What employers are looking for in the age of AI — and four ways to provide it

Artificial intelligence is becoming an essential skill for employers and funders in the science field, as indicated by a rise in the number of science jobs listing AI as a required skill, according to data from Indeed. Even when a science job's core focus is food science or gut biology, researchers must demonstrate knowledge of machine learning and AI to stand out.

For instance, researchers at the Quadram Institute in Norwich, UK, must be familiar with these technologies, or they risk being seen as lacking necessary skills. Rather than fearing AI systems taking science jobs, researchers can gain an advantage by utilizing and interpreting AI tools to enhance their understanding. Computer scientist Regina Barzilay, who teaches scientists AI skills at MIT, likens it to cooking – one doesn’t need to master every recipe, but should have a basic understanding.

Nine recruiters and researchers were consulted to determine the most important skills for scientists in the AI era. These include experimenting with AI technologies, taking courses in AI and machine learning, asking AI to write code for projects, then analyzing the code to learn how it works, and avoiding proposing AI projects without demonstrating the necessary skills.

Recruiters emphasize curiosity and the willingness to learn on a CV over specific technical skills, as the field moves quickly, and setting strict requirements for AI tools would quickly become outdated. Organizations provide training in AI alongside science curriculums, and online courses are accessible through institutions like MIT and the Royal Society of Chemistry.

However, it is crucial to critically examine AI-generated data and not solely rely on the results they produce.