Research Specialist (Various Studies) Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established October 10, 1968

Scope

This series specification describes five professional research classes for various research studies. The research study title becomes a part of the class specification as a parenthetical description (various studies) upon adoption by the State Personnel Board.

Subprofessional research and research assistants are excluded.

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 studies. 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 creativity and critical judgment, variation in which may materially affect the nature of the end product.

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

5. Research capability, as demonstrated by graduate education, research experience, publications of merit, and other relevant criteria, is a significant requirement in 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 socio-cultural research.

The particular discipline required (e.g., medical, psychology, embryology, cultural anthropology, epidemiology, child psychiatry, etc.) will depend upon the nature of the research to be done.

Entry Levels

Entry into this series may be at any level. There are no classes in State service below Research Specialist I which provide qualifying experience.

Factors Affecting Position Allocation

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 of candidates. The four key factors affecting position allocation by level are:

1. The research situation or assignment.

a. The scope and complexity of the assignment.

b. The degree of conventionality or originality in the techniques employed.

c. Impact of the results of the research on the scientific field.

2. Supervision received.

a. Degree of freedom of researcher in identifying, defining, and selecting problems for study.

b. Degree of responsibility for formulating hypotheses, developing and carrying out a research plan, coping with novel and difficult problems, analyzing and interpreting results, and preparing comprehensive reports of findings.

c. Degree of reliance on the researcher's professional judgment, competence, and productivity.

d. Degree of administrative control in relation to staffing, funds, facilities, and agency policies.

3. Guidelines and originality.

a. Degree of applicability of existing theory, methods, and literature, to the research problem.

b. Degree of originality required in defining problems; developing productive hypotheses for testing; developing new approaches, methods, and techniques; interpreting and relating significance of results to other research findings.

c. Degree of responsibility for applying imagination and creativity in the solution of problems for which there is an almost complete absence of applicable guidelines, pertinent literature, and methodology.

4. Professional qualifications and scientific contributions.

a. Academic preparation.

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

c. Quantity and quality of publications.

d. Acquisition of formal extramural grants as principal or coprincipal investigator.

e. Citation in the work of other scientists.

f. Presentation of papers to professional societies.

g. Contribution of inventions, designs, and techniques which are of material significance in the solution of important applied problems.

h. Degree of leadership exercised in the scientific field.

i. Degree to which colleagues seek out the researcher for consultation.

j. Extent and nature of committee assignments in professional groups.

k. Election to fellowship in scientific societies.

l. Receipt of nationally recognized awards for outstanding research achievement.

Definition of Levels

Research Specialist I (Various Studies)

Under direction, plans, organizes, and directs a research study of relatively limited scope, either as an independent project or phase of a major project or program; acts as a consultant on a specific phase of a major research study; and does other related work.

Research Specialist II (Various Studies)

Under general direction, plans, organizes, and directs an original research study of moderate scope and complexity, or a highly specialized phase of a project or program; acts as a consultant in a highly specialized field to a major research study; and does other related work.

Research Specialist III (Various Studies)

Under general direction, plans, organizes, and directs an original research study or a highly specialized phase of a major project or program of sufficient scope to require supervision of other professional staff, may also coordinate and administer research studies of moderate scope and complexity; acts as a consultant in a highly specialized field to a major research study; may serve as Chief of Research at a local facility; and does other related work.

Research Specialist IV (Various Studies)

Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, and directs difficult and complex major original research studies; may also coordinate and administer a major multidisciplinary and complex program of research; acts as a high level research consultant; may serve as Chief of Research at a local facility of the Department of Mental Health or Department of Developmental Services; and does other related work.

Research Specialist V (Various Studies)

Under administrative direction, conceives, plans, organizes, and directs the most difficult, advanced, complex and highly original research studies; may also coordinate and administer a multidisciplinary, extensive, and highly complex program of research; acts as a high level research consultant; may serve as Chief of Research at a local facility of the Department of Mental Health or Department of Developmental Services; and does other related work.

Special Use of These Studies

Any of the following classes: Research Specialist III (Various Studies), or Research Specialist IV (Various Studies), or Research Specialist V (Various Studies) may be used for the appointment of a visiting scientist, depending upon the scientist's qualifications and the need of the department for the visiting scientist's research skills.

Minimum Qualifications

1. The postgraduate education, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees referred to in the requirements:

a. Must be in a field of specialization appropriate to the applicable research study. or

b. Must have been obtained from a recognized U.S. or Canadian University, or from a foreign university deemed equivalent.

2. The required experience must have been in a field of specialization appropriate to the applicable research study.

3. If the position of a physician on a research study involves diagnosis, treatment, or prescription, the possession of the legal requirements for the practice of medicine in California as determined by the California Board of Medical Quality Assurance or the California Board of Osteopathic Examiners will be required prior to appointment.

4. If the position of a veterinarian on a research study involves the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery, or any branch thereof, a valid license issued by the Board of Examiners in Veterinary Medicine for the State of California to practice as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine must be secured within twelve months of the date of appointment.

Research Specialist I (Various Studies)

Experience: One year of experience carrying out a research study which must have included responsibility for the determination of research design and method. (Research involved in the completion of the dissertation required for the doctoral degree in a field of specialization appropriate to the applicable research study may be substituted for the required experience.) and Education: Equivalent to graduation from college supplemented by one year of postgraduate education.

Research Specialist II (Various Studies)

Experience: Two years of experience carrying out a research study which must have included responsibility for the determination of research design and method. (Research involved in the completion of the dissertation required for the doctoral degree in a field of specialization appropriate to the applicable research study may be substituted for one year of the required experience.) and Education: Equivalent to graduation from college supplemented by one year of postgraduate education.

Research Specialist III (Various Studies)

Experience: Three years of research experience which must have included either (1) at least one year of experience with responsibility for the determination of research design and method; or (2) at least one year of experience in the coordination of a research program or complex research project. (Research performed in the completion of the dissertation required for the doctoral degree in a field of specialization appropriate to the applicable research study may be substituted for one year of the required general experience.) and Education: Equivalent to graduation from college supplemented by one year of postgraduate education.

Research Specialist IV (Various Studies)

Either I

Experience: Four years of progressively responsible research experience which must have included either (1) at least one year of experience with responsibility for the determination of complex research design and methods; or (2) at least one year of experience in the direction of a complex program of research. (Research performed in the completion of the dissertation required for the doctoral degree in a field of specialization appropriate to the applicable research study may be substituted for one year of the required general experience.) and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college supplemented by one year of postgraduate education.

Or II

Possession of the degree of Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy. and

Experience: One year of varied and responsible professional research experience in a field of specialization appropriate to the applicable research study which must have included responsibility for the determination of research design and method. (Eighteen months of approved residency involving experience in a specialty applicable to the research study may be substituted for the required experience.)

Research Specialist V (Various Studies)

Either I

Experience: Five years of progressively responsible research experience which must have included either (1) at least two years of experience with responsibility for the determination of highly advanced and complex research design and method; or (2) at least two years' experience in the direction of a large multiphasic and highly complex program of research. (Research performed in the completion of the dissertation required for the doctoral degree in a field of specialization appropriate to the applicable research study may be substituted for one year of the required general experience.) and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college supplemented by one year of postgraduate education.

Or II

Possession of the Degree of Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy. and

Experience: Two years of varied and responsible professional research experience in a field of specialization appropriate to the applicable research study which must have included responsibility for the determination of research design and method. (Eighteen months of approved residency involving experience in a specialty applicable to the research study may be substituted for one year of the required experience. Medical administrative experience may be substituted for one year of the required research experience on a year-for-year basis.)

Knowledge

All Studies:

While all applicants must possess knowledge of the following, it is expected that the level of sophistication, depth, and thoroughness of knowledge will vary relative to the class level.

1. Current research literature and trends applicable to the research study.

2. Principles and procedures of research planning, design, methodology, and analysis applicable to the research study.

3. Methods of preparation of research reports.

4. Statistical methods and procedures and data processing techniques.

5. Problems involved in bibliographic survey or previous related research.

6. Determination and qualification of variables and mechanization or compilation and analysis of data.

7. Principles and practices of effective consultation and supervision. and

8. 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.

Abilities

All Studies:

While all applicants must demonstrate possession of the following abilities, it is expected that level of attainment will vary relative to the class level.

1. Evaluate the relative importance of various areas of research.

2. Evaluate the adequacy of proposed research designs and techniques.

3. Do independent creative thinking.

4. Establish and maintain cooperative relations with hospital staff and with officials of Federal, State, local, university, and private research organizations.

5. Communicate effectively and prepare articles for publication.

6. Provide persuasive and skilled leadership in scientific research.

7. Apply professional knowledge and administrative ability to concrete situations.

8. Teach research principles and methods to trainees, research assistants, and other staff.

9. Analyze situations accurately and take effective action.

10. Effectively contribute to the department's affirmative action objectives. and

11. At the level of Research Specialist III and higher, coordinate and administer a program of research.

Desirable Qualifications

The desirable qualifications described below represent the level of preparation in education, and accomplishment considered most appropriate for candidates seeking employment in these classes. In the competitive selection process, preference will be given to candidates offering qualifications meeting the levels of attainment described.

1. Education All Research Specialist classes.

Possession of an earned Doctorate Degree in either (a) Medicine or Veterinary Medicine, or (b) in a Behavioral, Social, Biological, Mathematical, or other appropriate science which included completion of dissertation research at the Ph.D. level; or possession of a master's degree in disciplines for which the prevailing level of graduate training is the Master's Degree with Research Thesis.

2. Accomplishment

a. For Research Specialist II and higher classes, the following considerations apply:

Acquisitions of Tests Formal Research or Grants Which, in Publica-Mono-Amount, Approxi- Class tions Chapters graphs mates____________

Research Specialist II 2 or 1 or -or The annual max- (Various Studies) imum salary for Research Specialist II

Research Specialist III 6 or 6 or 1 or Four times Various Studies) the annual maximum salary for Research Specialist III

Research Specialist IV 18 or 18 or several or Ten times the (Various Studies) annual maxi- mum salary within the past ten years for Research Specialist IV

Research Specialist V 50 or 50 or several or Twelve times (Various Studies) the annual maximum salary within the past ten years for Research Specialist V.

In the Standards listed above:

(1) "Publications" refers to articles in recognized scientific or professional journals.

(2) "Chapters" refers to chapters in a published book, or text intended for university level instructions.

(3) "Acquisition of Formal Research Grants" means receipt of extramural research grants while serving as principal investigator or coinvestigator for a research study.

Publishing accomplishments are evaluated on the basis of quality and significance. At Research Specialist III and higher levels, publications reflecting personal research findings or original theoretical or position statements are expected.

b. The following achievements may be considered in judging equivalence to the accomplishment standards; awards, citations, and honors for research; patents; lectures given by invitation; scientific presentations to professional groups; academic teaching at a tenure rank; service on a doctoral dissertation research committee; service as editor of a recognized research journal; evidence of leadership in a productive scientific enterprise; recognized standing in the scientific community as evidenced by appointments to civic or governmental advisory boards, election to office, or elevation to fellowship status in recognized professional or scientific organizations; demonstrated ability to attract, train, and develop graduate students and professional personnel into productive researchers. In addition, the applicant may present for evaluation, any other evidence of research accomplishment and capability which he/she considers equivalent to the specified level of accomplishment.

Performance Standards

1. It is expected that each incumbent in these classes will demonstrate continuing productive research results appropriate for his/her level, such as publications of merit, acquisition of research grants, awards and honors for research, lectures given by invitation, scientific presentations to professional groups, or other evidence of accomplishment.

2. The employing department may establish more specific performance standards appropriate for each class in relation to the particular research study.

Class History

Research Specialist and Assistant Series

Classes established for each of the following series:

Department of Justice

1. California Marijuana Medical Research Program Effective 10/30/80 (Assistant Level)

Seismic Safety Commission

1. California Earthquake Preparedness Project Effective 2/4/81 (Specialist and Assistant Levels)

California Earthquake Authority

1. Disaster Response Program Effective 12/19/01 (Specialist-Level III) (NOTE: This was adopted as an SPB Staff Calendar Item.)

Governor's Office of Emergency Services

1. California Integrated Seismic Network Effective October 8, 2002 (Specialist-Level II and Level III) (NOTE: This was adopted as an SPB Staff Calendar Item.)