RESEARCH SPECIALIST ADVANCED 34033

01/01/94 B

This is the third class in the Research Specialist series. Positions in this class are responsible for the administrative management of one or more complex research projects in the areas of the agricultural, biological, environmental, physical, medical or social sciences. Positions at this level design and implement experi-mental procedures and/or equipment, plan and prioritize work activity of research personnel and equipment, develop and monitor budgets, and serve as a liaison with external contacts. This class is distinguished from the Research Specialist senior class by its performance of broad-based administrative functions in the management of one or more complex research projects.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of considerable difficulty involving the management and administration of activities related to complex research project(s). This work typically involves identifying funding sources, writing proposals, designing and directing a large and complex research project or a group of projects in consultation with project director or principal investigator; managing research grant project(s) by reporting progress, budgeting and hiring of personnel, approving purchases, and maintaining quality control of the project(s); coordinating research project(s) with research groups (nationally and/or internationally); designing complex computer data base(s), which may include writing and modifying programs; designing surveys and overseeing field crews in the collection of data; overseeing and/or collecting data; generating reports and preparing material for publication and/or oral presentation; analyzing and applying data to redefine research project(s); designing, constructing and/or maintaining equipment/facilities associated with research project(s); designing complex training programs, workshops and manuals; and providing supervision and training to Research Specialists, Research Specialist Senior(s), graduate research students, other support staff and/or students.

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

Supervision Received: Receives general direction from and consults with Project Director, faculty member or other professional.

Scope: In consultation with project director or principal investigator, employees in this class are responsible for securing funds, establishing procedures and overseeing or carrying out project design which affects the accuracy and reliability of research and has considerable impact on services provided and on research projects.

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

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal contacts with administrators, investigators and students to discuss policies, procedures and experimental findings. Frequent external contact with other investigators to collaborate on research projects; with public and private agencies to receive and provide information regarding grants/contracts administration; with representatives of vendors regarding major purchases; with professional organizations regarding the publication/presentation of research findings, and with sponsors regarding project terms.

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

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to design, manage, and evaluate one or more research project(s); to direct and coordinate the efforts of research personnel; and to prepare material for publication and/or oral presentation.

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, physical or social sciences.

Level and Type of Experience: Research experience involving related theoretical knowledge of experimental procedures and techniques in the field of the agricultural, biological, environmental, medical, physical or social sciences with increasing responsibility for independent work, grants administration, and some supervision of personnel.

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 a result of the Classification Review/Specification Update Program, effective January 1, 1994.