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Job Standard for Research Scholar, Senior

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How to use this Job Standard:

  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 Scholar, Senior Overview

  • Person Group: Professional
  • Job Code: 75302
  • Pay Grade: P10
  • FLSA Status: Exempt
  • Career Level: Senior
  • Family: Research & Laboratory
  • Function: Research

Purpose

Serves as an accomplished and experienced professional researcher who conducts significant original research or performs as senior collaborator on a multi-researcher initiative. Typically leads substantive aspects of the overall research project under the general guidance of a principal researcher. May serve as a co-investigator on a funded research project.

Level Scope

Recognized and sought-after subject matter expert who knows how to apply scientific theory and put it into practice with in-depth understanding of the professional field and limited oversight from more senior researchers. Independently performs the full range of responsibilities associated with the position.  Manages large projects or processes and problems faced are difficult and often complex. Analyzes problems/issues of diverse scope and determines solutions.  May directly manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources.  Directly influences others regarding policies, practices, and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a minimum of a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant discipline, plus at least 5 years of formal postdoc training or equivalent post-degree professional work experience. Must have a demonstrated record of research achievement. A Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline, plus at least 8 years of exceptional relevant professional work experience and a record of research achievement, or,  in rare instances, a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, plus at least 10 years of exceptional relevant professional experience and a record of research achievement also will be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Basic

  • Expertise in business and management practices
  • Excellent project, time management, and communication skills
  • Experienced professional researcher who conducts significant original research
  • Ability to serve as senior collaborator on multi-researcher initiatives
  • Team player with an excellent work ethic, meticulous attention to detail, and high intrinsic self-motivation to learn and work in the lab or field, as applicable
  • Ability to acquire accurate, reproducible data with a critical eye towards consistency, reproducibility, and the scientific method in general
  • Scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications
  • Experience presenting research results in meetings, conferences, and seminars
  • Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills
  • Advocate for safety and ethics in the workplace

Preferred

Determined by department needs

Essential Functions

Key Responsibilities

35% of Time the Research Scholar, Senior may:

  • Set-up, manage, and track billing, expenditures, and revenue streams.
  • Interface with vendors, contractors, professional research staff, faculty, and students to develop and manage research projects.
  • Develop and maintain the training procedures and certification processes for instrumentation users.
  • Serve as a co-investigator on a funded research project.
  • Supervise or mentor and train undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, and research staff.
  • Take lead responsibility for discrete components of a larger research project or program under the general direction of a principal researcher.
  • Prepare complete documentation of research activities for reference purposes, including following applicable data management protocols.
  • Analyze, interpret, and document research findings for review.
  • Compare actual results and expected results and suggest solutions to correct the deviations.
  • Evaluate existing research techniques and recommend improvements to ensure quality and productivity.
  • Assist in the preparation of proposals and reports.
  • Assist in the teaching of classes.

60% of Time the Research Scholar, Senior

Determined by department needs

5% of Time the Research Scholar, Senior

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

Principal 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.