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🇬🇧 UKSOC 2162· Science, Research, Engineering and Technology Professionals

Other researchers, unspecified discipline

Other researchers, unspecified discipline perform research activities across a variety of disciplines for academic purposes or to provide the systematic investigation necessary for the development of new products and services, or to enhance the performance of existing ones.

Postdoctoral researcherResearch assistant (university)Research fellow (university)University researcher
£42,463
median salary
£38,019 – £50,584
69,400
currently employed
67,710
projected 2035
Strong growth
8 tasks scored1 AI Automates7 AI Assists

Task Bundle Breakdown

How AI interacts with this occupation's task bundle

13%
88%
13%
AI automates
88%
AI assists
-1%
Human-led

Task-by-Task Breakdown

Every task scored individually — sorted highest to lowest AI exposure

78

compiles and analyses quantitative and qualitative data, prepares reports and presents results to summarise main findings and conclusions

AI Automates

AI tools like Power BI Copilot, ChatGPT Code Interpreter, and NVivo AI can automate much of the data compilation, thematic analysis, and report drafting, with humans reviewing conclusions and framing.

67

analyses results and writes up results of tests and experiments undertaken

AI Assists

AI tools like Julius AI or ChatGPT Code Interpreter can rapidly analyse datasets and draft results sections, though researchers must validate interpretations and ensure scientific rigour.

67

presents results of scientific research to sponsors, addresses conferences and publishes articles outlining the methodology and results of research undertaken

AI Assists

AI tools like Grammarly, ChatGPT, and Gamma can assist with drafting papers, structuring presentations, and preparing conference materials, significantly reducing writing time while humans ensure accuracy.

56

designs tests and experiments to address research objective and find solutions

AI Assists

AI can suggest experimental designs and flag statistical power issues (e.g. via GPT-4 or specialised tools like Design-Expert), but the creative and domain-specific judgement for novel experiments remains human-led.

56

applies models and techniques to medical, industrial, agricultural, military and similar applications

AI Assists

AI platforms like MATLAB AI toolboxes or Python-based ML frameworks can accelerate model application, but interpreting outputs and adapting models to specific real-world contexts requires human expertise.

56

designs and develops an appropriate research methodology in order to address the research objective

AI Assists

AI can recommend established methodological frameworks and identify gaps via tools like Elicit or Semantic Scholar, but designing novel methodologies for unique research questions requires human intellectual contribution.

44

plans, directs and undertakes research into areas of academic interest or commercial importance to their organisation

AI Assists

AI tools like Elicit or Consensus can assist with literature reviews and research planning, but strategic direction and prioritisation require human expertise and institutional knowledge.

44

advises government, private organisations and special interest groups on policy issues

AI Assists

AI can synthesise evidence and model policy scenarios (e.g. using tools like PolicyEngine or GPT-4 for briefing drafts), but credible advisory roles depend on human relationships, accountability, and contextual judgement.

ROI Calculator

Other researchers, unspecified discipline

16.9hrs
saved per week
810hrs
per year ≈ 21.6 weeks
£19,108
salary-equivalent capacity freed per year

This is not a pay rise — it's 810 hours of productive capacity that AI could return to you, valued at your current rate.

£42,463
value at risk — 100% of role exposed to AI

The portion of your current salary tied to tasks AI can automate or augment. Not a prediction of job loss — a signal of where your role is changing fastest.

How is this calculated?▾

Task weights — each task is weighted by its O*NET frequency rating. Where frequency data is absent, equal weighting is applied.

AI time reduction — tasks scored as "AI Automates" assume 80% time saving; "AI Assists" assumes 40%; "Human-Led" assumes 5%.

Salary equivalent — annual hours saved × (salary ÷ 1,800 working hours/year).

Value at risk — salary × share of role time in AI-automate or AI-assist tasks.

Figures are indicative estimates for planning purposes, not guarantees of productivity gain or job loss risk.