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Staff Research Associate
UCSD Series Concepts
Class Specification - I.25
Staff Research Associate V - 9609
Staff Research Associate IV - 9610
Staff Research Associate IU - 9611
Staff Research Associate II - 9612
Staff Research Associate I - 9613
July, 1972
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SERIES CONCEPT
Staff Research Associates perform or supervise the performance of
laboratory and/or field experimental procedures in support of
academically-supervised research and teaching in the natural, physical
or social sciences; and perform other related duties as required.
Incumbents perform technical determinations and/or make technical
observations in one or more fields of scientific endeavor that usually
yield technical data about the phenomena under investigation. The fields
may include chemistry, physics, biochemistry, microbiology, botany,
zoology, psychology, biology, geology, bacteriology, and other similar
fields. The technical determinations include, for example, biochemical,
radiochemical, physical, and biological preparation, examination, and
analysis of specimen material. Installation, operation, and maintenance
of laboratory and field instruments may be an essential part of the
duties. The technical data yielded are used primarily for research and
teaching, but the data may also relate to public service, such as
patient care or agricultural extension.
Incumbents work under academic supervision, although they may report
directly to a higher level Staff Research Associate. They may
participate or assist in teaching activities by discussing experimental
procedures with students, demonstrating procedures, working with faculty
in presenting, developing or modifying portions of course material, and
by providing technical supervision to students and visitors during
assigned periods. However, they do not have formal responsibility for
teaching and course content, which is an academic function. Normally,
engagement in teaching activities is ancillary to engagement in research
activities under academic supervision.
Incumbents participate in research activities at several levels of
difficulty and responsibility described in the Class Concepts.
Incumbents at the highest level described make significant innovative
contributions to research methodology of a degree that typically changes
the course of the investigation. However, they are not principal
investigators, which is an academic role; and they may participate in
but are not assigned final responsibility for determining (a) the
general nature and course of investigation, (b) general methodological
approaches for investigation, and (c) the scientific validity of
research results.
The Staff Research Associate series is a broad series, encompassing
disciplines in the natural, physical and social sciences. 'ne examples
cited in the Class Concepts are illustrative and do not preclude
allocation to the series of positions requiring equivalent technical
knowledge and skill.
CLASS CONCEPTS
Staff Research Associate V
Under general direction, incumbents direct the work of a large and
complex laboratory including the supervision of technical staff
consisting of Staff Research Associates I through IV, with at least am
positions at the Staff Research Associate II level or higher; and take
charge of the development and execution of major or multi-disciplinary
research projects, and perform state-of-the-art, complex research
projects in collaboration with academic supervisors, making significant,
original contributions to research methods; including authorship or
co-authorship of published findings.
Incumbents typically consult with academic supervisor and other
academics or professional researchers on the nature and overall
objectives of the research project; develop, plan, and direct the
technical work of several Staff Research Associates, advising them on
the more difficult and problematic areas they may encounter; contribute
significant original/innovative ideas of major methodological
significance to the research; exercise independent judgment and
discretion, initiative, and resourcefulness in making decisions about
the research; and write articles for publication in scientific joumals
or for presentations at conferences or symposiums.
Assignments at this level typically 'Involve supervisory
responsibilities for other Staff Research Associates.
Staff Research Associate IV
Under direction, incumbents (a) direct the work of a large laboratory
including the supervision of a group of Staff Research Associate M's,
II's, and I's, or (b) take charge of the execution of remuch projects or
major portions of research projects which have been broadly outlined by
academic supervisors, or (c) engage in difficult and complex research
projects in collaboration with academic supervisors, making important
original contributions pertaining to laboratory and/or field
experimental procedures. Within a selected methodological approach, the
selection of specific methods to achieve the objective is frequently
left to the Staff Research Associate, who typically contributes original
ideas of major methodological significance to tho prosecution of the
investigation preceding both by reference to the general body of
scientific knowledge and by application of trial and error methods.
Incumbents typically consult with academic supervisors on the nature and
general plan of approach to basic research problems; read and abstract
scientific articles pertaining to prosecution of broad research
problems; proceed without specific direction to organize and work out
all techniques involved; plan, assign, and direct the work of several
Staff Research Associates, advising them on problems which they are
unable to solve; contribute original ideas of major methodological
significance to the prosecution of laboratory and/or field phases of
research; take complete charge of the execution of laboratory phases of
major research projects over considerable periods of time, such as
during prolonged absences of academic supervisors; exercise judgment,
initiative, and resourcefulness in making decisions, consulting on
occasion with academic supervisors; and prepare complete written reports
on all phases of laboratory and/or field experimental work involved in
research projects. Such reports usually are used for major portions of
articles to be prepared for publication.
Assignments at this level of difficulty may be supervisory or
non-supervisory. Supervisory assignments typically carry responsibility
for laboratory management and supervision of Staff Research Associates,
Laboratory Assistants, and graduate students. Assistance and
participation in teaching activities, as described in the Series
Concept, may be viewed as similar in supervisory responsibility, for the
purpose of evaluating laboratory management responsibility.
Non-supervisory assignments at this level typically require sustained,
frequent contributions of (a) original ideas of major importance in the
prosecution of laboratory and/or field phases of research and/or (b)
interpretation of data yielded by new/original method(s) used or
developed in the course of laboratory and/or field phases of research.
Coauthorship of scientific journal articles may indicate the level of
innovational contribution publicly acknowledged at this level, but it is
not a necessary requirement for allocation of such positions.
Staff Research Associate III
Under general supervision, incumbents (a) direct the work of a
medium-sized laboratory having a staff of at least one Staff Research
Associate II or two Staff Research Associate I's, or (b) perform
laboratory and/or field experimental work that requires a combination of
journey level knowledge and skill in two ordinarily distinct
occupational fields or scientific disciplines, or (c) undertake research
projects in collaboration with academic supervisors, making innovative
contributions pertaining to laboratory and/or field experimental
procedures which may not change the course of an investigation but do
indicate a significant independent contribution beyond the journey
level.
Incumbents typically consult with academic supervisors on the nature and
general plan of approach to basic research problems; read and abstract
articles or value in the prosecution of broad research problems;
organize and work out all techniques involved; plan and assign the work
of at least one Staff Research Associate II or two Staff Research
Associate I's advising them on problems they are unable to solve;
contribute original ideas in the prosecution of laboratory and/or field
phases of research; standardize new techniques and train other staff
personnel and students in their use; perform specialized procedures in
two ordinarily distinct occupational field or scientific disciplines;
and prepare complete written reports of laboratory and/or field
experimental methods.
Assignments at this level of difficulty may be supervisory or
non-supervisory. Supervisory assignments typically carry responsibility
for laboratory management and supervision of at least one Staff Research
Associate II or two Staff Research Associate I's, and may also include
the supervision of Laboratory Assistants and graduate students.
Assistance in teaching activities, as described in the Series Concept,
may be viewed as similar supervisory responsibility, for the purpose of
evaluating laboratory management responsibility. Non-supervisory
assignments typically require (a) contributions or original ideas of
importance in the prosecution of laboratory and/or field phases of
research or (b) a combination of journey level knowledge and skill drawn
from two ordinarily distinct occupational fields or scientific
disciplines.
The Staff Research Associate III class is intended to provide the
intermediate class between the Staff Research Associate II and Staff
Research Associate IV, in recognition of (a) laboratory management and
supervision and/or (b) scientific innovation and/or (c) utilization of
an unusual combination of advanced knowledge and skill, each of which
separately would support the journey level of the field.
Staff Research Associate II
Under supervision, incumbents perform (a) a wide variety of standard
repetitive laboratory and/or field experimental procedures at the full
operational or journey level of skill in one field of specially; or (b)
perform a limited variety of non-standard laboratory and/or field
experimental procedures requiring ingenuity, resourcefulness, and
adaptability to special and changing needs of research in one
specialized field; or (c) perform a limited variety or repetitive but
highly specialized laboratory and/or field experimental procedures.
Incumbent typically perform a wide variety of standard repetitive
procedures without detailed technical supervision, usually in a
well-established occupational field (i.e., chemistry, microbiology,
etc.). They may also modify, vary or adapt standard procedures to meet
the needs of research projects, or improve tests that are
unsatisfactory, and after studying available literature, analyze and
alter conditions under which deteminations are made. They may also
acquire and apply a body of knowledge and sldll in a field of
comparatively narrow scope where the emphasis is on specialized
techniques.
Assignments at this level of difficulty are typically non-supervisory;
however, a Staff Research Associate II may also be assigned the
management responsibility for a small laboratory unit, with at least one
Staff Research Associate I or a group of lower-level laboratory
employees such as Laboratory Assistants, Animal Technicians, etc. This
type of responsibility typically includes ordering supplies and
equipment and insuring proper operation and maintenance of laboratory
equipment.
Staff Research Associate II is the full operational level of the series.
Examples of assignments at this level of difficulty and responsibility
are:
Chemical analyst, performing a wide variety of chemical analyses,
including qualitative and quantitative analyses of unknowns, by using
standard methods and by developing modifications of standard methods to
meet special needs.
Entomologist in biological control unit, in charge of rearing of various
species of insects and parasites, including responsibility for
determining the kind of food host to use, the age and culture of food
host best suited, the timing of breeding and rearing operations, and
kinds of parasites to rear on insects to best accomplish the
experimental purposes involved.
Plant pathologist, identifying mycological organisms on plant material
by microscopic examination and by keying down, using judgment when
descriptions in literature are incomplete or inaccurate.
Microbiologist, isolating and purifying cultures of fungus and bacterial
organisms from plant or animal materials, varying the method on each
specimen to identify the organism and obtain a pure culture.
Histologist, performing a wide variety of standardized, but intricate
and delicate procedures for preparing and examining plant materials for
optical and/or electron microscopy.
Experimental psychologist, assisting in psychophysiological experiments
on man and animals, preparing subjects for experiments, performing
psychophysical tests, improving tests as necessary and analyzing and
developing statistical data.
Electron microscopist, preparing issue for electron microscopy,
maintaining electron microscopes and photographic darkroom and prep room
facilities, providing individual and classroom instruction on the use of
the electron microscope and related facilities.
The examples cited are typical for the class of the Staff Research
Associate II, but are not intended to limit the class to the
occupational fields named. All occupational fields suggested by the
Series Concept may be found in the class.
Staff Research Associate I
Under supervision, incumbents perform standard repetitive, technical
laboratory and/or field experimental procedures and/or receive training
in the more difficult procedures usually requiring a theoretical
background in one scientific field. The fields of work are generally
those indicated in the Series Concept and further illustrated by the
examples in the Class Concept for Staff Research Associate II.
Incumbents usually perform standard repetitive procedures of limited
variety and/or work under close technical supervision, in their initial
assignments. Originality in devising or revising laboratory and/or field
experimental procedures is ordinarily not expected nor required at this
level. Continuing supervision over other staff personnel is not normally
assigned.
Staff Research Associate I is the entry level in the series. Incumbents
may perform a limited variety of non-standard repetitive procedures or a
wide variety of standard repetitive procedures characteristic of the
next higher level, but without having reached the level of skill
proficiency required at the next higher level.
MINIMUM QUALIFCATIONS
Incumbents are expected to possess the skills, 'Knowledge, and abilities
essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the
positions. These skills, knowledge, and abilities are typically acquired
through a combination of extensive study and experience.
NOTE: Specific qualification requirements are approved by the Personnel
Manager in accordance with the provisions of Staff Personnel Policies
210.8 and 210.9 for the Staff Research Associate I and A&PS Personnel
Policy 120.5 for the higher levels of the Staff Research Associate
series.
Staff Research Associate
Series Description
Staff Research Associates apply specialized academic or scientific
knowledge to perform or supervise experimental procedures in support of
research and teaching.
A&PS Benchmark Level
The A&PS benchmark level is Statf Research Associate II. Incumbents
typically apply specialized academic or scientific knowledge and skill
to make technical determinations and/or observations; assist with
research and teaching; and may manage small labs.
Journey or Fully Operational Level in Series
The fully operational level is Staff Research Associate II.
Certification or Licensure Reguirements
None.
SUPPLEMENTAL GUIDE FOR THE STAFF RESEARCH ASSOCIATE SERIES
This series includes staff positions that require the observation and
measurement of scientific phenomena. Positions allocated to this series
typically require some specialized skill or knowledge which is usually,
but not necessarily, acquired through formal education in the natural,
physical or social sciences at the collegiate level. Most Staff Research
Associates are engaged in research to seek new or further information
about a subject or substance. However, there are a few positions in this
series which are concerned primarily with producing materials for study
by others, such as histological technicians.
Generally, Staff Research Associates are not completely free to undertake
independent scientific research, since this is typically a faculty
function. Staff Research Associate positions are designed primarily to
assist the faculty in identifying and selecting problems for investigation,
planning experiments, and in evaluating, interpreting, and publishing
results. In addition to the actual performance of methods, Staff Research
Associates may participate quite substantially in the selection,
development, and evaluation of methods.
There are four distinguishable levels within the Staff Research Associate
Series and five (5) allocating factors to be used as common denominators
in determining the appropriate level within the series for a
particular position. The following is a brief summary of the five
allocating factors.
(1) Supervision exercised over the position. The nature and degree
of supervision exercised over a position ranges from explicit
methods with directions as to steps to be taken and the review
of results of all operations for accuracy and completeness
to giving objectives in very broad terms and allowing the
methods of determination to be worked out by the Staff Research
Associate.
The amount of review by a supervisor is pertinent in this factor
and in reverse the degree of independence of judgment
exercised by the Staff Research Associate is also pertinent.
Many laboratory techniques consist of a large number of steps,
any of which individually may be relatively simple to perform.
However, to connect the steps in sequence to produce an end
result requires evaluation of the results at the completion of
each step and selection among alternative courses of action,
even including in some instances reversing the process to
a preceding step and starting again.
(2) Kind and degree of originality of the innovational aspects of
the work.
This factor measures original contribution or innovation within
the realm of methods and procedure.
Original contributions or innovations range from relatively simple
suggestions such as substituting one kind of pipette for another or
recognizing irregularities and invalid results and calling them to the
attention of the supervisor to breaking new ground by attempting
something which has not been attempted or achieved before, proceeding
both by reference to the general body of scientific knowledge and by
application of trial and error methods.
(3) Skill requirements inherent in the performance of a particular
method or procedure. Skill requirements usually refers to manipulative
skills. Some techniques are not particularly difficult to understand,
but to perform they require unusual finesse with laboratory
instruments because of the perishable or fragile nature of the objects
being worked with. Skill requirements may also refer to knowledge of
scientific principles and procedures and judgment in evaluating
results. The knowledge which an incumbent may bring to a job does not
in itself affect the level of skill unless it is expressed in the job
in some way.
(4) Variety of the work. Variety within the Staff Research Associate
Series means the degree of diversification and utilization of
unrelated techniques or the requirement of essentially dissimilar
knowledges and skills.
NOTE: The Skill (3) and Variety (4) factors can combine for
allocation to the Staff Research Associate III level if the work
performed involves duties and responsibilities evaluated at the Staff
Research Associate II level of skill (work requiring unusual finesse
or knowledge to perform) in each of at least two separate
occupational fields or scientific disciplines.
(5) Laboratory management responsibilities, including responsibility
for the work of others. Laboratory management responsibilities may
be defined as (1) having responsibility for the work of others
including planning and reviewing work assignments and giving
assistance in the solution of work problems; (2) having
responsibility for ordering and the upkeep of supplies and
equipment; (3) personal contact with the public in performing
laboratory work in the field; (4) responsibility for instructing
through lectures and/or demonstrations, or training in laboratory
procedures, or generally overseeing a group of students in laboratory
sections of their course work.
All five factors may not be significant or critical in the evaluation of
a job in the Staff Research Associate series. The duties and
responsibilities present in a position are allocated to an appropriate
level (Staff Research Associate I, II, III or IV) for each of the
significant factors and the position is classified at the highest
level at which the majority of these factors are evaluated for levels I,
II and IV. For classification at level III a majority of incumbent's
time must be spent performing duties and responsibilities allocable to
one of three significant factors. Further illustration appears in the
following chart:
ALLOCATION FACTORS
LEVEL (1)Supervision (2)Originality (3)Skill (4)Variety (5)Lab No of significant
Mgt factors
SRA IV IV IV - - IV 2 of 3 at IV
SRA III - III III III 1 of 3 at III,
(skill-variety majority of
combined) remainder at II
SRA II II II II II II 3 of 5 at II
SRA I I I I I I 3 of 5 at I
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