RESEARCH SPECIALIST 34031

01/01/94 B

This is the first class in the Research Specialist series. Positions in this class are responsible for a variety of tasks in a non-laboratory setting associated with one or more research projects or programs in a teaching, research, clinical, or service department. Positions at this level perform a variety of standardized tasks in the areas of the agricultural, biological, environmental, medical, physical or social sciences. This class is distinguished from the Research Specialist Senior class in that the latter class conducts procedures with greater independence and responsibility in determining work methods, analyzing data, and coordinating research activities.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of routine difficulty involving a variety of standardized research procedures. This work typically involves assisting in developing research procedures, independently carrying out designed/structured research projects following instructions of the project director, principal investigator, or higher level Research Specialist; modifying or writing existing computer programs, utilizing and maintaining existing systems or data bases; identifying, collecting, and entering data; performing statistical analysis; generating reports; identifying subjects who meet research criteria; collecting field data; conducting literature searches; disseminating and receiving subject-related information from outside sources; ordering supplies and maintaining budget records; and providing supervision and training to other support staff and students.

Supervision Given: Positions may supervise or provide guidance to other support staff and students.

Supervision Received: General supervision is received from a higher level research specialist, faculty member, or other professional in the form of regular work assignments, objectives, and deadlines.

Scope: Under general supervision, employees in this class are responsible for completing assigned tasks which affect the accuracy and reliability of research and/or the services provided.

Impact of Actions: Effective job performance facilitates the accuracy and efficiency of the outcome of research.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and/or external contact with subject groups in order to disseminate and receive related information.

Knowledge: Some knowledge of general research procedures, analytical processes and statistical packages in the area of the agricultural, biological, environmental, medical, physical or social sciences.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to conduct a variety of standardized research procedures; to collect, record, analyze, and report findings; and to follow research protocol.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

License or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with course work in a related field of the agricultural, biological, environmental, medical, physical or social sciences.

Level and Type of Experience: Some research procedures and methodology experience in a related field of the agricultural, biological, environmental, medical, physical or social sciences.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was created as part of the Classification Review/Specification Update Program. It replaces the Research Specialist class, effective January 1, 1994.