Overview --> Appointments and Promotions Table of Contents --> Technical Staff and Departmental Assistants --> Science/Research Technical Career Path

The following pages describe the job duties and minimum desired hiring qualification for positions on the scientific/research ladder. Individuals in all positions must be able and willing to go to sea for extended periods if required.

LABORATORY ASSISTANT I

With direct supervision, performs routine laboratory and clerical assignments.

• assists in collection and preparation of samples or data;
• maintains data records and performs other appropriate clerical functions.

LABORATORY ASSISTANT II

Same as Laboratory Assistant I; difference is based on education and experience.

With close supervision, uses established laboratory procedures to perform prescribed research tasks determined by field of study and scope of individual research project.

• assists in collecting project data as directed;

• prepares data or material for analysis or presentation using standard research techniques;

• processes and analyzes data according to established technical procedures;

• maintains records related to the research and/or research equipment.

Desired Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree, or Associate's degree in related field plus one year related experience, or High School diploma or equivalent plus three years' related experience.

RESEARCH ASSISTANT II

With some supervision, employs established laboratory procedures, standard equipment, and fundamental concepts to conduct research tasks determined by field of study and scope of individual research project.

• executes designated research tasks, making use of selected laboratory experiments, equipment, field work, library research, data acquisition and processing, statistical analyses or other investigative techniques;

• organizes and summarizes acquired data, using scientific and statistical techniques including computer programs;

• organizes and/or drafts material for the preparation of research papers, manuscripts, or other documents for publication and/or presentation;

• participates in the design of experiments or field work.

Bachelor's degree in related field, or Bachelor's degree in non-related field plus two years' related experience, or Associate's degree in related field plus three years' related experience, or High School diploma or equivalent plus five years' related experience.

RESEARCH ASSISTANT III

With little supervision, applies a broad knowledge of laboratory principles, equipment, and procedures to the completion of moderately difficult assignments determined by field of study and scope of individual research project.

• coordinates research projects, using selected laboratory experiments, equipment, field work, library research, data acquisition and processing, statistical analyses or other investigative techniques;

• organizes, interprets, and summarizes acquired data using scientific and statistical techniques including computer programs;

• assists in preparation of proposals, manuscripts or other documents for publication and/or presentation;

• participates in the design of experiments or fieldwork and may suggest modifications to current procedures;

• acts as information source on specific research techniques and trains others in technical procedures and equipment operation;

• may supervise the activities of other support staff.

Master's degree in related field, or Bachelor's degree in related field plus three years' related experience, or Bachelor's degree in nonrelated field plus five years' related experience, or Associate's degree in related field plus six years' related experience, or High School diploma or equivalent plus eight years' related experience.

SENIOR RESEARCH ASSISTANT I

With minimum supervision, applies experience and a comprehensive understanding of the laboratory principles, equipment, and procedures to the completion of complex assignments as determined by field of study and scope of individual research project.

• coordinates research projects translating scientific ideas into working operation;

• exercises professional judgment and expertise in collection, interpretation, and processing of data and samples;

• assists in preparation of proposals, manuscripts, or other documents for publication and/or presentation;

• participates in the design of experiments or fieldwork including suggestion of additional tests or modification in current procedures;

• is current on specific research techniques and trains others in technical procedures and equipment operation;

• supervises work of other departmental assistants.

Considerable experience as Research Assistant; demonstrated ability to handle substantial set of responsibilities. Consistently exceptional performance and demonstrated record of reliable and timely task completion. Promotion to this rank typically reflects considerable experience at the Institution and a record of technical support of the highest quality.

SENIOR RESEARCH ASSISTANT II

With minimum supervision, applies extensive experience and a comprehensive understanding of laboratory principles equipment, and procedures to the completion of complex assignments as determined by field of study and scope of individual research project.

• independently coordinates research projects translating scientific ideas into working operation;

• exercises extensive professional judgment and expertise in collection, interpretation, and processing of data and samples;

• assists in preparation of proposals, manuscripts, or other documents for publication and/or presentation;

• participates in the design of experiments or field work including suggestion of additional tests, modification in current procedures, and responsibility for outcome of work;

• is expert and current on specific research techniques and trains others in technical procedures and equipment operation;

• supervises work of other departmental assistants.

Substantial experience and consistently high performance as Senior Research Assistant I. This rank is reserved for those individuals who have demonstrated superior ability and leadership in handling complex sets of responsibilities. These individuals will often combine extensive experience in oceanography with a demonstrated ability to manage a complex technical support group.

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE I

This is an entry level position designed to encourage the connection and application of academic training to results-oriented projects in support of scientific and research activities. Initially this position will have direct supervision to achieve structured and assigned objectives.

• analyzes field and laboratory experiments using prescribed techniques; may utilize and/or modify computer analysis tools;
• may make creative suggestions regarding adaptations or modifications to standard research and laboratory methods;
• participates in the preparation of scientific articles, reports or documentation of methods and procedures;
• may test and calibrate laboratory and scientific equipment, engage in literature searches, or assist with preparations for research cruises.

Bachelor's degree in a specifically related field with minimal experience, or evidence of appropriate skills gained through experience in the absence of a formal degree. (Candidates with a Bachelor's degree and minimal experience in an unrelated field will likely start on the Department Assistant ladder.)

As an initial position on the Technical Ladder, a Research Associate I is not expected to remain at this level for more than two to three years. During this time, the Research Associate I is expected to demonstrate appropriate skills, intellectual motivation, and growth in independence and creativity to warrant promotion to the Research Associate II position. Failure to reach the level of Research Associate II within two to three years may warrant reclassification or termination.

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE II

With some supervision to achieve assigned objectives, identifies and participates in projects that support science and research activities through the demonstration of one or more specialized skills. Will be expected to work on tasks requiring creativity and independent thinking along with a proven understanding of fundamental research and science principles.

• analyzes field and laboratory experiments to achieve stated goals; may do computer programming or computer network/systems support for research related tasks;
• exercises creativity regarding adaptations or modifications to standard research and laboratory methods;
• participates in the preparation of scientific articles, reports, research proposals, and documentation of methods and procedures. May engage in oral communication of the results of research endeavors;
• may be responsible for the testing, calibration, and troubleshooting of laboratory and scientific equipment, or for the planning and preparation for research cruises;
• may supervise other personnel.

Master's degree in a specifically related field with minimal relevant experience, or Bachelor's degree in a related field with several years of relevant experience, or demonstrated competency as a Research Associate I, or significant, progressive independence and skill development as a Research Assistant III, or Senior Research Assistant levels or equivalent positions on the other technical ladders, or equivalent experience in the absence of a formal degree. (Candidates with a Master's degree in an unrelated field and minimal relevant experience will likely start on the Department Assistant ladder.)

Career Potential:

A Research Associate II will have demonstrated initial competence in one or more specialized areas of science or research support. The opportunity exists for assumption of increased technical and/or managerial responsibilities based on the continued development of expertise. While there is no time limit to appointment at this rank, promotion within the Technical Staff is expected. To that end, promotion consideration can occur as early as the third year in rank; formal consideration should normally occur within five or six years in rank.

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE III

With little supervision, works creatively and independently to establish objectives, meet deadlines, and complete difficult assignments by demonstrating full competency in one or more areas of scientific investigation; assists substantively in planning technical aspects of experiments as well as identifying and developing techniques and instrumentation for scientific investigation in the laboratory and/or the field.

• designs and analyzes field and laboratory experiments to achieve stated goals;
• exercises independent judgment and creativity in making adaptations or modifications to standard research and laboratory methods;
• assists in the preparation of scholarly papers and research proposals and demonstrates skill in communicating the results of the scientific endeavors;
• may prepare and produce independent writings of scientific endeavors;
• may supervise other technical staff personnel within the laboratory.

Desired Qualifications:

Ph.D. in a related field, or Master's in a related field with several years of relevant experience, or Bachelor's in a related field with more than five years of experience. In the absence of a formal degree, considerable equivalent work experience is required. Successful candidates will have demonstrated the technical skill, motivation, independence, and creativity necessary to complete difficult tasks.

Career Potential:

While there is no appropriate time limit for appointment at this rank, exceptional individuals will be promoted. Candidates should develop a mastery of specialized techniques or ingenuity and creativity in selecting and evaluating approaches to problems. They should develop the ability to apply an analytical approach to solutions and to assimilate the details and significance of various analyses, procedures, and tests prior to being considered for promotion.

RESEARCH SPECIALIST

With increased latitude for unreviewed activity and using a broad view of principles and practices in relevant laboratory or field projects, contributes substantially to the conception, organization, execution, management, and reporting of significant technological projects. A Research Specialist is recognized within the Institution as an authority in his/her field of specialization or in management of complex projects.

• exercises technical responsibility for organizing, coordinating, executing, and interpreting required research to achieve stated scientific goals, including furthering the scientific discipline;
• fulfills all the characteristic duties appropriate to a Research Associate III, but with a broader view and understanding of the scientific principles in his/her specialized field;
• independently writes technical reports, papers, and research proposals and/or provides documentation of research results;
• may be responsible for supervising other personnel within the laboratory.
• may serve as a principal investigator, with full responsibility for proposal preparation, grant financial and management oversight, and the supervision of the staff necessary to support the grant activities;

Desired Qualifications:

Appropriate academic background enhanced by more than 10 years of specifically related experience. All candidates must possess demonstrated excellence within a related field, i.e., a record of superior accomplishment--such as patents, publications, or documented instrumentation or systems--which provides objective evidence of original professional contributions and/or exceptional management skills.

Career Potential:

There is no appropriate time limit at this rank. Exceptional individuals can be considered for promotion when they have demonstrated creativity and considerable independent scientific judgment, as well as a demonstrated effectiveness as a project and scientific manager. Recognition within the Institution and within the broader oceanographic community as an authority in the field, is normally a prerequisite for promotion.

SENIOR RESEARCH SPECIALIST

Recognized as a leader in the field by functioning as an independent researcher or manager. Has full responsibility for project tasks requiring application of management skills and authoritative knowledge of appropriate scientific principles and practices in the laboratory and/or field; uses and creates advanced techniques and instrumentation, and creates modifications and extensions of theories, precepts, and practices relevant to the field in which the incumbent is recognized as a leading authority, and/or provides management and superior leadership of a group of technical staff members.

• exercises full technical and managerial responsibility for initiating, organizing, coordinating, executing, and interpreting required research to achieve stated scientific goals and furthering the scientific discipline;
• initiates and is responsible for independent writing of reports, research papers, and proposals, and/or provides documentation of research results;
• speaks for and represents the Institution's interests in high-level planning activities concerned with technical and research developments, externally to the Institution;
• operates as a laboratory head, unit head, or independent researcher with full supervisory and management responsibilities;
• through research endeavors and the preparation of research results and reports, contributes important techniques and designs that significantly impact the ways different aspects of ocean science are performed.

Desired Qualifications:

Appropriate academic background or its equivalent relevant work experience, enhanced by more than 15 years of increasingly successful and creative achievement. Candidates for this rank are recognized as leaders and authorities in their field through their original contributions. They must have had far-reaching impact on the scientific activities of the Institution and their field. They should have demonstrated high levels of creativity and independence (i.e., a record of superior accomplishment--such as patents, publications, or documented instrumentation--which provides objective evidence of original professional contributions) with foresight and judgment in planning, organizing, and guiding extensive and complex scientific projects.