Research Scientist/Engineer 3
Last updated: August 15, 2025
UW CODE AND REPRESENTATIVE GROUP
23549 (NE S UAW Research)
23548 (E S UAW Research)
CLASS SERIES CONCEPT
Apply scientific knowledge gained through formal education at least at the Bachelor’s level or equivalent/related experience to conduct research in a scientific discipline such as biology, psychology, the biomedical sciences, chemistry, engineering, oceanography, social work, etc. Responsibility for, assisting or contributing in one or more of the following tasks: Identifying and defining research problems; Designing approaches or hypotheses to be tested and the methodology to be used; Designing specific phases of research projects; Analyzing results; Developing conclusions and hypotheses; Presenting research results in publishable form; Developing and obtaining research grants.
BASIC FUNCTION
This is a fully functional, professional researcher level. Independently evaluates, selects and applies standardized scientific or engineering procedures and techniques to assignments of moderate complexity, involving potentially conflicting design requirements, unavailability of materials or processes, etc. Incumbent seeks continual improvement of work practices from experience with moderate-sized projects; develops extensions to existing methods and protocols.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Assigned work under general guidance; receives instruction on specific assignment objectives, complex features, and possible solutions. Assistance is furnished on unusual problems, and work is reviewed for application of sound professional judgment. Incumbent is establishing distinguishing technical expertise; has broad knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of field of specialization.
TYPICAL WORK
Manages projects of moderate size and scope; makes substantial contributions to determining feasibility of goals and objectives.
Identifies problems and related technical issues leading to long-term, generic solutions; identifies technical approach for solving problems and meeting customer/grantor needs.
Performs tasks of a larger scope and often leads specific tasks within the project scope.
Sought out for contributions to reports and publications; author/co-author on papers, proposals, presentations and reports; gives invited papers.
Interacts in a collaborative manner with other team members to accomplish organizational goals; provides ideas to improve organizational efficiency at group and department levels.
Creates, monitors and implements effective plans; takes lead for scoping tasks/projects; assembles research team members.
Influences important customer and UW decisions; recognized for technical contributions by external peer network.
Maintains external research relationships to identify and develop new funding sources; contributes to development of proposals and may make presentations.
Contributes to positive co-worker/customer/investigator relationships through efficient interaction on current grants/projects.
Monitors the work of others and redirects efforts to achieve task/project objectives or enhance quality.
Mentors staff or students in development of technical, project and business development skills.
Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in a related field and four years of relevant experience.
Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.
CIVIL SERVICE EXEMPTION
Research: Individuals having formal academic preparation at least at the Bachelor’s level or demonstrated professional competence in a specific field of research, and having responsibility for or assisting in one or more of the following tasks: identifying and defining research problems; designing approaches or hypotheses to be tested and the methodology to be used; designing specific phases of research projects; analyzing results; developing conclusions and hypotheses; presenting research results in publishable form; and/or obtaining research grants.
CLASSIFICATION HISTORY
- 06/16/2022: New class per PERC Case No. 134711-E-21