RESEARCH SPECIALIST SENIOR 34032

01/01/94 B

This is the second 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 participate in and may act as lead worker in the implementation, modification, and evaluation of a variety of standardized procedures in the areas of the agricultural, biological, environmental, medical, physical or social sciences. This class is distinguished from the Research Specialist class by its greater independence and responsibility in determining work methods, conducting more procedures, analyzing data, and coordinating the daily activity of the research project. This class is distinguished from the Research Specialist Advanced class by the latter's responsibility for performing work of a higher degree of complexity and/or the administrative management of one or more complex research projects.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty involving a variety of research procedures. This work typically involves developing research procedures after consultation with project director, principal investigator, or Research Specialist Advanced; modifying or writing computer programs to analyze data and generate reports; identifying, collecting and entering data; performing complex analysis of data; conducting field surveys; conducting literature searches; interacting with other research groups and/or industry sponsors; helping to coordinate the research grant by maintaining budget records, generating financial reports, and determining appropriateness of purchase order requests and supplies; arranging meetings and conferences; conducting training programs for clients or user groups; and providing supervision and training to Research Specialist(s) or other support staff and students.

Supervision Given: Positions may supervise Research Specialist(s), other support staff and/or students.

Supervision Received: Receives direction from a Research Specialist Advanced, faculty member, or other professional regarding the implementation of new procedures or when unusual technical problems arise.

Scope: Under general guidance, employees in this class are responsible for modifying procedures and carrying out project design which affects the accuracy and reliability of research and has significant impact on services provided.

Impact of Actions: Effective job performance positively impacts the outcome and future direction of research through the modification and development of procedures and the analysis and reporting of data.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and/or external contact with subject groups in order to disseminate and receive related information. Frequent internal contacts with investigators and students to discuss research procedures and findings. Frequent contact with sponsors for modification of terms. Occasional external contacts with other investigators or research personnel to collaborate on projects or train staff.

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

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to independently design, develop, modify and conduct a variety of research procedures; and to accurately interpret and report findings. Ability to assist and prepare material for publication.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

License or Certification: None.

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

Level and Type of Experience: Considerable research experience involving related theoretical knowledge of applied and experimental procedures and techniques in the field of the agricultural, biological, environmental, 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, effective January 1, 1994.