GoKawiilThe world of artificial intelligence can be intimidating, but researchers have tips on how to get started. Credit: Jade Gao/AFP via Getty
Artificial intelligence is becoming a must-have skill for both employers and funders. Data compiled by the jobs site Indeed show that, in the United States, science jobs listing ‘AI’ as a required skill are rising sharply, whereas the overall number of science jobs has fallen (see ‘AI in demand’).
One example is the Quadram Institute in Norwich, UK, which specializes in food science and gut biology. Despite that core focus, researchers must show some knowledge of machine learning and AI, according to chief executive Daniel Figeys.
“Definitely they should be familiar with it,” he says, adding that a lot of work in Quadram’s field involves machine learning and high-throughput screening, the data from which are often analysed with AI tools. “If they were lacking all those skills, depending on the position, that would be a red flag.”
Source: Indeed
However, instead of worrying that AI systems will be taking science jobs, researchers can get ahead by using and interpreting AI tools to build their understanding. And they don’t need to know everything. Computer scientist Regina Barzilay runs a specialist course at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge to teach scientists AI skills. She likens it to cooking: “You don’t need to learn every recipe on Earth to feel comfortable in the kitchen … but you need to have this very basic understanding,” she says, much like “you don’t need to be a computer scientist to use a computer.”
Nature spoke to nine recruiters and researchers to ask them what the most important skills will be for scientists of all kinds in the AI era.
In short Dos and don’ts to build your AI knowledge: • Do experiment with AI technologies in your working day. • Do take a course in AI and machine learning. • Do ask AI to write code for a project, then take the code apart and learn how it works. • Don’t propose a project using AI tools without being able to show that you have the skills to back it up. • Don’t believe everything you get from a chatbot. • Don’t try to learn everything at once.
Be curious
Recruiters repeatedly told Nature that, rather than specific technical skills, they’re mostly looking for candidates who are curious to learn more about AI and are able to demonstrate that on their CVs.
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