How to Become an AI Scientist? Learn Top 8 Skills for This Role
According to a survey by IBM, 59% of Indian enterprises have already deployed AI systems. Many organizations are increasing their investment in AI research and development, and training their employees to leverage AI. Hence, AI and ML are growing as leading career options in the modern world, creating new AI jobs. This blog post discusses one of the best jobs in AI across various industries—the role of an AI scientist. It explains the key responsibilities of an AI scientist and the skills and experience required for this role.
What are the Main Roles and Responsibilities of an AI Scientist?
The key role of an AI scientist is to identify business problems or innovation opportunities and build AI algorithms. Their responsibilities fall under the following broad categories.
1. AI Research
Research and development are key responsibilities of an AI scientist. They research new AI methodologies, techniques, and concepts and implement them to build efficient AI algorithms that can solve specific business problems.
2. Algorithm Development
AI scientists also design, develop, and test AI algorithms for organizations. For example, an AI scientist in the fintech industry develops and optimizes AI algorithms to detect financial frauds in real-time, understand customer preferences, and offer personalized services.
3. Model Training
Once an AI algorithm is developed, AI scientists also train the model using deep learning, regression, or clustering techniques. It involves preparing data sets, processing and analyzing data, selecting training models, and training validation and testing.
4. Ethical Use of AI
AI scientists also ensure responsible and ethical deployment and use of AI models to ensure transparency and data privacy.
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What Skills are Necessary to Become an AI Scientist?
Here are the top AI skills for an AI scientist or AI engineer.
1. AI & ML
Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning (ML) are the two most crucial skills for the AI scientist role. Professionals should have a good understanding of AI and ML fundamentals such as clustering, decision trees, and regression algorithms. They should also be aware of AI and ML techniques and their implementation.
2. Programming
Since the AI scientist role involves developing algorithms, you require advanced knowledge of programming languages such as Python, R, TensorFlow, MATLAB, PyTorch, and Kotlin.
3. Database Modeling
AI scientists have to train AI algorithms to generate the required output. Therefore, they should know database modeling. It refers to designing, developing, and managing database systems that comprise large volumes of data.
4. Big Data Analytics
Many businesses use AI algorithms for real-time data analytics to optimize customer experience and improve business efficiency. Therefore, an AI scientist should have knowledge of big data analytics tools and techniques such as data mining and statistical analysis.
5. AI Deployment
The deployment of AI algorithms is also an important skill in AI computer science. AI scientists implement AI models and integrate them seamlessly into the existing IT infrastructure.
6. AI Security
AI scientists use various security tools and techniques while developing and implementing AI algorithms. Therefore, AI security is also an essential skill.
7. Neural Network Architectures
A neural network is a complex, layered structure that processes data similar to a human mind. It helps AI algorithms process data, self-learn, and improve its accuracy. Hence, AI scientists should know how to implement neural network techniques such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) in AI algorithms.
8. Statistics
This is another AI computer science skill because it helps AI and ML models analyze and visualize data without any bias. Therefore, an AI scientist should be familiar with statistical principles, tools, and techniques.
In addition to these technical skills, the AI scientist role also requires soft skills such as problem-solving, analytical thinking, efficient decision-making, collaboration, and adaptability.
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What Education and Experience are Required for a Career in AI?
AI scientist roles usually require a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or Statistics.
For entry-level AI scientist or AI engineer roles, organizations prefer to hire candidates with internships or volunteer experiences in AI engineering or similar roles.
However, senior-level AI scientists require at least five to six years of experience as data scientists, AI specialists, or AI engineers. Lead AI scientists have over six years of experience as a data scientist.
What is the Average Salary of an AI Scientist?
According to Glassdoor, the average salary of an AI scientist in India is ₹2,000,000 per year. The base pay range for this role is ₹1,300,000–₹2,500,000.
Moreover, lead AI scientists earn ₹4,500,000 annual average salary.
However, as per Payscale, the average annual salary for a data scientist with AI skills in India is ₹1,223,226. The entry-level salary for data scientists is ₹589,581. Mid-career and experienced professionals earn ₹1,375,496 and ₹1,850,000 annual average salary, respectively.
What are the Career Prospects for AI Scientists?
The following are some of the best jobs in AI for AI scientists:
1. AI Research and Development
As stated earlier, Indian organizations are increasing their investments in AI research and development. Many organizations are also setting up their own AI research departments to build In-house AI algorithms and gain competitive advantage.
Therefore, professionals interested in AI research can join such organizations or even educational institutions to contribute to AI research and develop innovative AI models. AI scientists can also work with research organizations across various industries, such as finance, automotive, health care, and cybersecurity.
2. AI Ethics and Policy
Many organizations are focusing on spreading awareness and creating frameworks on AI ethics and policy. An AI scientist can join private or government-led organizations to draft policies for AI ethics. Moreover, as the use of AI increases, stringent laws are likely to be introduced for optimum use of AI. Professionals with sound knowledge of AI ethics can join and lead government committees set up for AI policy-making.
3. Data Science and Analytics
This is also an excellent career option for AI scientists. Data science and analytics or predictive analytics primarily involves developing and implementing AI models to leverage big data and gain valuable business insights. Such AI models or algorithms analyze large data sets and provide information on consumer behavior, forecast demand, and industry patterns. Therefore, an AI scientist helps organizations improve efficiency and make data-driven decisions.
4. Robotics Scientist
Another great career path for AI scientists is robotics. This role is usually in startups or research organizations to design, develop, and implement autonomous robotic systems such as drones, automatic driving vehicles, and industrial robots.
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According to the India Skills Report 2024, India has become the global leader in AI jobs with 416,000 AI professionals. With the growth of new jobs in AI, there are likely to be 1,000,000 AI professionals in India. However, with AI trends changing rapidly, an AI scientist must stay updated with the trends and upskill continuously to get well-paying opportunities. Explore Emeritus online artificial intelligence courses and machine learning courses to gain AI skills and experience and build a future-proof career in AI.
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