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Job Standard for Research Associate

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  1. Click “View in Google Docs/Download” and download to Word.
  2. The Job Overview, Level Scope, Minimum Qualifications and Essential Job Functions are specific to this job’s competencies and cannot be edited.
  3. For the Job Posting you may;
    1. update/change the purpose to add in department specific information, 
    2. add key responsibilities to the 35% of the time, specific to your department needs, 
    3. add a preferred qualifications section
    4. post the position using the business title

The statements on this job standard are intended to describe the general nature of the role and level of work being performed. They are not intended to represent an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the employee.

Research Associate Overview

  • Person Group: Professional
  • Job Code: 75300
  • Pay Grade: P6
  • FLSA Status: Exempt
  • Career Level: Intermediate
  • Family: Research & Laboratory
  • Function: Research & Lab Support

Purpose

Independently performs components of a research project or program as directed by a senior member of the research team. A Research Associate may be involved in designing certain aspects of research projects and independently conducts work complementary to the overall research objectives.

Level Scope

Fully competent and productive professional contributor who applies acquired job skills, policies, and procedures to complete substantive assignments/projects/tasks of moderate scope and complexity.  Works independently with general supervision. Exercises judgment within defined guidelines and practices to determine appropriate action.  May provide guidance, assistance, and training to entry-level professionals, support employees, and students.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a minimum of a Master’s or equivalent degree in a relevant discipline, or Bachelor’s or equivalent degree, plus at least 2 years of post-Bachelor’s work experience in a role that is similar to that of a Research Assistant.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Basic

  • Working knowledge of scientific principles, research design, and research protocols, including analysis and collection of samples
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Ability to perform field or laboratory work, as applicable to the position
  • Ability to learn new skills with an appropriate amount of training
  • Ability to develop working relationships with research partners and vendors
  • Experience with conducting outreach

Preferred

Determined by department needs

Essential Functions

Key Responsibilities

35% of Time the Research Associate may:

  • Collect, analyze, and report data
  • Coordinate with research partners and vendors
  • Assist dissemination of project results through policy briefs, white papers, reports, conferences, and peer-reviewed publications
  • Maintain instrumentation, as applicable, related to field or laboratory  research
  • Provide technical support to researchers
  • May be involved in designing certain aspects of research projects. Independently conducts work complementary to the overall research objectives.
  • Train and mentor others in the use of research-related protocols, models, and instrumentation

60% of Time the Research Associate

Determined by department needs

5% of Time the Research Associate

Perform other duties as assigned

Work Environment and Physical Demands

To be completed by department

Travel Requirement

May be required to travel with overnight stays.

Career Path

Research Scholar

Additional training/education or equivalent experience, as well as business need, are required for movement into higher level jobs.

Disclaimer

Incumbent must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work.  Final employment offers are  contingent upon a Final Candidate’s successful completion of a Background Verification, and a determination by the University that the information derived from the Background Verification does not disqualify the individual.  In addition, a Financial History Check and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Check may be required.