As the research process, i.e. how researchers conduct research, may be disrupted by Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based tools, this research in progress stresses the need for research on the future role of researchers. Prior research on AI-based tools used in the research process, focuses primarily on technological development related to, for example, language recognition, text extraction, and paper summaries. Recently, scientific texts are generated by AI. In this research in progress, four sub-areas of interest are identified: Black-box dilemma. What part or parts of the research process, if any, can trustfully be replaced by AI-based tools? Quality. What is required for AI-based tools to become an integrated part of the research process? Benefits/limitations. What are the potential benefits and limitations with AI-based tools as an integrated part of the research process? Progress in use: What is the progress of the use and development of AI-based tools for research? Research design, potential contribution, and practical implications of this research are discussed.