Will AI replace Research and development (r&d) managers?

Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 77 official task statements scored for Research and development (r&d) managers (United Kingdom, SOC 2161), 36% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 47 out of 100 (range 41–53, band: partial). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.

Which tasks in “Research and development (r&d) managers” can AI already do?

The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Prepare detailed production reports for research, manufacturing and assembly processes” (93/100, very high); “Prepare estimate of production costs for management” (93/100, very high); “Apply scientific techniques, such as statistics, for data presentation to scientific and non-scientific audiences” (85/100, very high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.

Which tasks in “Research and development (r&d) managers” stay human?

About 38% of this job's task weight sits in work that scores low for AI exposure. The lowest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Perform laboratory tests to produce reliable data for scientific investigations” (0/100, minimal); “Operate and calibrate specified instrumentation and laboratory equipment as required” (0/100, minimal); “Carry out laboratory tasks following specified methodologies, such as Standard Operating Procedures” (0/100, minimal). Low scores usually mean the task needs a body in a room, a legally accountable human, or trust built in real time. Those are the three things the scoring rubric treats as gates rather than obstacles.

What should someone working in “Research and development (r&d) managers” do about AI?

Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 36% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 38% is not. The practical move is to spend more of your week on the tasks that score low, the ones above, and to get fluent at directing AI through the tasks that score high, because those are the parts that change whether or not you are ready for them. This page does not predict your job, and nothing here is career advice tailored to you: the score describes the occupation, not the person.

How is the AI exposure score for Research and development (r&d) managers calculated?

Each official task statement for the occupation is rated on five published 0–4 dimensions (output replicability, physical embodiment, licensed accountability, real-time human trust, and data availability) by claude-opus-5 using scoring prompt task_scoring_v1.0. The model never writes the score; a published formula turns the five ratings into a 0–100 number, so every score can be recomputed by hand. The occupation figure is the importance-weighted mean across 77 scored tasks. The prompt, the rubric, the formula and the full dataset are published at https://futureproof.collab365.com/method and https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1 under CC BY 4.0.

UK dataswitch to US

Research and development (r&d) managers

ensuring effective lab practices and adherence to Health & Safety procedures, recruiting new employees to support laboratory operations and preparing for laboratory-based scientific investigations and experiments. If that's your week, this page is about your job.

The honest answer

This job is splitting in two: preparing detailed production reports is work AI now does quickly and cheaply, and carrying out laboratory tasks following specified methodologies is work it can't touch.

Your move: what you can actually do about this ↓

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 36%
changing shape: 26%
staying human: 38%

These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.

Whole-job exposure score 47 out of 100 (41–53 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, across 77 scored tasks. The number is the support for the sentence above it, not a headline about anyone’s future.

How we know this

What is measured: Every published task statement for research and development (r&d) managers is rated on five dimensions: can a model produce the output, does the work need a body in a room, does it need a legally accountable person, does it depend on a person being trusted in the moment, and how much data exists. A published formula turns those five ratings into the score; the model never writes the number.

How the bar is built: Each task’s share of the bar is its published importance weight, so a task you do all day counts for more than one you do twice a year.

Release: 2026-q4.1, scores computed 2026-08-04. Read the full method.

Which half fills your week decides your exposure. That is more in your control than it sounds.

Your week, as this page understands it

Managers in this unit group plan, organise, co-ordinate and manage resources to undertake the systematic investigation necessary for the development of new, or to enhance the performance of existing, products and services. The job title says “research” or “development (r&d) managers”: officially one job, two names. The real job is the part underneath: carrying out laboratory tasks following specified methodologies. That is the thing someone has to be right about.

The exposed part of this job is specific, and we won’t pretend it is coming back. But research and development (r&d) managers is not one task. It is 77 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is carrying out laboratory tasks following specified methodologies, and the ledger below shows exactly why.

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 36%
changing shape: 26%
staying human: 38%

These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.

How we know this

How the bar is built: Each task’s share of the bar is its published importance weight, so a task you do all day counts for more than one you do twice a year.

Release: 2026-q4.1, scores computed 2026-08-04. Read the full method.

Your job, task by task

These are the official task statements for this occupation, in plain English, sorted by what the evidence says is happening to each one. The official wording sits under every line so you can check the rewrite against it.

28 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.

Shifting to AI

29 tasks

Tasks today’s tools can already do most of. This is the part we will not soften: where these rows are the bulk of your week, the week changes.

Maintaining accurate records of laboratory work and results
This is reading one thing and writing another: accurate records of laboratory work in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 85 · 2161/01
Source: “Maintain accurate records of laboratory work and results.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 61 out of 100 (57–65 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Recording work and results into the laboratory system is routine record-keeping.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Preparing detailed production reports
This is reading one thing and writing another: detailed production reports in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 2161/02
Source: “Prepare detailed production reports for research, manufacturing and assembly processes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 93 out of 100 (89–97 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Detailed production reports are assembled from recorded data, which software does quickly.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Developing cost analysis systems to enhance staff and facility efficiency
This is reading one thing and writing another: cost analysis systems in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 2161/02
Source: “Develop cost analysis systems to enhance staff and facility efficiency.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Building a cost analysis system is spreadsheet and modelling work software does quickly.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Analysing and interpreting scientific data to support research objectives
This is reading one thing and writing another: scientific data in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 2161/01
Source: “Analyse and interpret scientific data to support research objectives.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (59–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Data analysis is well supported by software, though scientific interpretation still needs the researcher.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Changing shape

20 tasks

Tasks where the machine takes the producing and a person keeps the checking, the deciding, or the answering-for-it. For most jobs this is the biggest group, and it is where "transformation, not termination" is literally visible.

Communicating scientific information appropriately, including the use of Laboratory Information Management systems, either digital
The software now makes the first pass at scientific information, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 2161/01
Source: “Communicate scientific information appropriately, including the use of Laboratory Information Management systems, either digital or paper-based.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Writing up and circulating scientific information through laboratory systems is document work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Following quality procedures to meet quality standards
The software now makes the first pass at quality procedures, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 2161/01
Source: “Follow quality procedures to meet quality standards.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 43 out of 100 (36–50 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Procedures are written down and easy to check against, though following them means being present where the work is actually done.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Reviewing laboratory project activities for quality assurance
The software now makes the first pass at laboratory project activities, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 2161/01
Source: “Review laboratory project activities for quality assurance.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 42 out of 100 (35–49 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Quality review is a documented check, though an accredited laboratory needs a named person to sign it off.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Staying human

28 tasks

Tasks that stay with a person, because they happen in the physical world, because the rules need someone accountable, or because the value is that a specific person does them.

Ensuring effective lab practices and adherence to Health & Safety procedures
This work happens in the physical world: effective lab practices, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 2161/01
Source: “Ensure effective lab practices and adherence to Health & Safety procedures.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 25 out of 100 (18–32 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: The rules are written down, but keeping practice safe means being in the laboratory watching how work is done.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Using specific procedures and methods for laboratory tasks
This work happens in the physical world: specific procedures, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 2161/01
Source: “Use specific procedures and methods for laboratory tasks.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (2–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Choosing the right method can be looked up, but performing it is bench work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Carrying out laboratory tasks following specified methodologies
This work happens in the physical world: laboratory tasks following specified methodologies, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 2161/01
Source: “Carry out laboratory tasks following specified methodologies, such as Standard Operating Procedures.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Running the procedure means handling samples and equipment at the bench.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Show the other 67 tasks

Preparing estimate of production costs for management
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: estimate of production costs in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 2161/02
Source: “Prepare estimate of production costs for management.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 93 out of 100 (89–97 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Costing a production run from material, labour and overhead figures is spreadsheet work software does well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Applying scientific techniques, such as statistics, for data presentation to scientific and non-scientific audiences
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: scientific techniques in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 65 · 2161/01
Source: “Apply scientific techniques, such as statistics, for data presentation to scientific and non-scientific audiences.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 85 out of 100 (81–89 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Turning results into clear charts and explanations for different audiences is a strong software capability.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Developing standards, best practices and system usage procedures
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: standards, best practices and system usage procedures in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 65 · 2161/02
Source: “Develop standards, best practices, and system usage procedures.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 83 out of 100 (79–87 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Database standards and good practice are widely published, so drafting them suits software very well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Formulating sampling procedures and designs for quality data collection
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: procedures in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 2161/02
Source: “Formulate sampling procedures and designs for quality data collection.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 83 out of 100 (79–87 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Sampling methods are well documented statistics, so designing a scheme is strong ground for software.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Making detailed plans to accomplish these goals
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: detailed plans in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 2161/01
Source: “Make detailed plans to accomplish these goals.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Detailed planning is writing and scheduling, shaped by constraints the team already records.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Designing the stages of problem analysis for projects
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: the stages of problem analysis in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 55 · 2161/01
Source: “Design the stages of problem analysis for projects.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Structuring how a problem will be analysed is a documented planning task.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Drafting project proposals outlining objectives
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: project proposals outlining objectives in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 55 · 2161/01
Source: “Draft project proposals outlining objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Proposal drafting follows familiar structures, with the specifics filled in from the project.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Developing concepts and specifications for new projects
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: concepts in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 2161/01
Source: “Develop concepts and specifications for new projects.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Writing project concepts and specifications is structured drafting from existing information.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Applying statistical methods and performing mathematical calculations to determine manufacturing processes
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: statistical methods in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 65 · 2161/02
Source: “Apply statistical methods and perform mathematical calculations to determine manufacturing processes, staff requirements, and production standards.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Statistical and engineering calculations are exactly the kind of work software performs accurately.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Regulating workflow schedules according to established manufacturing sequences and leading times
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: workflow schedules in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 65 · 2161/02
Source: “Regulate workflow schedules according to established manufacturing sequences and lead times.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Adjusting production schedules against lead times is a planning calculation software does quickly.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Analysing statistical data to establish quality standards for finished products
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: statistical data in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 2161/02
Source: “Analyse statistical data to establish quality standards for finished products.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: This is statistics on data the business already holds, and software is fast and reliable at exactly that kind of analysis.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Developing labour utilisation standards for efficient staff
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: labour utilisation standards in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 2161/02
Source: “Develop labour utilisation standards for efficient staff use.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Working out how much labour a job needs is calculation from time and output data already recorded.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Reviewing orders and related information to understand manufacturing procedures and activities
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: orders in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 2161/02
Source: “Review orders and related information to understand manufacturing procedures and activities.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Reading orders and related information is easy to summarise, though the point is the manager's own grasp of the job.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Studying operations sequence, material flow, functional statements, organisation charts and project information to determine worker functions and responsibilities
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: operations sequence, material flow, functional statements in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 2161/02
Source: “Study operations sequence, material flow, functional statements, organisation charts, and project information to determine worker functions and responsibilities.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Studying flows, charts and role descriptions to work out who does what is document analysis software handles well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Gathering and analysing routine quality performance data to support governance activities
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: routine quality performance data in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 2161/02
Source: “Gather and analyse routine quality performance data to support governance activities.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Routine quality data is collected in systems already, so analysing and reporting it is largely automatic.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Reading production schedules to identify specifications
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: production schedules in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 55 · 2161/02
Source: “Read production schedules to identify specifications for materials, cutting lines, and tolerances.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 69 out of 100 (65–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Reading a schedule for materials, cut lines and tolerances is straightforward information work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Identifying cost saving methods for product design changes
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: cost saving methods in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 65 · 2161/02
Source: “Identify cost saving methods for product design changes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 68 out of 100 (61–75 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Cost analysis is straightforward for software, though the savings that matter depend on this product's details.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Formulating a corrective action plan for organisational or project issues
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: a corrective action plan in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 55 · 2161/02
Source: “Formulate a corrective action plan for organisational or project issues.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 68 out of 100 (61–75 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Software can draft a sensible plan to put things right, but the details that matter come from local knowledge.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Writing and reviewing reports on scientific research to ensure accuracy and validity
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: reports in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 2161/01
Source: “Write and review reports on scientific research to ensure accuracy and validity.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (62–70 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Writing and checking a research report is document work with well-established conventions.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Comparing product standards to technical drawings to ensure manufacturing accuracy
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: product standards in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 2161/02
Source: “Compare product standards to technical drawings to ensure manufacturing accuracy.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (59–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Checking drawings against product standards is a document comparison task.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Logging information to update engineering drawings and document production issues
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: information in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 2161/02
Source: “Log information to update engineering drawings and document production issues.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (59–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Recording changes and production issues against drawings is documented technical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Coordinating solution proposals for identified problems
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: solution proposals in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 2161/01
Source: “Coordinate solution proposals for identified problems.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (57–71 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Pulling options together into a proposal is writing and analysis work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Recommending workflows, improvements and scientific solutions to meet customer requirements
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: workflows, improvements and scientific solutions in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 65 · 2161/01
Source: “Recommend workflows, improvements, and scientific solutions to meet customer requirements.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (57–71 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Recommending improvements against customer requirements is analysis and writing work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Establishing scientific or technical goals within outlines provided by senior management
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: scientific in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 2161/01
Source: “Establish scientific or technical goals within outlines provided by senior management.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (57–71 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Turning senior management's outline into written technical goals is drafting work done at a desk.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Scheduling deliveries based on production forecasts
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: deliveries in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 50 · 2161/02
Source: “Schedule deliveries based on production forecasts, material substitutions, storage and handling facilities, and maintenance requirements.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (60–68 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Delivery scheduling from forecasts and lead times is routine planning work over company data.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Managing finances and controlling budgets to ensure efficient laboratory operations and research funding
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at finances, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 75 · 2161/01
Source: “Manage finances and control budgets to ensure efficient laboratory operations and research funding.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Budgeting and grant tracking work from figures already held in the finance system.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Interpreting results as required for senior colleagues
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at results, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 2161/01
Source: “Interpret results as required for senior colleagues.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Explaining what results mean is writing work built on documented methods.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Identifying solutions by applying established research methods
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at solutions, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 50 · 2161/01
Source: “Identify solutions by applying established research methods.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Applying established research methods to find solutions is well-documented analytical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Create specification sheets, accurately noting dimensions and details for others to follow
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at specification sheets, accurately noting dimensions and details, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 60 · 2161/02
Source: “Create specification sheets, accurately noting dimensions and details for others to follow.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Writing up dimensions and details into a specification sheet is structured document work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Determining the most efficient sequence for machining tasks
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at the most efficient sequence, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 55 · 2161/02
Source: “Determine the most efficient sequence for machining tasks.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Working out the most efficient machining order is a planning calculation software does well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Approving expenditures to manage financial resources
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at expenditures, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 75 · 2161/01
Source: “Approve expenditures to manage financial resources.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 50 out of 100 (43–57 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: The figures can be prepared automatically, but signing off spending is an act of authority a named manager is answerable for.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at compliance, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 75 · 2161/01
Source: “Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 50 out of 100 (43–57 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Rules are published and software can track them, but confirming the organisation genuinely complies is a responsibility a manager answers for.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Assessing the cost and duration of a repair
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at the cost, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 50 · 2161/02
Source: “Assess the cost and duration of a repair.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (42–56 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Estimating repairs is well supported by costing data and photo-based systems, with a look at the vehicle.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Coordinating packaging, dispatch and shipping of products, adhering to international regulations
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at dispatch, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 50 · 2161/02
Source: “Coordinate packaging, dispatch, and shipping of products, adhering to international regulations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (42–56 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Shipping paperwork and international rules are documented, though goods still have to be packed and sent.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Managing the allocation of raw materials
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at the allocation of raw materials, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 65 · 2161/02
Source: “Manage the allocation of raw materials, equipment, and staff to ensure efficient use of resources.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 48 out of 100 (41–55 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Allocating materials, machines and people is a scheduling calculation software does well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Ensuring compliance with relevant internal and external regulations in the science sector
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at compliance, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 2161/01
Source: “Ensure compliance with relevant internal and external regulations in the science sector.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 46 out of 100 (39–53 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Science-sector regulations are published, so checking practice against them is largely comparison work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Planning projects in collaboration with scientists
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at projects, but the part that matters is a person saying it and standing behind it. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 65 · 2161/01
Source: “Plan projects in collaboration with scientists, engineers, regulators, or others.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 46 out of 100 (39–53 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Project plans are easy to draft; agreeing them across scientists, engineers and regulators takes discussion.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Devising new processes to optimise the manufacturing process
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at new processes, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 2161/02
Source: “Devise new processes to optimise the manufacturing process.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 43 out of 100 (36–50 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Software can suggest process improvements, but designing them for a real production line needs shop-floor knowledge.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Designing layout of equipment or workspaces to achieve maximum efficiency
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at layout of equipment, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 65 · 2161/02
Source: “Design layout of equipment or workspaces to achieve maximum efficiency.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 43 out of 100 (36–50 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Layouts can be drawn and optimised automatically, though the measurements come from the workspace itself.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Planning, executing and close scientific projects using project management procedures
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at close scientific projects, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 60 · 2161/01
Source: “Plan, execute, and close scientific projects using project management procedures.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 42 out of 100 (35–49 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Project method is well documented, but delivering a project depends on the team through its life.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Presenting findings to clients to provide insights and recommendations
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at findings, but the part that matters is a person saying it and standing behind it. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 55 · 2161/01
Source: “Present findings to clients to provide insights and recommendations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 40 out of 100 (33–47 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Findings can be written up by software, but presenting them to a client is personal work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Discussing product and production specifications with clients
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at product, but the part that matters is a person saying it and standing behind it. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 60 · 2161/02
Source: “Discuss product and production specifications with clients, vendors, staff, and management personnel.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 40 out of 100 (33–47 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Specifications can be drafted automatically, but agreeing them with customers and suppliers happens in discussion.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Recruiting new employees to support laboratory operations
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles new employees and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 70 · 2161/01
Source: “Recruit new employees to support laboratory operations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 39 out of 100 (32–46 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Adverts and shortlisting are easily drafted, though hiring rests on meeting candidates.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Hiring engineers, technicians, researchers or other staff
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles engineers, technicians, researchers or other staff and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 65 · 2161/01
Source: “Hire engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 39 out of 100 (32–46 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Job specs and screening are easily drafted, but hiring decisions come from meeting people.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Inventorying and ordering materials, supplies and services
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: materials, supplies and services, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 2161/02
Source: “Inventory and order materials, supplies, and services.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 38 out of 100 (31–45 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Ordering supplies is simple system work, though taking stock means counting what is actually on the shelf.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Engaging in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance business performance
staying human
The ratings behind this row put continuous improvement initiatives well outside what today's tools can do on their own.
importance 60 · 2161/01
Source: “Engage in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance business performance.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 37 out of 100 (30–44 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Improvement ideas are easy to generate, but embedding them depends on people and local process.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Coordinating and implementing quality control activities to maximise product reliability
staying human
The ratings behind this row put quality control activities well outside what today's tools can do on their own.
importance 75 · 2161/02
Source: “Coordinate and implement quality control activities to maximise product reliability.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 37 out of 100 (30–44 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Quality control methods are standard and easy to plan on paper, but making them stick across a real production team needs someone present.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Utilising creative thinking and problem-solving techniques to challenge assumptions and contribute to continuous improvement
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles creative and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 60 · 2161/01
Source: “Utilise creative thinking and problem-solving techniques to challenge assumptions and contribute to continuous improvement.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 35 out of 100 (28–42 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Challenging assumptions usefully depends on knowing the organisation and being heard within it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Discussing project requirements with clients to ensure research objectives and funding
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles project requirements and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 50 · 2161/01
Source: “Discuss project requirements with clients to ensure research objectives and funding.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 35 out of 100 (28–42 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Agreeing objectives and funding happens in live conversation with the client.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Discussing purchases with clients, vendors, staff and management personnel
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles purchases and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 50 · 2161/02
Source: “Discuss purchases with clients, vendors, staff, and management personnel.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 35 out of 100 (28–42 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Purchase discussions with vendors and colleagues happen live and depend on the relationship.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Preparing for laboratory-based scientific investigations and experiments
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: laboratory-based scientific investigations, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 2161/01
Source: “Prepare for laboratory-based scientific investigations and experiments.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 33 out of 100 (26–40 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Protocols and checklists are easy to produce, but setting up the bench is physical.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Training staff on new or upgraded systems
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles staff and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 65 · 2161/01
Source: “Train staff on new or upgraded systems.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 30 out of 100 (23–37 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Training staff works through live sessions and questions, with tools producing the materials rather than the teaching.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Presenting research findings at professional scientific conferences
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles research findings and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 50 · 2161/01
Source: “Present research findings at professional scientific conferences.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 26 out of 100 (19–33 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Slides and abstracts can be drafted automatically, but presenting the team's findings and fielding questions in the room falls to the manager.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Planning and carrying out laboratory-based scientific investigations and experiments following specified methodologies and quality standards
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: laboratory-based scientific investigations, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 2161/01
Source: “Plan and carry out laboratory-based scientific investigations and experiments following specified methodologies and quality standards.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 25 out of 100 (18–32 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Experimental design can be drafted well, but running the experiment is bench work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Designing and implementing tests to evaluate product functionality at each development stage
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: tests, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 2161/01
Source: “Design and implement tests to evaluate product functionality at each development stage.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 25 out of 100 (18–32 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Test design is documented, but running tests at each stage is laboratory work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Conducting research within own field of expertise
staying human
The ratings behind this row put research within own field of expertise well outside what today's tools can do on their own.
importance 50 · 2161/01
Source: “Conduct research within own field of expertise.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 24 out of 100 (17–31 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the five ratings behind the score, with no single dominant reason.
The rating behind it: Original research produces new knowledge, and software gives starting points that specialists have to rework heavily.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Contributing to the research and sourcing of fabric and components
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the research, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 55 · 2161/02
Source: “Contribute to the research and sourcing of fabric and components, considering ethical and environmental factors.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 24 out of 100 (17–31 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Research is easy to do at a desk, but judging fabric and components means handling samples.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Testing and confirming the accuracy of new analytical methods and equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the accuracy of new analytical methods, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 2161/01
Source: “Test and confirm the accuracy of new analytical methods and equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 22 out of 100 (15–29 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Method validation mixes statistics that software handles with bench testing a qualified scientist confirms.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Supervising engineers, technicians, researchers or other staff
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles engineers, technicians, researchers or other staff and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 75 · 2161/01
Source: “Supervise engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 18 out of 100 (11–25 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Supervising staff rests on knowing individual people and being trusted by them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Supervising staff to ensure compliance with job standards
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles staff and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 80 · 2161/01
Source: “Supervise staff to ensure compliance with job standards.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 17 out of 100 (13–21 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Supervision works through a relationship with the people being supervised.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Developing technology to improve laboratory processes and research outcomes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: technology, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 2161/01
Source: “Develop technology to improve laboratory processes and research outcomes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 16 out of 100 (9–23 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Building new laboratory technology needs original engineering and hands-on prototyping.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Inspecting material to ensure it meets quality standards
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: material, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 2161/02
Source: “Inspect material to ensure it meets quality standards, identifying and reporting flaws and faults such as shading, holes, overprint, scruffs, fibre structure and marks.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (6–20 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Image checking is improving, but spotting and reporting fabric faults means handling the material.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Identifying defects in components or materials and referring these to more qualified personnel for further analysis and interpretation
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: defects, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 55 · 2161/02
Source: “Identify defects in components or materials and refer these to more qualified personnel for further analysis and interpretation.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 11 out of 100 (7–15 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Spotting defects in components means examining the physical material.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Selecting materials and tools appropriate for the project
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: materials, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 55 · 2161/02
Source: “Select materials and tools appropriate for the project.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (4–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Picking the right timber and tools for a job is done by hand at the bench.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Directing workers engaged in product measurement
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: workers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 2161/02
Source: “Direct workers engaged in product measurement, inspection, and testing activities to ensure quality control and reliability.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 6 out of 100 (2–10 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Directing inspection and testing means being where the measuring is done.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Operating and calibrating specified instrumentation and laboratory equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: specified instrumentation, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 2161/01
Source: “Operate and calibrate specified instrumentation and laboratory equipment as required.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Operating and calibrating instruments is hands-on work with the equipment.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Performing laboratory tests to produce reliable data for scientific investigations
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: laboratory tests, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 2161/01
Source: “Perform laboratory tests to produce reliable data for scientific investigations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Running the tests means handling samples and instruments at the bench.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

What this job pays, and how many people do it

Median pay: £55,500a year, before tax, the middle of the range, so half earn more and half earn less.ashe-t14, 2025 · ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)Provisional, because the ONS revises this figure in the autumn.
How we know this
Source: ashe-t14
Reference period: ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)
Rounding: Shown to the nearest £100. The exact published figure is in the downloadable dataset. We do not render pounds the survey cannot support.
People doing this job: 86,200in the UK, 2026.nomis-aps · Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period)This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.

What is deliberately not here: a forecast of how many of these jobs exist in ten years. Where an official projection exists for a market we publish it with its vintage; where it does not, we leave the space empty rather than borrow the other country’s number.

Why this is shifting

The reason is boringly specific. Most of what is shifting here is reading one thing and writing another: detailed production reports in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: preparing detailed production reports and maintaining accurate records of laboratory work and results. What it cannot do is be there in the room, and that is still where laboratory tasks following specified methodologies get done. Which is why this page talks about your tasks changing, not your job ending.

Your move

Over a pint: what I’d tell you if you were my friend

Your week is splitting in two, and which half fills it is the whole question. Preparing detailed production reports is going; carrying out laboratory tasks following specified methodologies is not.

So, given all that: 36% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 26% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 38% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 77 scored tasks. It is not a forecast about you.

The occupation is an average and you are not, so the first job below is finding out where your own week actually sits.

This week: one thing

Print the task ledger above and put your own hours next to each row. Roughly, in pen, in one sitting. Then look at which group your hours actually pile up in. Twenty minutes, this week.

What you end up holding: your own week, on one page, sorted into what is shifting and what is not
How long it takes: about twenty minutes

If printing it isn’t practical: Read the rows off this page and write the same list on the back of an envelope. Same twenty minutes, same page, and it works just as well said out loud to someone who knows the job. The point is your hours next to the rows, not the paper it is on.

Over the next 90 days

Volunteer toward the durable end, visibly. Over the next ninety days put your hand up for the work in the bottom group (carrying out laboratory tasks following specified methodologies) and let people see you doing it. Not a new project: the same job, with your mix deliberately tilted. The point is that when the rota or the reorganisation comes, the version of you people picture is the one doing the part that stays.

Over the next 12 months

Claim a specialism at the durable end and let the other end go. Over a year, deliberately become the person who handles carrying out laboratory tasks following specified methodologies, and deliberately stop being the first choice for the rows in the top group. That trade costs something, because the exposed work is often the comfortable work. Decide it on purpose rather than by drift. Before you pay for anything, spend an hour with National Careers Service. It is free and government-funded, and it is listed below with the rest of the free routes.

The roads out of here, and why I am not sending you down them

I looked at the obvious moves out of this job, and here is what I found.

I checked the 12 nearest UK occupations to research and development (r&d) managers (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was production managers and directors in manufacturing: only about 12% of its durable work is work you already do. Your own job splits about 36/64: that share of the list sits in the top exposure band and the rest does not. On this evidence the honest move is inside the job rather than out of it. Become the person who owns “ensure effective lab practices and adherence to Health & Safety procedures”, and let the exposed end go.

How that was checked: this job was compared against all 412 UK occupations in this release on their official task statements, and the 12 nearest were examined one by one. A move that turns on an industry, an employer or a qualification rather than on the work itself will not show up in a check like that. And this release carries no licence register, so anything you are weighing needs that looked up separately.

3 moves I checked and rejected

These are the obvious-looking jumps. They are here with their reasons rather than quietly dropped, because the ones that fail are worth knowing about. It is one less thing to turn over at night.

Production managers and directors in manufacturing
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already supervise staff to ensure compliance with job standards, and their equivalent is to train and supervise staff to ensure effective job performance. Across both published task lists that is about 11% of the durable work in that job.
Why I am not recommending it: You would be starting most of it from nothing: about 11% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Other researchers, unspecified discipline
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “plan and carry out laboratory-based scientific investigations and experiments following specified methodologies and quality standards”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 10% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: You would be starting most of it from nothing: about 10% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on. It is a pay cut, in those words: £44,580 against your £55,519, 19.7% less (ASHE Table 14.7a, 2025 provisional (both)). Retraining to earn less is a decision, not advice.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Quality assurance and regulatory professionals
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “coordinate and implement quality control activities to maximise product reliability”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 9% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 9% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step.
Look at that job’s page anyway →

What I’d stop worrying about

A friend tells you what not to spend fear on. This is that list.

The headline number you read somewhere
The big “X% of jobs” figures are about the whole economy, not about you. The number that describes your job is on this page: 36% of its task weight, across 77 scored tasks. Every row behind it is printed above with the source. Check ours; ignore theirs.
The whole-job doom story
Nothing on this page says this job ends. It says the mix inside it moves. Half the rows above are unchanged or changing shape, and the plan is about which half your week sits in. That is a very different problem, and a solvable one.
Panic-buying a course
Do the twenty-minute sorting exercise first. Most people who buy a course before they have done it buy the wrong one, and the free services listed below will tell you the same thing without charging for it.
The “obvious” next job everyone suggests
I checked the obvious moves and most of them did not survive. The reasons are printed with the routes above, including the pay and the gate. A move that fails on the numbers is worth knowing about so you can stop turning it over at night.

If you run a team doing this job

If you run a team doing this job, the conversation you owe them is the one on this page, and sooner than feels comfortable. Show them the ledger rather than a reassurance: the rows moving toward the software are preparing detailed production reports, and the rows that are not are where you want your people visible. Ask each of them to do the this-week move and bring the list to your next one-to-one. It turns a rumour into a piece of work, and it tells you which parts of your team's week are actually at stake. And say the thing out loud that a team lead usually leaves unsaid: a shrinking team is your exposure too, so do the move yourself as well.

You are reading the United Kingdom figures

The United States splits this work across more than one official group, of which Architectural and Engineering Managers is the closest. The pay and employment figures are not directly comparable, and we do not average them together.

Switch to the United States page →partial match

The other groups this work is counted across:

Natural Sciences Managers

In US official statistics this job is counted as Architectural and Engineering Managers and Natural Sciences Managers. Pay is shown separately for each of those groups (medians cannot be averaged together), while the task list and the scores on this page are for this group only.

Your route through this

Where to go next, and what it costs

Free, and complete

The moves above cost nothing. These are the real services that go with them: public, government-funded, and free at the point of use. Nothing on this page is behind an email address or a payment.

In England:
National Careers Service
A free hour with a government-funded careers adviser is worth more than another evening of reading. In England that's the National Careers Service.
Free, government-funded
- Discover your skills and careers (the skills assessment)
In England:
National Careers Service - Find a course
Search what's actually running near you before you spend anything.
Free to search; individual courses vary
In England:
Free courses for jobs (Level 3 qualifications)
A free Level 3 qualification you already qualify for beats a paid course you don't need.
Free for eligible adults
In England:
Skills Bootcamps
Free, up to 16 weeks, and you get a job interview at the end. In England these are Skills Bootcamps - search what's running near you.
Free for eligible adults in England
- Skills Bootcamps - what they are and who can do them (DfE, Skills for Careers)
- Skills Bootcamps - JobHelp (DWP)
In Scotland:
My World of Work (Skills Development Scotland)
In Scotland it's My World of Work, from Skills Development Scotland.
Free, publicly funded
- Skills Development Scotland
In Wales:
Careers Wales
In Wales it's Careers Wales.
Free, Welsh Government-funded
In Northern Ireland:
Careers Service Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland it's the Careers Service on nidirect.
Free, Department for the Economy-funded

No Space for this job, but one for what is happening to it

Nothing Collab365 runs is built for research / development (r&d) managers, and we are not going to point you at the nearest one and call it a fit.

There is one that is not about a job title at all. The AI Authority is about being the person who directs these tools at work rather than the person they get compared to. That is worth saying here, because 36% of the work on this page is already inside what they can do.

Try The AI Authority free →

7 days free, no card needed. Explore up to 2 Spaces before you choose a plan: you pick a plan later, not now.

The AI Authority is a general community about working with AI, not a course for research / development (r&d) managers. You do not need it to act on anything here: the moves above cost nothing and stand on their own. The data on this page is the same either way.

Noted, and thank you. We’ll email you if a Space for research / development (r&d) managers launches. Nothing else.

That did not look like an email address, so nothing was saved. Have another go below.

We could not save that. The fault is ours, not yours, and your address was not stored. Please try again later.

No Space for research / development (r&d) managers yet. Should there be one?

Collab365 Spaces is built by the same people as this site. We find the problems that AI and automation are creating inside one kind of work, then solve them as short courses, briefings and Blueprints. Each Space is the community too, so the research and the people doing your job are in the same place.

What a Space actually is, in full

Collab365 launches new communities where the need is real. If one for research / development (r&d) managers existed, with researched problems, courses and people in the same boat, would you want in?

Your email

We use your email address for one thing: to tell you if a Space for research / development (r&d) managers launches. We never sell it, never use it for unrelated marketing, and every email has a one-click unsubscribe. Our privacy policy has the full version.

This unlocks nothing. Every figure, every row and every step on this page is already yours, whether you fill this in or not.

No deadline on any of this. The page will still be here, and the data is refreshed on a published schedule rather than when someone wants a headline.

Questions people ask about this job

Will AI replace Research and development (r&d) managers?: Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 77 official task statements scored for Research and development (r&d) managers (United Kingdom, SOC 2161), 36% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 47 out of 100 (range 41–53, band: partial). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.
Which tasks in “Research and development (r&d) managers” can AI already do?: The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Prepare detailed production reports for research, manufacturing and assembly processes” (93/100, very high); “Prepare estimate of production costs for management” (93/100, very high); “Apply scientific techniques, such as statistics, for data presentation to scientific and non-scientific audiences” (85/100, very high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.
Which tasks in “Research and development (r&d) managers” stay human?: About 38% of this job's task weight sits in work that scores low for AI exposure. The lowest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Perform laboratory tests to produce reliable data for scientific investigations” (0/100, minimal); “Operate and calibrate specified instrumentation and laboratory equipment as required” (0/100, minimal); “Carry out laboratory tasks following specified methodologies, such as Standard Operating Procedures” (0/100, minimal). Low scores usually mean the task needs a body in a room, a legally accountable human, or trust built in real time. Those are the three things the scoring rubric treats as gates rather than obstacles.
What should someone working in “Research and development (r&d) managers” do about AI?: Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 36% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 38% is not. The practical move is to spend more of your week on the tasks that score low, the ones above, and to get fluent at directing AI through the tasks that score high, because those are the parts that change whether or not you are ready for them. This page does not predict your job, and nothing here is career advice tailored to you: the score describes the occupation, not the person.
How is the AI exposure score for Research and development (r&d) managers calculated?: Each official task statement for the occupation is rated on five published 0–4 dimensions (output replicability, physical embodiment, licensed accountability, real-time human trust, and data availability) by claude-opus-5 using scoring prompt task_scoring_v1.0. The model never writes the score; a published formula turns the five ratings into a 0–100 number, so every score can be recomputed by hand. The occupation figure is the importance-weighted mean across 77 scored tasks. The prompt, the rubric, the formula and the full dataset are published at https://futureproof.collab365.com/method and https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1 under CC BY 4.0.

Where these numbers come from

About the data on this page

Provisional, because the ONS revises this figure in the autumn.
This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.
The match between this job and its counterpart in the other country is partial, so the two pages count slightly different groups of people.
28 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.

Task statements: gaisi-indexProcessing: catalogue-bridge → ssc-relatedness-weighting → task-scoring → score-aggregation
Task weights: gaisi-index (relatedness)
Scores: Rubric task_scoring_v1.0, model claude-opus-5, computed 2026-08-05.
Pay and employment: ashe-t14 (ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025))nomis-aps (Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period))

Figures on this page come from release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. Every release keeps its own permanent address, so a figure you cite in March is still there, unchanged, in November.

The plain-English wording on this page is assembled directly from the task statements and the published ratings, not written by hand for this occupation. That is why it is specific, and it is also why we say so.

The routes and free resources further up are today’s, not the release’s (last reviewed 2026-08-05). A route is an offer, not a historical fact, so it moves on its own clock.

How we score a job Download this release Look up another job

Using these figures?

Cite this

Everything on this site is published under CC BY 4.0. Quote it, chart it, sell something built on it. Just say where it came from, and cite the dated release rather than the site, so the figure you quote stays checkable.

Plain text

Collab365 (2026). Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1 (methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0). https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1. Licensed CC BY 4.0. Built with O*NET data (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0); ONS data (Open Government Licence v3.0); GAISI task framework (arXiv:2507.22748, MIT); BLS data (public domain).

BibTeX

@misc{collab365futureproof2026q41,
  title        = {Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1},
  author       = {{Collab365}},
  year         = {2026},
  url          = {https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1},
  note         = {Release 2026-q4.1, methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0, CC BY 4.0}
}

Permalink

https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1

Data as of release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. Releases never change after publication; when the figures move, a new dated release is published beside this one and this one stays exactly where it is.