage open publications
Tasks most exposed to automation
- synthesise research publications
- synthesise information
- apply for research funding
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
Digital Technology
A typical day as a computer scientist
09 09:00 · Morning define technology strategy
10 10:30 · Mid-morning execute ICT user research activities
12 12:00 · Midday apply reverse engineering
14 14:00 · Afternoon manage intellectual property rights
15 15:30 · Late afternoon operate open source software
17 17:00 · Wrap-up use an application-specific interface
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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Apache Tomcat
The open-source web server Apache Tomcat provides a Java web server environment which uses a built in container where HTTP requests are loaded, allowing the Java web applications to run on local and server based systems.
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cognitive computing
The interdisciplinary field between cognitive science and computer science that involves simulating human thinking processes through a computerised approach. It makes use of algorithms for data mining and natural language processing to imitate the functioning of the human brain.
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computational biology
The interdisciplinary scientific field that focus on employing data analytics and theories to investigate biological systems obtained through experiments.
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data mining
The methods of artificial intelligence, machine learning, statistics and databases used to extract content from a dataset.
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documentation types
The characteristics of internal and external documentation types aligned with the product life cycle and their specific content types.
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information categorisation
The process of classifying the information into categories and showing relationships between the data for some clearly defined purposes.
- data science
- scientific research methodology
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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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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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conduct literature research
Conduct a comprehensive and systematic research of information and publications on a specific literature topic. Present a comparative evaluative literature summary.
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conduct scholarly research
Plan scholarly research by formulating the research question and conducting empirical or literature research in order to investigate the truth of the research question.
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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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draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation
Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.
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write research proposals
Synthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the relevant subject and field of study.
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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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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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execute ICT user research activities
Perform research tasks such as recruitment of participants, scheduling of tasks, collecting of empirical data, data analysis and production of materials in order to assess the interaction of users with an ICT system, program or application.
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demonstrate disciplinary expertise
Demonstrate deep knowledge and complex understanding of a specific research area, including responsible research, research ethics and scientific integrity principles, privacy and GDPR requirements, related to research activities within a specific discipline.
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apply reverse engineering
Use techniques to extract information or disassemble an ICT component, software or system in order to analyse, correct and reassemble or reproduce it.
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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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synthesise research publications
Read and interpret scientific publications that present a research problem, the methodology, its solution and hypothesis. Compare them and extract the information needed.
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synthesise information
Critically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.
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manage intellectual property rights
Deal with the private legal rights that protect the products of the intellect from unlawful infringement.
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apply for research funding
Identify key relevant funding sources and prepare research grant application in order to obtain funds and grants. Write research proposals.
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use back-up and recovery tools
Use tools which allow users to copy and archive computer software, configurations and data and recover them in case of loss.
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 computer 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.
Scan to continue on mobileGrowth Pathways & Similar Roles
Explore typical career progression paths, adjacent skills, and similar roles to plan your next transition.
Where does computer scientist fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of problems do computer scientists typically solve at this career band?
- At the Leadership & Strategy level, computer scientists address high-level, strategic challenges. This might involve designing the architecture for a new AI system, developing a novel cybersecurity protocol, or researching the ethical implications of emerging technologies.
- Does this role require extensive programming?
- While programming skills can be valuable, the focus at this level is more on research, design, and strategic thinking. You'll likely be evaluating and applying existing technologies rather than writing code from scratch for every project.
- What are the key work styles and values associated with this career?
- Success in this role requires a detail-oriented approach (1.C.7.b), a focus on accuracy (1.C.3.a), the ability to work independently (1.C.5.b), a structured approach (1.C.6), and a drive for achievement (1.C.1.a). It also benefits from valuing intellectual challenges (1.B.2.a), continuous learning (1.B.2.b), scientific inquiry (1.B.2.c), and innovation (1.B.2.f).
- Computer Scientist — is there a shortage in Europe?
- Yes. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a shortage was reported in 10 of the 14 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus and 6 more. Austria has reported one for 3 consecutive years. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Computer Scientist — what does it pay in the United States?
- $140,910 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $82,590 to $206,220. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.