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How exposed to AI is a Natural Sciences Manager?

Of the 16 tasks O*NET lists for natural sciences managers, 6 could be done in half the time with a chat window today. 4 cannot be sped up at all. Here is which.

Exposure means published research judged an AI could halve the time a task takes, at the same quality. It does not mean the task stops needing a person. How to read this

Also called
Analytical Services ManagerChemical Engineer SupervisorChemical Process Exploration ManagerEnvironmental Program ManagerLab Manager (Laboratory Manager)Natural Sciences ManagerResearch AdministratorResearch and Development Director (R and D Director)Research ManagerWater Team Leader
Reachable today Needs software built first Cannot be sped up
16
tasks rated for this occupation
93%
hold a degree, from a survey of 25
75k
people do this job in the US
22 of 56
least protected in management

Every task, and what AI can do with it

These are O*NET's task statements for this occupation, exactly as written, sorted into the three bands by the ratings behind this report. Nothing has been reworded.

Reachable with a chat window today

6
  • Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing
  • Determine scientific or technical goals within broad outlines provided by top management and make detailed plans to accomplish these goals
  • Prepare project proposals
  • Develop or implement policies, standards, or procedures for the architectural, scientific, or technical work performed to ensure regulatory compliance or operations enhancement
  • Develop innovative technology or train staff for its implementation
  • Advise or assist in obtaining patents or meeting other legal requirements

Only with software built on top

6
  • Plan or direct research, development, or production activities
  • Review project activities and prepare and review research, testing, or operational reports
  • Confer with scientists, engineers, regulators, or others to plan or review projects or to provide technical assistance
  • Develop client relationships and communicate with clients to explain proposals, present research findings, establish specifications, or discuss project status
  • Prepare and administer budgets, approve and review expenditures, and prepare financial reports
  • Make presentations at professional meetings to further knowledge in the field

Cannot be sped up

4
  • Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff
  • Recruit personnel or oversee the development or maintenance of staff competence
  • Conduct own research in field of expertise
  • Provide for stewardship of plant or animal resources or habitats, studying land use, monitoring animal populations, or providing shelter, resources, or medical treatment for animals
What this does not say

This is not a prediction about your job

Nobody surveyed an employer. Tasks are counted equally, so a percentage here is a share of the list rather than a share of your week. And the ratings were made in 2023, which makes every figure a floor rather than a ceiling.

It must never be used to select anyone for redundancy. The full limits are here.

Where to go next

This is the standard task list for the title. The useful next question is which of the tasks you actually do should go near AI, and which should not.

Sort your own tasks Read the full report

Exposure ratings from Eloundou, Manning, Mishkin and Rock, GPTs are GPTs: Labor market impact potential of LLMs, Science 384, 1306–1308, 2024, used under the MIT licence. This page includes information from the O*NET Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. People Team AI has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Employment figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.