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Research And Technical Generic Job Summaries
The following guide outlines the basic functions and requirements of positions in the Research/Technical job family, describes general job duties and outcomes, and provides education and experience requirements at each grade.
Research Project Assistant - Grade 3
Position Summary
Performs data collection efforts or conducts interviews with respondents regarding local,
regional, or national studies. Interacts with internal and external clients for exchange of
information and to provide basic explanations. Keeps records of work performed and
maintains a database as required. Prepares progress reports, summary materials, and fact
sheets as required and requested. May also conduct Internet searches to obtain additional
information. Trains interns and work-study students in data collection methods.
Collects, sorts, processes samples, performs preliminary analysis, and analyzes data.
Completes work under direct supervision, with specific instructions on routine or semi-routine work and within established work parameters for the unit. Makes decisions or
choices following standard practices and procedures. Work is usually reviewed upon
completion. Performs professional work requiring general knowledge and the basic
application and use of concepts, theories, and terminology.
Outcomes
- Preliminary analyses conducted in accordance with established procedures
- Documentation and databases maintained for all information obtained
- Assistance in ensuring projects are completed on time and within established budgets
- Processed, compiled, and maintained reports and survey data
- Monitored costs and safeguarded unit assets
- Compliance with operational policies and procedures
Knowledge and Experience
Requires a bachelor’s degree in a related scientific field or discipline, or an equivalent
combination of education and/or relevant research experience, and knowledge of general
principles and practices within a discipline and ability to use that knowledge for practical application. Skills are normally acquired through an accumulation of work experiences and/or specific work related training programs. Also requires good communication skills and computer literacy.
Research Analyst - Grade 6
Position Summary
Designs, develops, conducts, and monitors statistical procedures and methodologies to
facilitate the accomplishment of applicable research objectives. Researches new
proposals and secures contracts for grant-funded research. Compiles and summarizes
research results, and develops technical reports and publications. Uses judgment within
broadly defined policies and practices. Researches application requirements and
deadlines and ensures timely and accurate compliance. Develops appropriate statistical
models to analyze research data, while managing and maintaining databases. Writes
technical reports and journal article submissions, and prepares conference presentations.
Completes work independently with broadly defined work objectives and limited review
of overall results. Performs professional work that requires specialized to general
knowledge of one or more fields and a solid understanding, use, and application of
concepts, theories, principles, practices, terminology, and applied bases of area of
specialization.
Outcomes
- Research and analysis conducted using various methods and in accordance with established procedures
- Projects completed within the established budget
- All reports generated and distributed when results become available
- Detailed documentation and a database maintained for all work performed
- Research project deadlines met within established time frames
Knowledge and Experience
Requires a bachelor's degree in a related scientific field or discipline, or an equivalent
combination of education and/or relevant experience that demonstrates comprehensive
knowledge and understanding of general research principles and practices. Also requires
a minimum of five years of relevant professional research experience, excellent
communication skills, and computer literacy.
Research Project Manager - Grade 7
Position Summary
Establishes a framework for research and evaluation projects and processes. Obtains funding by seeking out and approaching potential research sponsors/clients. Develops and promotes research products and capabilities for the organization, and reinforces existing client/sponsor relationships. Develops research budgets, and performs both quantitative and qualitative research and data analysis. Is responsible for report and proposal writing and general administration of the department. May serve as Principal Investigator (PI) or may assist a PI to develop original research plans, schedules, and protocols to ensure successful completion of assigned projects. Implements appropriate methodologies while directly or matrix managing project teams conducting the research. Writes technical reports, journal article submissions, and prepares conference presentations. Completes work independently with broadly defined work objectives and limited review of overall results. Performs professional work that requires specialized to general knowledge of one or more fields and a solid understanding, use, and application of concepts, theories, principles, practices, terminology, and applied bases of area of specialization.
Outcomes
- Reports, proposals, and articles written as needed
- Budgets that area developed and adhered to
- Presentations of research findings made to policymakers, media, and other public audiences
- Funding adequate to support research operations
- Detailed documentation and a database for all work performed
- Deadlines for research projects met within established time frames
Knowledge and Experience
Requires a bachelor's degree in a related scientific field or discipline, or an equivalent
combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates comprehensive knowledge
and understanding of general research principles and practices. Also requires a minimum
of five years of relevant professional research experience, excellent communication skills, and computer literacy.
Laboratory Researchers and Scientists
Laboratory Researcher IV - Grade 3
Position Summary
Performs professional entry-level experiments using standard basic techniques. Keeps
records of work performed and maintains a database as required. Collects, sorts, processes samples, performs preliminary analysis, and analyzes data. Maintains and keeps the workplace and laboratory organized in a clean and safe manner in accordance with established procedures. Serves as an assistant in the performance of experiments. Trains and leads students through various laboratory related activities. May assist in performing animal experiments, animal surgery, and animal care. Completes work under immediate and close supervision, with specific instructions on routine or semi-routine work and/or within established work parameters for the unit. Makes decisions or choices following standard practices and procedures. Work is usually reviewed upon completion. Performs professional work requiring general knowledge and basic application and use of concepts, theories, terminology, and practices.
Outcomes
- Basic, preliminary analysis conducted in accordance with established procedures and protocols
- Lab and equipment maintained in a clean, safe manner in accordance with established procedures
- Research findings that are contributed to research papers, articles, and professional journals
Knowledge and Experience
Requires a bachelor’s degree in a related scientific field or an equivalent combination of
education and/or relevant research experience. Must have a basic knowledge of the
particular research discipline; skills are normally acquired through an accumulation of
work experiences and/or specific work related training programs. Good communication
skills and computer literacy are required.
Laboratory Researcher III - Grade 4
Position Summary
Performs professional level experiments and research using various techniques. Carries
out routine and non-routine work with occasional review of work outputs by supervisor.
Documents work performed and maintains a database. Collects, sorts, processes samples, performs analysis, and presents the results to peers and supervisory management. Uses and may maintain highly specialized equipment, in addition to maintaining and keeping the workplace and laboratory organized in a clean and safe manner in accordance with established procedures. Trains and leads students and technicians through various laboratory related activities. May perform animal experiments, animal surgery, and animal care. Completes work under direct supervision, with specific instructions on routine or semi-routine work and/or within established work parameters for the unit. Makes decisions or choices following standard practices and procedures. Work is usually reviewed upon completion. Performs professional work requiring general knowledge and basic application and use of concepts, theories, terminology, and practices.
Outcomes
- Analysis conducted using standard and specialized methods and in accordance with established procedures
- Detailed documentation and a database maintained for all work performed
- Lab and equipment that is maintained in a clean, safe manner in accordance with established procedures
- Daily care for animals in accordance with established procedures
Knowledge and Experience
Requires a bachelor’s degree in a scientific field and a minimum of two years research
Experience, or an equivalent combination of education and/or relevant experience. Must
have a sound understanding of applications of the theoretical discipline and a greater
depth of knowledge in the discipline, usually through on-the-job training. Good
communication skills and computer literacy are required.
Laboratory Researcher II - Grade 6
Position Summary
Performs complex experiments and research using various advanced techniques.
Documents the work performed, maintains a database, and develops information for
research papers. Consults with peers and management in the preparation of proposals,
grant applications, annual progress reports, and budget proposals for the laboratory.
Creates computer interfaces for experiments. May oversee the operation of a portion of a
Lab. Manages both a laboratory staff and the maintenance of highly specialized equipment in addition to maintaining and keeping the work place and laboratory organized in a clean and safe manner. Teaches and trains students and technicians on laboratory processes and equipment. May perform advanced animal experiments, animal surgery, and animal care. Is responsible for the preparation of a wide variety of reports, may manage grant funds, and acts as a point of contact for both internal and external constituents. Completes work independently, with broadly defined work objectives and limited review of overall results. Performs professional work that requires specialized to general knowledge of one or more fields and a solid understanding, use, and application of concepts, theories, principles, practices, terminology, and applied bases of area of specialization.
Outcomes
- Research and analysis conducted using advanced methods and in accordance with established procedures
- Detailed documentation and a database maintained for all work performed. Data that has been shared with colleagues and published in scientific journals
- Deadlines for research projects met within established time frames and budgeted funding
- Laboratory, materials, and equipment maintained in a clean, safe manner in accordance with established university procedures
Knowledge and Experience
Requires a bachelor's degree in a related scientific field or discipline, or an equivalent
combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates comprehensive knowledge
and understanding of research principles and practices. Also requires a minimum of five
years of relevant professional research experience in a laboratory research function,
excellent communication skills, and computer literacy.
Laboratory Researcher I - Grade 7
Position Summary
Performs highly complex, advanced level experiments and research using various new
and advanced techniques. Documents work performed, maintains databases, develops
information, and prepares editorial input for research papers. Provides resolution to a
diverse range of complex problems that may require great creativity. May manage all the
operations of a lab, including a laboratory staff and the procurement, operation, and
maintenance of highly specialized equipment. Teaches, trains, and supervises laboratory
researchers, students, and technicians on laboratory processes and equipment. Coordinates research, plans, establishes, and refines protocols. Prepares a wide variety of reports, manages grant funds, and acts as a point of contact and subject matter expert for both internal and external constituents. Completes work independently, with broadly defined work objectives and limited review of overall results. Performs professional work that requires specialized to general knowledge of one or more fields and a solid understanding, use, and application of concepts, theories, principles, practices, terminology, and applied bases of area of specialization.
Outcomes
- Advanced experiments conducted using various methods and in accordance with established and new procedures
- Developed and refined protocols
- Detailed documentation and a database maintained for all work performed. Data that has been shared with colleagues and published in scientific journals
- Annual reports compiled, printed, and submitted to grant-funding agencies as appropriate
- Deadlines for research projects met within established time frames
- Laboratory and all equipment and materials maintained in a clean, safe manner in accordance with established university procedures
- Properly trained and supervised laboratory researchers, students and technicians
Knowledge and Experience
Requires a bachelor's degree in a related scientific specialty or discipline, or an equivalent
combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates comprehensive knowledge
and understanding of research principles and practices. Also requires a minimum of five
years of relevant professional experience in a laboratory research function, excellent
communication skills, computer literacy, and an in-depth understanding of the
workings of the unit, relevant strategies, and external industry trends and practices that
may impact the unit.
Associate Research Scientist - Grade 8
Position Summary
Provides technical management of assigned studies and assures that research projects
proceed as planned. Communicates and cooperates with numerous individuals to
maintain involvement in all facets of the research. Is accountable for major project
decisions, metrics, and client satisfaction. Demonstrates leadership role in forming and
maintaining productive working relationships. May manage professional and
paraprofessional staff and motivate groups to implement the strategy of the organization.
Develops procedures for reporting and has protocol development and/or approvals.
Is recognized as a subject matter expert and acts as a consultant to faculty.
Outcomes
- Assigned projects managed to be on time and within budgetary guidelines
- Data packages developed utilizing established standards
- Study completion timelines met without compromising the integrity of the study
- Up-to-date information maintained for management and grant agency
- Current information and methods available when appropriate
Knowledge and Experience
Requires a master’s degree in a related scientific specialty field with a minimum of five
years experience and/or increasing functional responsibility in a leadership/managerial
role; a PhD is strongly preferred. Must have strong skills in planning and organizing,
information integration, decision-making, and attaining results. May require various
Good Laboratory Practice certifications and other training records that demonstrate capability of conducting and providing oversight to regulatory research.
Research Scientist - Grade 9
Position Summary
Provides technical expertise and management of assigned studies, and ensures that
research projects are conducted as planned. Communicates and cooperates with
numerous individuals to maintain involvement in all facets of the research. Provides
substantial input to project-related decisions, usually in a leadership role. Is accountable
for major project outputs, metrics, and client satisfaction. Demonstrates leadership role in
forming and maintaining productive working relationships. Manages professional and
paraprofessional staff and motivates group to implement the strategy of the organization.
Teaches, trains, and manages research associates, postdoctoral associates, and graduate
students in the conduct of laboratory experiments. May develop budgets, organizational
strategies, and tactical priorities. Develops cutting-edge advanced protocols. Is recognized as a subject matter expert, and acts as a consultant to peers and faculty within and outside of the unit. Represents the organization and/or the university at seminars and conferences.
Outcomes
- Assigned projects managed to be on time and within budgetary guidelines
- Data packages developed utilizing established standards
- Study completion timelines met without compromising the integrity of the study
- Up-to-date information maintained for management and granting agency
- Properly directed and thoroughly trained research associates, postdoctoral associates and graduate students
- Current information, findings, and methods available when appropriate
Knowledge and Experience
Requires a doctorate in a related field with five years relevant scientific specialty experience
and/or increasing functional responsibility in a leadership/managerial role. Requires an
in-depth understanding of the business as well as knowledge of industry and competitive
trends. Must also have strong business skills in planning, organizing, information
integration, decision-making, and attaining results. Some positions require various Good
Laboratory Practice certifications and other training records that demonstrate capability of conducting and providing oversight to regulatory research.
