Software engineer

Software engineers create, maintain, audit and improve systems to meet particular needs. They test hardware and software systems to diagnose and resolve system faults. Software engineers also write diagnostic programs and write code for operating systems and software.

Attributes: logical, patient, communicator

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Science communicator

Science communicators communicate science to the general public. They need to make scientific research understandable to people who may not have a background or career in science. Science communicators can be a science journalists or work in a university press office promoting the scientific research carried out by academics. They may deliver science shows or organise events at science festivals, schools or science centres or design and make interactive exhibits for science centres.

Attributes: creative, curious, logical

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Meta researcher

Meta researchers study research itself. They study research methods, reporting, reproducibility, evaluation, and incentives. They ensure, promote, and defend robust science, free from biases. They ensure all results from scientific investigations are evidence based.

Attributes: curious, patient, resilient

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Machine learning engineer

Machine learning engineers combine software engineering and data analysis to create programmes and algorithms that enable machines to take actions without being directed. They provide computers with the ability to learn automatically and improve from experience, without being programmed.

Attributes: imaginative, curious, communicator

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Earth scientist

Earth scientists study the features of the Earth now and the evolution of the Earth in the past. They use this knowledge to help and sustain our planet for the future. They study the solid surface of the Earth and the ground beneath the surface (geologic science), the waters of the Earth (hydrologic science) and the air surrounding the Earth (atmospheric science).

Attributes: logical, imaginative and organised

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Data scientist

Data scientists find patterns in data collected by large organisations in order to solve the problems that the organisations face. Data scientists extract, analyse and interpret data using algorithms, data mining, artificial intelligence, machine learning and statistical tools. They then present this data and find ways to solve problems in innovative and imaginative ways.

Attributes: imaginative, logical and open-minded

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Computer scientist

Computer scientists use technology to solve problems and prepare for the future. They write and program software to create applications. Computer scientists work in database theory and software engineering. They use numerical analysis and programming languages in their work.

Attributes: organised, logical and resilient

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Biotechnologist

Biotechnologists study the genetic, chemical and physical properties of cells, tissues and organisms, and discover ways to use this knowledge. They may work in the food industry and make enzymes and preservatives to use in food and drink. They may work in agriculture and genetically modify crops to improve yields. They may work in the medical industry and create new drugs and treatments. They may even work to improve the environment by converting plants into biofuels.

Attributes: observant, curious and imaginative

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Atmospheric scientist

Atmospheric scientists study the atmosphere of our planet. They may study the weather and make predictions for future weather, but differ from meteorologists as they study the past, present and future impacts of large weather systems on the Earth along with smaller impacts on biological life. Atmospheric scientists may study and analyse air quality to assess the impact of this on the environment and public health. They collect data to produce computer models to predict the impacts of the atmosphere on the planet in the future.

Attributes: creative, observant and passionate

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Artificial intelligence researcher

Artificial intelligence researchers create models and simulations to teach computers how to solve complex problems. They model the problems using mathematics, and develop new methods to solve these problems. They write code to create algorithms and test and analyse these algorithms to see how well they solve the problem.

Attributes: curious, resilient and open-minded

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