Information Scientist Responsibilities

Information scientists need to deal with a diverse range of fields and work in different areas like computer science, management, mathematics, archival science, social sciences, etc. Information scientist responsibilities basically focus on understanding the problems, gathering the relevant information from various resources, applying the basic principles, and resolving them with the help of technology. The information scientist assists in finding out new ways to develop methods, so that there is maximum utilization of the existing technology and developing new ways to design new technology.

Key Responsibilities of an Information Scientist

The information scientist invents, designs, and analyzes the system problems related to the hardware and software, implements the computer algorithms, applies his/her theoretical knowledge and expertise to develop new technology that meets the clients' expectations. While innovating this new technology or updating the existing one, he/she ensures that all the principles, rules and standards have been followed. The following points given below will help you in understanding the key responsibilities that need to be handled by an information scientist:

1. To understand the requirements of the client, to evaluate, to organize and set the priorities, to classify the gathered information, and to distribute, assign, and schedule the tasks to meet those needs.
2. He/she develops and conducts detailed research strategies and compiles and updates the related database.
3. He/she manages the database and assists in drafting the guidelines.
4. He/she ensures that all the records are filed and updated properly and helps in archiving the search processes.
5. He/she provides support to perform the related work and contributes to the development of a project by working in close coordination with the research fellows, project coordinators and project managers.
6. He/she actively participates in meetings, workshops, and conferences and shares the knowledge to continue professional development, so that the team remains updated professionally as well as technically.

The information scientist is thus involved in implementation of the project right from the inception stage to its completion. He/she ensures that the developmental standards have been met, takes decisions by interacting with the subordinate staff members and trains them whenever there is a need. He/she answers all the queries and handles all the relevant issues. He/she is involved in writing all the relevant reports, retrieving the gathered data, and information, and makes utilization of relevant computer applications.

Educational Qualification

The basic education required to make an entry in this field as an information scientist is to complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college. Post graduation in information science or information management is usually preferred. Experience in the relevant field would also be an added advantage.

Essential Skills

The information scientist should be a self starter, motivated, and should have the ability to take initiative, supervise, and delegate the work to the subordinates. He/she should be responsible for his/her own actions. He/she should be able to prepare the ground for making the most significant decisions that will lead to effective progress and completion of the project in time. He/she should be able to juggle various priorities and ensure that the highest is being delivered even in pressure situations. He/she should be able to work independently as well as should be comfortable working in a team environment. He/she should be proficient in computers with excellent organization skills and also should have the ability to handle huge database.

Work Schedule

The information scientists are usually employed in private or public sector organizations. They can usually be found in libraries, information services, professional companies, research associations, government departments, charities and commercial organizations. They, however, have hectic work schedules and need to have flexible approach if they need to do some work on a priority basis. Depending on the work situation, they may need to work overtime sometimes in the evenings or late at nights, and sometimes even on the weekends.

Salary Details

The minimum salary for the candidates who have just completed their education can range in between $56,000 to $60,000, while those who have experience in a similar profile can get a salary ranging in between $85,000 to $130,000. It can vary depending on the type of field an individual is working in and the size and location of the organization. Equally important factors are the relevant skills and educational background that an individual has.

Career Prospects

Since the information scientists are associated with various fields, the opportunities for information scientists are many and those with relevant qualification and experience have better chances for advancement in their careers.

Thus, to ensure success in the field of information science, it is vital that the information scientist responsibilities should be carried out efficiently and effectively.