The following are sample performance standards for Administrative and Managerial, Professional, Supervisory, and Confidential positions in the Research and Technical job family.
Research Farm Supervisors (Grades 4-6)
- Prepares schedules for research of all greenhouse plantings, pesticide and fertilizer applications. Schedule is disseminated to all key faculty and staff
- Documents work performed by self and/or direct reports and maintains databases of all activity
- Serves as a requisition Preparer and coordinates the purchasing of supplies. Purchaser made do not exceed established budget
- Research plants are grown with the proper amounts of pesticides, fertilizer, etc., so field data can be obtained throughout the growing season
- All field data is acquired, tabled, and given to researchers for analysis in accordance with established procedures and timeframes
- All farm equipment is maintained in accordance with established procedures. Problems are reported to the employee’s supervisor
- Appropriate written logs are maintained for the use of pesticides and other chemicals. Logs are updated on a quarterly/annual basis
- Maintains a neat, orderly, and safe workspace
- Teaches, trains, and supervises farm employees and students on farm procedures and equipment. Employees are able to demonstrate proper use of equipment and facilitate specific procedures
- Coordinates all research trials including: mowing, tillage, irrigation, fertilizer, and pesticide applications
- Ensures proper record keeping, and maintains up-to-date records in compliance with state and federal mandates regarding pesticides, material waste disposal, and inventories
- Prepares and implements budget, processes purchase orders, accounts for expenditures
Research Project Assistant
- Performs data collection efforts via phone interviews with respondents regarding local, regional, or national studies. Follows established protocol for phone interviews
- Keeps accurate and orderly records of work performed and maintain a database as required
- Prepares progress reports, summary materials, and fact sheets as required and requested. Materials are typewritten and free from grammatical errors
- Trains interns and work-study students in data collection methods. Student employees are able to accurately facilitate correct collection methods
- Collects, sorts, processes samples, performs preliminary analysis and analyzes data. Preliminary analysis is conducted in accordance with established procedures
- Assists student employees and coworkers in ensuring that projects are completed on time and within established budgets. Informs supervisor of any delay in project deliverables
Research Analyst
- Designs, develops, conducts, and monitors statistical procedures and methodologies to facilitate the accomplishment of research objectives. Research and analysis is conducted using various methods and in accordance with established procedures
- Researches new proposals and secures contracts for grant-funded research in compliance with university procedures
- Compiles and summarizes research results and develops technical reports and publication. Reports are typewritten and free from grammatical and spelling errors All reports are generated and distributed when the results become available
- Develops appropriate statistical models to analyze research data while managing and maintaining databases
- Writes technical reports, journal article submissions and prepares conference presentations. Reports are typewritten and free from grammatical and spelling errors
- Maintains budget for each project; each project is completed within the established budget and in accordance with university procedures
- Maintains accurate and detailed documentation and a database for all work performed
- Meets all deadlines for research projects within established timeframes.
Project Manager (Grades 7-8)
- Establishes a framework for research and evaluation projects and processes. When called upon, serves as Principal Investigator (PI) to develop original research plans, schedules, and protocols to ensure successful completion of assigned projects and implement appropriate methodologies while directly or matrix managing project teams conducting the research
- Obtains funding by seeking out and approaching potential research sponsors/clients. Works cooperatively with key university departments in this regard
- 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. Ensures funding is generated to support a proportion of support staff salaries. Conducts report and proposal writing and general administration of the department
- Prepares written reports, proposals, and articles as needed. Materials are free from grammatical and style errors
- Adheres to budgets allocated for projects. Complies with university policies regarding the management of sponsored programs
- Makes presentations of research findings to policymakers, media, and other public audiences. Presentations are clear, concise, and interesting
- Maintains accurate and detailed documentation and a database for all work performed
- Meets all deadlines for research projects within established timeframes
- Initiates the development of new partnerships for external funding sources
Laboratory Researcher (Grades 3-7)
- Performs experiments using standard (advanced) techniques as assigned
- Research and analysis is conducted using various methods and in accordance with established procedure.
- Keeps accurate and up-to-date records of work performed and maintains a database as required. Data is shared with colleagues and published in scientific journals
- Collects, sorts, processes samples, performs preliminary analysis, and analyzes data. Preliminary analysis is conducted in accordance with established procedures
- Maintains and keeps the workplace and laboratory organized in a clean and safe manner in accordance with established procedures
- When called upon, serves as an assistant in the performance of experiments. Trains and leads students through various laboratory related activities. In this regard, work collaboratively with others
- When called upon, assists in performing animal experiments, animal surgery, and animal care. Animals receive daily care in accordance with established procedures.
- Collects, sorts, processes samples, performs analysis and presents the results Analysis is conducted using various methods and in accordance with established procedures
- Provides leadership and oversight for the operation of a portion of the lab and the maintenance of highly specialized equipment
- Meets all deadlines for research projects within established timeframes.
- Documents work performed, maintains a database, develops information for research papers, and prepares editorial input for research papers. Annual reports are compiled, printed, and submitted to grant-funding agencies as appropriate.
- Provides creative resolutions to a diverse range of complex problems. Keeps the best interest of the university/department and client in mind when seeking solutions.
- Teaches, trains, and supervises laboratory researchers, students, and technicians on laboratory process and equipment. Coordinates research, plans, establishes, and refines protocols.
Associate Research Scientist (Grade 8-9)
- Provides oversight of assigned studies and assures that research proceeds as planned in accordance with established protocols and time frames. Ensures research is conducted under Good Laboratory Practice Standards (GLP).
- Meets study completion timelines without compromising the integrity of the study. Communicates delays in project deliverables immediately to the Director.
- Provides high quality substantial input to project-related decisions. Embraces decision made by the research team.
- Demonstrates leadership by forming and maintaining productive, collaborative, and respectful working relationships.
- Supervises professional and paraprofessional staff and motivates groups to implement the strategy of the organization. Communicates clear performance expectations and ensures understanding by employees.
- Develops clear and concise written procedures for reporting and may have protocol development and/or approvals.
- Maintains accurate and up-to-date information for management and grant agency.
- Documents research methodology thoroughly. Current information and methods are made available when appropriate and upon the request of the Director or agency.
- Participates in training and receives required certifications when requested.
- Effectively communicates and cooperates with numerous individuals to maintain involvement in all facets of the research.