Career Explorer Management
Grows with AI
Natural sciences managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.
In the middle of the pack: more resilient than 55% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is high (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it high), and US jobs are projected to change by +8.2% by 2035, faster than average. The work leans on creative vision and emotional intelligence.
AI can help with many of the tasks, and demand is still growing. Being fluent with AI is the edge here.
- Median pay (2025)
- $167,220
- Job growth to 2035
- +8.2%
- Openings a year
- 9,200
- People doing it (2025)
- 112,000
- Usual route in
- Bachelor's degree
Where people already use AI for this work
- Explain regulations, policies, or procedures
- Provide information or assistance to the public
- Implement procedures or processes
From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).
Work AI rarely helps with
- Coordinate activities with clients, agencies, or organizations
- Develop organizational policies, systems, or processes
- Evaluate green technologies or processes
What the work looks like
- Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
- Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
- Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.
- 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.
- Review project activities and prepare and review research, testing, or operational reports.
From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.
Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook
- LogisticiansGrows with AI, Index 60, +17.6%
- Computer and information systems managersGrows with AI, Index 61, +15.8%
- Architectural and engineering managersGrows with AI, Index 56, +5.5%
- Administrative services managersHuman edge, growing, Index 66, +5.2%
Also known as: Chemical Process Exploration Manager, Environmental Program Manager, Natural Sciences Manager, Research and Development Director (R and D Director), Clinical Program Manager, Clinical Research Coordinator, Clinical Trial Manager, Research Coordinator.
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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.