Natural sciences managers plan, supervise and coordinate work in fields such as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics and statistics. They run labs and research programs, manage budgets and staff, and keep work on track and compliant. AI is speeding up parts of research. Deciding what to study and whether results hold up stays with people.
The short answer: AI is a research tool, and demand for these managers is growing fast. The ILO's 2025 index rates research and development managers, the closest group, at minimal exposure with a score of 0.40. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 8 percent growth for natural sciences managers from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average, with about 9,200 openings a year. Projections are estimates, not guarantees.
How exposed natural sciences managers are
The International Labour Organization scores occupations' tasks from 0 (cannot be automated with generative AI) to 1 (could be done without a human operator), and groups them into gradients from 1 to 4, with 4 the most exposed; below them sit minimal exposure and not exposed (ILO Working Paper 140, 2025).
| Occupation (ISCO-08) | ILO category | Mean task score (0 to 1) |
|---|---|---|
| Research and Development Managers | Minimal exposure | 0.40 |
The ILO scores groups of occupations, so this is the closest group for natural sciences managers, not a score for the job title itself.
What the BLS projects
| Occupation | Projected change 2025 to 2035 | Openings a year |
|---|---|---|
| Natural sciences managers | Grow 8% | About 9,200 |
The BLS projects much faster than average growth and expects many openings to come from replacing workers who move on or retire. Its outlook does not mention AI.
Where AI is helping
- Literature searches and summaries for a first read.
- Data analysis and code for research teams.
- Drafting grant proposals, reports and protocols.
- Lab scheduling and inventory planning.
What stays with natural sciences managers
- Research direction: choosing questions and projects worth funding.
- Scientific integrity: making sure results are sound and reproducible.
- Compliance and safety: lab safety, data rules and regulators.
- Checking AI help: generated citations and analysis can be invented or wrong, which NIST calls confabulation (NIST AI 600-1). See checking AI output.
How the job is changing
Teams can analyze more and write faster with AI. Managers set the rules for using it in research, including disclosure and review. This page is general information, not career advice.
See also will AI replace scientists?, will AI replace statisticians? and will AI replace lab technicians?
Pay and how to get in
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the median annual pay for natural sciences managers at $167,220 in May 2025, against $50,980 for all workers. The typical education needed to enter is: bachelor's degree. See how this job compares in AI exposure by pay and AI exposure by education level.
Questions and answers
Will AI replace natural sciences managers?
Not on current projections. The BLS projects 8 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average.
How exposed are science managers to AI?
The ILO rates research and development managers, the closest group, at minimal exposure with a score of 0.40.
How many openings are expected?
About 9,200 a year on average over the decade, according to the BLS.
Where does AI help science managers?
Literature reviews, data analysis and drafting. Research direction and integrity stay with people.