Research Only Classification Descriptors

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• Research Assistant (Level 4)
• Research Assistant (Level 5)
• Research Assistant (Level 6)

Appointments to positions which are predominantly secretarial/ administrative/ computing or managerial should be made to the HEW position descriptors for professional staff. In making appointments to research only positions above the level of research assistant level 6, consideration should be given to classifying these positions according to the academic classification structure.

RESEARCH ASSISTANT (LEVEL 4)

Training Level or Qualifications

Research Assistants (Level 4) shall typically perform duties at a skill level which assumes and requires knowledge or training equivalent to: ·

• Completion of a degree in a field related to the research project without subsequent relevant work experience; or
• Completion of an Associate Diploma and at least two years' subsequent relevant work experience; or
• Completion of a post-trades certificate or advanced certificate and extensive relevant experience as a technician; or
• An equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.

Occupational Equivalent

Scientific/technical assistant, administrative/secretarial above level 3, advanced trades person.

Level of Supervision

A Research Assistant (Level 4) functioning in a technical position may receive routine supervision to general direction depending on experience and complexity of the tasks. In other positions, general direction. May supervise or co-ordinate others to achieve objectives, including liaison with staff at higher levels. May undertake stand-alone work.

Task Level

May undertake limited creative, planning or design functions; apply skills to a range of allocated research tasks.

Organisational Knowledge

Perform research tasks/assignments which require proficiency in the work area and knowledge of how they interact with other related functions.

Judgment, Independence and Problem Solving

In technical positions, apply theoretical knowledge and techniques to a range of research procedures and tasks.

Typical Activities

• Develop new equipment to criteria developed and specified by others
• under routine direction, assist in the conduct of major experiments and research programs and/or in setting up and using equipment for a range of experiments and demonstrations.
• plan and set up spreadsheets or database applications.
• maintain records
• provide information to postgraduate research students
• carry out or participate in surveys, investigations, analyses, tests, observations or field trials
• undertake library or archival searches or related activities
• undertake case studies and collate relevant information
• assist with data analysis.

RESEARCH ASSISTANT (LEVEL 5)

Training Level or Qualifications

Research Assistants (Level 5) shall typically perform duties at a skill level which assumes and requires knowledge or training equivalent to:

• Completion of an honours degree in a field related to the research project without subsequent relevant work experience; or
• Completion of a degree in a field related to the research project with some subsequent relevant work experience; or
• Completion of an Associate Diploma and at least two years' subsequent relevant work experience; or
• Completion of a post-trades certificate or advanced certificate and extensive relevant experience as a technician; or
• An equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.

Occupational Equivalent

Graduate or professional, with limited subsequent work experience in entry; experience technical/scientific officer.

Level of Supervision

In professional positions, routine supervision to general direction, depending on tasks involved and experience. In technical positions, general direction; may supervise other staff.

Task Level

Apply body of broad technical knowledge and experience at amore advanced level than Level 4, including the development of areas of specialist expertise. In professional positions, apply theoretical knowledge, at degree level, in a straightforward way.

Organisational Knowledge

Perform research tasks/assignments which require proficiency in the work area and knowledge of how they interact with other related functions.

Judgment, Independence and Problem Solving

In professional positions, solve problems through the standard application of theoretical principles and techniques at degree level. In technical positions, apply standard technical training and experience to solve problems.

Typical Activities

• Develop new equipment to general specifications
• Under general direction, set up and use complex equipment for a range of experiments and demonstrations.
• Process and collate the data derived from experiments into the required format.
• Undertake case studies by observing and interviewing cases studied and then recording observations and interviews in the categories determined by the senior researcher.
• Conduct library or archival searches for materials relevant to the research and prepared bibliographies for use by the senior researchers.
• Arrange and organise testing situations, whether for individuals or groups, and administer questionnaires.
• Draft responses of observations, interviews and experiments for the final research report.
• Straightforward data analysis using standard information technology software. · Work as part of a research team in a support role.

RESEARCH ASSISTANT (LEVEL 6)

Training Level or Qualifications

Senior Research Assistants (Level 6) shall typically perform duties at a skill level which assumes and requires knowledge or training equivalent to:

• Honours or postgraduate degree with some subsequent relevant work experience; or
• A degree with significant relevant experience; or
• Extensive experience and specialist expertise or broad knowledge in technical fields; or
• An equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.

Occupational Equivalent

Graduate or professional with subsequent relevant work experience (including a computer systems officer with some expertise); experienced technical specialist and/or technical supervisor.

Level of Supervision

In professional positions, general direction; in other positions, broad direction. May have supervisory and line management responsibility for technical and other non-professional staff.

Task Level

Perform work assignments related to research guided by professional standards and/or technical expertise. Senior Research Assistants would have a depth or breadth of expertise developed through extensive relevant experience and application.

Organisational Knowledge

Senior Research Assistants perform research tasks/assignments which require proficiency in the work area and knowledge of how they interact with other related functions, and to adapt these procedures and techniques as required by the senior researcher to achieve objectives.

Judgement, Independence and Problem Solving

Within constraints set by the senior researcher, discretion to innovate within own function and take responsibility for outcomes; design, develop and test complex equipment, systems and procedures; exercise high level of diagnostic skills on sophisticated equipment or systems; analyse and report on data and experiments. Decide priority of tasks in consultation with the senior researcher or research team.

Typical Activities

• Design and conduct experiments, case studies and questionnaires in consultation with the senior researcher. May select, modify or design test materials to be used as well as administering tests; determine methods to be used in data gathering in consultation with senior researcher; assist in providing suitable items for questionnaires and in devising the format.
• Analyse or evaluate data obtained to determine its significance and relevance to the research issue. Determine the sequence and direction of library research.
• Supply the senior researcher with analysed data by setting up data files, conducting the statistical analysis and summarising results.
• Draft and present reports resulting from surveys, investigating tests, field trials, observations and other related activities which involves coordinating materials interpreting data and reporting on results of research including library research.
• Provide highly specialised technical services; set up complex experiments; design and construct complex or unusual equipment to specifications; assist postgraduate students with their laboratory requirements; install, repair and/or provide computer services in a research setting.