Research Technologist

Summary

Job Category:
Research Support
Job Title:
Research Technologist
Job Category Definition:
This specialty covers the design, implementation and evaluation of various research projects. Functions include providing support in areas such as instrumentation, data management, laboratory operations and general administration.
Job Title Definition:
The Research Technologist performs a variety of specialized tasks associated with developing, designing and conducting research projects/experiments in the laboratory/field; investigates and evaluates research methods, advises faculty/researchers on optimal use of methodology and equipment; collects, correlates, analyzes, summarizes and reports on data/results identifying data integrity issues; trains users in equipment operation and research techniques; oversees daily operations of project and may oversee operations of laboratory including managing project/laboratory budget, maintaining appropriate supplies, scheduling and/or performing equipment repairs and documentation for equipment/facility; serves as technical expert for area of specialization/laboratory; assists in writing proposals and obtaining grant funding; and collaborates with other research staff within and external to the unit/project to review, modify, and improve research methodologies. Duties are performed at various levels within the defined title.
Working Conditions:
Specific physical requirements and effort are outlined in Job Responsibilities Worksheet (list of essential job duties and responsibilities specific to a particular job at the unit level) in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
Other Requirements:
 

Levels

Level 1  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
RERS0601 E Non-Exempt

Level 1 positions typically demonstrate baseline working knowledge of routine work applications; follow standard principles and systems and use appropriate terminology associated with a particular field of specialization; participate as a team member in a collaborative environment within a diverse workforce; actively contribute to completion of team goals and assigned tasks; clearly communicate information, ideas, or instructions verbally and in writing; follow recommended approach to assigned work to facilitate achievement of desired results; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; typically work under direct and frequent supervision while performing routine duties using established procedures with detailed instructions.

Typical Education & Experience

1+ years related experience

Bachelor's Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Typical Work Duties
  • Apply standard scientific practices, techniques, and methods as appropriate for specific situation, correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results, and follow protocols through a series of related detailed steps or processes
  • Contribute to experiments/tests in the laboratory/field to test, prove, or modify theoretical propositions on basis of research findings and experiences of others researching in related technical areas; may include measurements and recording of observations, collecting, compiling and processing of data
  • Organize data/findings for use in technical reports, documents, or oral/written presentations
  • May coordinate operational activities in a research laboratory, providing support services to researchers and technicians
  • Assist in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and standards for lab operations to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the laboratory
  • Coordinate ordering, maintaining appropriate inventory, storage, and maintenance of supplies, lab ware, and instruments essential to the operation of the lab
  • Instructs others in protocols and instrumentation
  • May supervise lower level staff, wage employees and/or students

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 2  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
RERS0602 G Non-Exempt

Level 2 positions typically demonstrate intermediate knowledge of the concepts, practices and procedures of a particular field of specialization; perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas/applications by continuously building on current job knowledge; maintain effective relationships with peers, vendors, and others in a diverse environment; support team decisions and follow through with team responsibilities; interpret information, ideas and instructions and communicate clearly and accurately both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; determine causes of unusual occurrences and apply standard principles and practices to determine and implement solutions; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; typically work under general supervision, while performing assignments that are varied and that may be somewhat difficult in character, but usually involve limited responsibility.

Typical Education & Experience

4+ years related experience

Bachelor's Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Typical Work Duties
  • Develop, design and conduct research projects, under general direction of faculty and/or senior research personnel and according to standard protocols or research plans
  • Investigate and evaluate research methods and suggest options for improving experimental process and quality
  • May be responsible for the operation of a specialized laboratory or research area within a department and related data analysis for a research project
  • Oversees day-to-day operation of project
  • Collect and correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results, and follow protocols through a series of related detailed steps or processes
  • Initiate or contribute data/analysis/design for use in technical reports, documents, proposals, or oral/written presentations
  • Prepares reports, drafts manuscripts, and may present data at meetings and conferences
  • Train users in equipment operation and research techniques, explain and demonstrate technology and equipment capabilities, operations limitations and outcomes
  • Schedule and maintain records of equipment/facility
  • May assemble, test calibrate, clean or make minor repairs to equipment
  • May manage a limited budget
  • May supervise lower level staff, wage employees and/or students

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 3  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
RERS0603 H Exempt

Level 3 positions typically demonstrate proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications to integrate fundamental elements from other specialties into work assignments; apply knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization to complete difficult assignments; promote a culture that is conducive to effective relationships among diverse team members; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; may lead a project team involved in completion of difficult assignments, requiring proficient knowledge of field of specialization; interpret and communicate information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; incorporate new facts and ideas into group processes and apply creative thinking to develop new solutions; typically work with minimal supervision on difficult assignments, conferring with manager on unusual matters.

Typical Education & Experience

7+ years related experience

Bachelor's Degree or higher; Master's Degree preferred

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Typical Work Duties
  • Develop, design and conduct one or more small or moderately complex research projects or experiments in line with plan, reviews progress and evaluates results
  • Manage projects of small or moderate size and scope; contribute to determining feasibility of goals and objectives; responsible for assuring quality, cost effectiveness and timeliness of assigned projects
  • Participate in formulating research methods and suggesting options for improving quality and recommending solutions; identify problems and related technical issues leading to long-term solutions by identifying technical approaches for problem solving
  • Coordinate data collection and screening and verify data; conduct analysis of data, interpret and implement research methodology based on outcome of analysis
  • May be responsible for operation of a specialized research area or laboratory
  • May act as liaison with other departments, divisions or organizations to answer questions or provide advice on research projects/experiments
  • Train users in equipment operation and research techniques, explain and demonstrate technology and equipment capabilities, operations limitations and outcomes
  • Mentor assigned staff in the development of technical scientific skills
  • Author/co-author on papers, proposals, presentations and reports
  • May supervise lower level staff, wage employees and/or students
  • May also perform duties identified in lower-level(s)

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 4  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
RERS0604 I Exempt

Level 4 positions typically demonstrate advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization and complete complex assignments; integrate complex elements from other specialties into work assignments; demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusionary practices which support diversity throughout the University; establish a shared vision and take responsibility for the achievement of team goals, and provide direction for appropriate implementation of plans; present ideas, concepts and instructions in a clear manner, and use persuasion and negotiation to build consensus and cooperation; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; develop new techniques, concepts, theories, programs or solutions and apply them to complex strategic operating issues; typically work independently on complex work assignments, review progress and evaluate results and update management as appropriate; may direct and delegate work to lower-level staff.

Typical Education & Experience

10+ years related experience

Bachelor's Degree or higher; Master's Degree preferred

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Typical Work Duties
  • Contribute to determining feasibility of research goals/objectives; may evaluate proposed or ongoing projects
  • Create opportunities to enhance technical methodology or content through expansion of existing or development of new efforts; may extend technology into new application areas
  • May manage multiple or large projects, including the planning, scheduling, conducting, or coordination of detailed phases of the work
  • May be responsible for the operation of a specialized laboratory or research area within a department and/or field work, and related data analysis for a research project
  • Train users in equipment operation and laboratory techniques, explain and demonstrate technology and equipment capabilities, operations, limitations and outcomes
  • Consult with users to refine or adapt methodologies to fit specific experiment requirements, and collaborate in the development of new techniques; develop protocol and criteria
  • Review progress and evaluate results; formulate research methods and suggests options for improving quality, identify potential problems, recommend and implement solutions
  • Maintain external research relationships to identify and develop new funding sources; contribute to technical proposal preparation and/or presentations
  • Coordinate data collection and screening and verify data; conduct analysis of data, interpret and implement research methodology based on outcome of analysis
  • Co-author or author publications and may co-present results with Principal Investigator at meetings and/or conferences; assist in acquiring research funding including writing grant proposals
  • May manage a budget
  • May supervise lower level staff, wage employees and/or students
  • May also perform duties identified in lower-level(s)

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 5  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
RERS0605 J Exempt

Level 5 positions typically extend mastery of job knowledge to the principles, theories and practices of related specialties; expand knowledge of best practices and incorporate into all work assignments and procedures; evaluate and enhance current practices and efforts to ensure optimal support of diversity; oversee leadership of teams and projects that involve extensive cooperation and coordination between multiple departments across the University or with external customers; prepare written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on highly complex issues and deliver to a broad variety of audiences; identify and implement innovative solutions to important, highly complex strategic and/or operational issues which may involve unusual circumstances and incomplete or conflicting data; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; work independently on highly complex or strategic assignments; may direct and supervise lower-level staff.

Typical Education & Experience

15+ years related experience

Bachelor's Degree or higher; Master's Degree preferred

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Typical Work Duties
  • Serve as expert individual contributor and/or lead researcher on one or more significant research projects in collaboration with senior research faculty
  • Coordinate research and development activities between disciplines including exploration of subject area, definition of scope and selection of problems for investigation, and development of novel concepts and approaches
  • Devise, plan, and lead work on complex problems that impact the design success of current projects or future products or technologies
  • Maintain liaison with individuals and units, within and outside project, who have responsibility for acting independently on technical matters pertaining to field of specialization
  • Investigate, modify, and apply new procedures, techniques, or applications of technology, integrating new findings in field of study
  • Direct and/or participate in major proposal preparation and presentation; author/co-author papers, proposals, presentations, manuscripts, and reports
  • Maintain external research relationships to identify and develop new funding sources
  • Coordinate administrative, financial, personnel and planning aspects of project; monitor expenditures of funds and grants
  • Oversee development of data collection and instruments; monitor integrity of data collection and use of protocols and procedures; review and critique reports and analysis of other researchers and conduct ongoing, periodic and final analyses of data using specialized techniques and programming
  • Supervise and direct the work of staff scientists and technicians
  • May also perform duties identified in lower level(s)

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.