ABOLISHED 02/05/2015 PER PAY LETTER 15-09 - Research Assistant (Various Studies) Research Technician (Various Studies) Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established April 10, 1969

Scope

This series specification describes five research classes for various research studies. The classes described in this specification are below the professional level described in the Research Specialist (Various Studies)series specification. The research study title becomes a part of the class specification as a parenthetical description (various studies) upon adoption by the State Personnel Board.

Professional research specialists and nonprofessional research technicians are excluded.

Definition of Series

The term "Research�, as applied to this class series, is defined as systematic, critical, intensive investigation directed toward development of new or fuller scientific knowledge of the subject studied. The research work to be carried out has the following attributes:

1. The work is predominantly characterized by systematic investigation of theory, experimentation, or simulation of experiments.

2. The work is characterized by research-type application of the scientific method including problem exploration, and definition, planning of the approach and sequence of steps, execution of experiments or studies, interpretation of findings, and documentation or reporting of findings.

3. There is a clear requirement for the exercise of judgment and close adherence to research design and requirements, variation in which may materially affect the nature of the end product.

4. The qualifications, skill, and contributions of the incumbent have a direct and major impact on the level of difficulty and responsibility of the work performed.

5. Skill or aptitude, as demonstrated by education, research experience, and other relevant criteria, is a significant requirement in the selection of candidates.

The purpose of the research is to contribute to the understanding, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of mental or developmental disorders; or to recognize causes of disease or factors involved in the impairment of health and to develop and evaluate measures of control and prevention.

The categories of research include, but are not limited to: biological research, clinical research, operational research, and sociocultural research.

The particular skills required (e.g., sociobehavioral, biological science, statistics, etc.) will depend upon the nature of the research to be done.

Entry Levels

Entry into this series may be at any level. Experience as a Research Technician (Various Studies) may provide research experience qualifying for the Research Assistant I level only.

A. Because of the characteristics of research, the factors governing allocation of positions by level reflect both the nature of the work and the qualifications required of candidates to perform the work. The key factors affecting position allocation by level are:

1. The research situation and assignment.

a. The variety and complexity of the work assignment.

2. Supervision received.

a. Degree of freedom to develop new approaches, methods, and techniques applicable to the specific research study.

b. Latitude for independent judgment and action.

3. Personal qualifications and abilities.

a. Academic preparation.

b. Level of maturity, competence, and productivity in prior research work.

c. Specialized abilities applicable to the specific research study.

Special Use of These Classes

Any of the following classes: Research Assistant III (Various Studies), Research Assistant IV (Various Studies), or Research Assistant V (Various Studies) may be used for the appointment of a research fellow, depending upon the research fellow's qualification and the need of the department for the research fellow's skills. It is expected that all such appointments will have university concurrence and recommendation.

Definttion of Levels

Research Technician (Vartous Studies)

Under close supervision, assists in the more routine phases of a specific research study; and does other related work.

Research Assistant I (Various Studies)

Under supervision, assists in the routine phases of a specific research study; may assist in the direction of survey interviews, coders, clerical assistant, or research technicians; and does other related work.

Research Assistant II (Various Studtes)

Under general supervision, gathers, compiles, and analyzes research data; develops tabulations and coding procedures; may take responsibility for a limited phase of a specific research study; may direct technical and clerical assistants; and does other related work.

Research Assistant III (Various Studies)

Under direction, takes responsibility for a substantive phase of a specific research study; performs research work requiring an advanced level of technical expertise; may supervise research, technical, and clerical assistants; and does other related work.

Research Assistant IV (Various Studies)

Under direction, takes responsibility for a major substantive phase of a specific research study; performs difficult and complex research work for a specific research study; acts as a consultant to the project staff in one complex area; may supervise research, technical, and clerical assistants; and does other related work.

Research Assistant V (Various Studies)

Under general direction, develops complex experimental research techniques for a specific research study; carries out advanced and complex assignments requiring a high level of sophistication; as assigned, acts as a consultant with study directors in determining the relevance and effectiveness of various techniques; provides technical supervision of other research assistants; and does other related work.

M�nimum Qualifications

(1) All research experience must be in a field of specialization appropriate to the specific research study.

(2) For levels II, III, IV, and V substitution of education for experience on a year-for-year basis is permissible for completion of course work leading to a graduate degree in a field of specialization appropriate to the specific research study.

Research Technician (Various Studies)

Education: Equivalent to two years of college with twelve (12) semester units or eighteen (18) quarter units in course appropriate to the specific research study. (Experience may be substituted for two years of the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

Research Assistant I (Various Studies)

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with a major appropriate to the specific research study. (Research experience may be substituted for four years of the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

Research Assistant II (Various Sttjdies)

Experience: One year of professional research experience; and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college.

Research Assistant III (Vartous Studies)

Experience: Two years of professional research experience; and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college.

Research Assistant IV (Various Studies)

Experience: Two and one-half years of increasingly responsible professional research experience; and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college.

Research Assistant V (Various Studies)

Experience: Three years of increasingly responsible professional research experience, including at least one year on relatively complex assignments requiring a substantial degree of judgment in evaluating and adapting research techniques; and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college.

Knowledge and Abilities

Research Technician (Various Studies)

Knowledge of: Tools, equipment, methods, and procedures used in a specific field of research study.

Ability to: Reason logically; and follow directions.

Research Assistant I (Various Studies)

Knowledge of: General concepts, methods and procedures, sources of information, equipment, and tools used in the applicable research study.

Ability to: Draw logical conclusions; communicate effectively; and follow directions.

Research Assistant II (Various Studies)

Knowledge of: All of the above, and accepted research methods, procedures, technique, and terminology applicable to the specific research study.

Ability to: All of the above, and gather, compile, and analyze research data; develop reports and summaries in written, tabular, graphic, and pictorial form; and guide the work of others.

Research Assistant III (Various Studies)

Knowledge of: All of the above, and principles of supervision; a general familiarity with affirmative action concepts, including goals/timetables, reasonable accommodation, focused recruitment, and the role of a supervisor or manager in carrying out an Affirmative Action Program.

Ability to: All of the above, and effectively contribute to the department�s affirmative action objectives.

Research Assistant IV (Various Studies)

Knowledge of: All of the above, and current trends in research design, laboratory methods, and evaluative measurements.

Ability to: All of the above.

Research Assistant V (Various Studies)

Knowledge of: All of the above.

Ability. to: All of the above, and think independently and creatively in research methodology; analyze large volumes of data; adopt an effective course of action; develop and maintain working relationships; direct the work of others.

Class History