Unclassified Professional Staff Research Assistant and Associate Title Definitions (Excerpt)
| Research Assistant (026200) (non-exempt) (B Level) |
May participate in the development of a research plan. Conducts pre-designed research, working as part of a research team, or performing research related activities. May interact with other researchers and may collaborate on lab techniques. May conduct literature search and research activities independently in labs, fieldwork or program settings under the direction of faculty, senior researchers or a research team leader. In research settings, runs research equipment, monitors output, or observes subjects. Responsible for acquisition and preliminary analysis of data. May assist senior researchers in publication of data. May supervise Research Aides or students. May train researchers in equipment use and data collection techniques. Requires a bachelor's degree in a related field/area or significant, applicable experience. |
| Senior Research Assistant (026201) (non-exempt) (C Level) |
Provides senior-level technical and/or research related support for performing a broad range of complex laboratory and/or research related tasks. Acts as a specialist on research methods and/or equipment functions. Performs a variety of research protocols requiring a high degree of proficiency. Troubleshoots problems and recommends solutions. Evaluates experiment results using complex statistical and multivariate analysis. Participates in the development of a research plan. Conducts research, working as part of a research team, or performing research related activities. Interacts with other researchers and collaborates on lab techniques and suggests new techniques. Conducts literature search and research activities independently in labs, fieldwork, or program settings under the direction of faculty, senior researchers or a research team leader. In research settings, runs research equipment, monitors output, or observes subjects. Performs skilled instrumentation activities. Responsible for acquisition and preliminary analysis of data. Assists senior researchers in publication of data. May supervise Research Aides or students. May train other researchers in equipment use and data collection techniques. Requires a bachelor's degree in a related field/area or significant, applicable experience. |
| Research Associate (026100) (may be exempt) (B Level) |
Operates in a specialized research setting with considerable latitude. May act as liaison with other departments. Develops, designs and conducts one or more large research efforts in line with a research plan; reviews progress and evaluates results. Formulates research methods and suggests improvements for quality and may serve as part of a design team or may serve in a leadership role. On specific occasions, may serve as co-PI or PI. Identifies problems, recommends and implements solutions. Trains other researchers as needed. Consults with others to refine or adapt methodologies to fit research requirements. Coordinates data collection and screening to verify data. Implements research methodology, conducts data analysis, and interprets results. May co-author or author publications. Co-presents or presents results at meetings and/or conferences. Oversees daily operations of research setting and may supervise students or staff. Requires a terminal research degree or its international equivalent in the field/area of the research, or an advanced degree and significant experience in the field/area of research. |
Excerpted from KU's Unclassified Professional Staff Research & Research Administration Title Definitions (PDF file)