How to become A Computational Scientist

• Computer Scientist
• Computer Specialist

What do Computational Scientists do? 

A Computational Scientist would typically need to:

• Propose, plan and lead new research projects that enhance knowledge and understanding and are of national and international significance
• Assess and analyse the research problem at hand; define its subject area and scope; select the issues to investigate; develop innovative computational concepts and approaches; selectively apply appropriate methodologies to the research problem
• Coordinate with research faculty and other technical team members for needs assessment and feasibility analysis of goals and objectives
• Coordinate research & development activities between different disciplines to ensure the accomplishment of the major and minor project and organisational goals  
• Identify problems and technical issues; evaluate trends and relationships that may impact the research results to create a viable, versatile and extended service
• Ensure the quality, effectiveness, and timeliness of assigned projects
• Carry out programming, debugging, and documentation; contribute to the analysis of complex data; interpret and report results
• Address highly complex general or specific design issues that impact the success of present or future computational methods, technologies, systems and services
• Collaborate with departments and individuals within and outside the project; plan, organise and supervise the work of subordinate team leaders, scientists, engineers, technicians, and students working on the project
• Conduct staff training and outreach activities to ensure that current and new service developments remain up to date and that users may use the services with ease and success
• Serve on advisory or policy boards, journals and societies; lead symposia and committees; peer review important technical programs; build a national and international network; 
• Write and present papers and reports; prepare and present significant technical proposals
• Identify potential problems in the short and long run, research trends and opportunities

Computational Scientists spend most of their time in offices at a computer or in a laboratory performing research. They also spend considerable time telecommuting, thanks to modern technology that enables them to work from anywhere, individually or as part of a team.

As a freelance Computational Scientist, you may set up your desk in any location you want, even working from home.

Computational Scientists usually work 40-hour weeks. However, with greater and more complex responsibilities, they may even work during evenings and weekends or remain on-call to solve technical issues and meet competing deadlines.
You may also choose to freelance, in which case, you can set your own schedule.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Computational Scientists can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

It is helpful to note that Computational Scientists may work not only in information technology (IT) but in diverse sectors, particularly in enterprises that employ IT software, systems and equipment.

Computational Scientists are generally employed by:

• Colleges & Universities
• Hardware & Software Design Companies
• Research Laboratories
• Tech Companies
• Governmental Agencies
• Defence Forces
• IT Consultancies
• IT Providers
• Specialist IT Firms
• Social Media Companies
• The Public Sector
• Financial Service Providers
• Manufacturing Companies

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology (IACSIT), are crucial for Computational Scientists interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Back pain, eyestrain, back discomfort, wrist issues, carpal tunnel and weight-related issues syndrome due to long hours spent in front of a computer screen
• Dealing with long sedentary hours in the same seat

Employers look favourably upon work experience in scientific computing, modelling and simulation as a way of displaying a genuine interest in computational science.

Some universities include a year in industry which will allow you to network and develop your commercial skills. 

Joining a college club or society that allows you to develop your computing, web design, and mixed media skills gives you a competitive edge when applying for graduate jobs.

If your university does not provide such opportunities, try to look for IT-related paid internships or unpaid externships in which you may shadow professionals.

It is valuable to create an individual portfolio of your projects, particularly those which demonstrate your abilities and experience in programming, building a website or an app, carrying out a mediator’s tasks online, fixing bugs, or improving functionality.

Entry-level jobs typically require an associate degree, although bachelor’s degree holders may be preferred. Some positions may ask you to hold a master’s degree. Each program varies in duration and content and may allow you to specialise or acquire generalised knowledge. You may also choose whether to major in a science subject or engineering.

One pathway for aspiring Computational Scientists is to obtain an associate degree in computer science, which takes two years to complete. It encompasses primary general education and computer coursework. Typical modules include software design, programming languages, and informational technology.

Other computational science students may choose to obtain a four-year bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer engineering. 

The degree focuses on science and mathematics, including statistics and linear algebra. It introduces students to computation theories and techniques, scientific visualisation, grid analysis, high-performance parallel computing, enterprise computing, information management, statistics and linear algebra. Typical modules include computational science, software engineering, computer science, systems design, mathematics for computer science, programming, data structures, algorithms, software security, and operating systems. You may also learn about gaming and multimedia.

Master’s degree programs in human-computer interaction, security, software theory, and artificial intelligence are available and take from one to three years to complete, depending on whether you study on an accelerated level or part- or full-time. For your thesis or project, you may choose topics such as algorithms, databases, experimental design and modelling.

You may also choose to take up a doctoral program conducting original research for your thesis. 

While not mandatory, relevant certification demonstrates a Computational Scientist’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination.

Certification in vendor-specific programming products is also available since some companies mandate their Computational Scientists to possess certification in the products they use.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Computational Scientists with consistently high performance levels may be eligible for promotion every two to three years.
With their skills and knowledge in a specialised and new field, Computational Scientists may progress into any research position that centres on computation.

Computational Scientists with a master's degree or higher and several years of experience will have the best job prospects. Keeping up with the latest computational methods will also help you find a job.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Computational Scientist build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Computational Scientists may pursue additional qualifications, such as a master’s degree, to advance their job prospects.

A PhD in computer science may lead to academic jobs and corporate leadership positions. Students must have at least a bachelor's degree, but usually a master's, in a related discipline to gain entry into a doctoral program. Most PhD programs are on-campus and may mandate additional research and teaching. You would typically need to complete a dissertation on topics such as robotics, human-computer interaction, or theory.

Computational Scientists may also pursue certificate programs such as a computational science and engineering course to boost their job prospects. It is an opportunity for in-depth study and research in computational science and engineering, computational and connected science, numerical recreation, logical computation, and visualisation.

Reflective learning, interaction with peer groups, comprehensive inclusion, workshops, and professional publications educate, influence, support, and foster lifelong enlightenment in all career-grade Computational Scientists.

Importance of Computational Science

Computational science continues to have a significant impact on 21st-century progress and scientific development. While pure analytical or experimental approaches reach their limits, computational science uses models and computer simulations to understand our complex world. It is a combination of model development and analysis, with high-performance computing and data science applied to the specific domain of the research question at hand, whether it is related to finance, medicine, physics, or the social sciences. 

Computational science helps tackle a range of problems, such as climate modelling and predicting the next natural disaster, analysing the behaviour of financial markets, and evaluating the effects of quarantine, testing, and vaccination on the spread of infectious illnesses. Predicting outcomes before taking real action is critical because of their potential consequences on the world.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Computational Scientists have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Computational Scientist has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

For years, the password for the computers in charge of commanding the US Army's nuclear weapons was 0000000000.

Scientists progressively depend on computational modelling and data analysis to investigate and comprehend the natural world. Given its omnipresent use in science and its significance to the future of science & engineering, computational modelling plays a central part in current progress and scientific advancements. As a Computational Scientist, you play not only a critical role in diverse sectors but one that will constantly evolve as newer needs arise and technological solutions emerge to fulfil them.

You need to foster solid problem-solving skills because most of the ventures you work on will require you to take a concept and turn it into a reality. To meet this challenge successfully, you must think of a way to execute the venture and lay out the steps required to get it done.