Researcher
Specialist (CAPM 602.330)
Specialists are expected to use their professional expertise to make scientific and scholarly contributions to the research enterprise of the University and to achieve recognition in the professional and scientific community. Specialists may participate in University and/or public service depending upon funding sources and the duties required by the job description for the position. They do not have teaching responsibilities.
Project Scientist (CAPM 600.311)
Project (e.g., Scientist) series titles are given to those appointees who have high-level skills and make significant and creative contributions to a research program. Appointees with Project (e.g., Scientist) titles may engage in University and public service. They do not have teaching responsibilities.
- Appointees in the Project (e.g., Scientist) series are expected to have a broader range of knowledge and competency and a higher level of independence than appointees in the Specialist series, whose appointment and advancement depend on the technical contributions that they make to the work of the research team.
- The Project (e.g., Scientist) series differs from the Professional Research series in that the former need not demonstrate the same capacity for fully independent research or research leadership required of the Professor series and Professional Research series.
Professional Researcher (CAPM 600.310)
The Professional Research series is used for appointees who engage in independent research equivalent to that required for the Professor series. An appointee in this series must demonstrate continuous and effective engagement in independent and creative research activity of high quality and significance, equivalent to that expected of the Professor series. An Assistant Researcher is not required to participate in service activities but Associate Researchers and Researchers are expected to engage in University and/or public service, such as service on research review boards. Appointees with Professional Research titles do not have teaching responsibilities.
Specialists, Project Scientists, and Professional Researchers are covered by the UAW collective bargaining contract.
Department/Supervisor
How to hire a researcher (Specialist, Project Scientist, Professional Researchers):
- Recruitment compliance: It is required to have recruitment compliance in place before hiring a new employee. Review “Academic Recruitments (Non-Senate and Senate)” for information on recruitments, exemptions, and waivers.
- Appointment request: Review the Researcher Appt Checklist, which can be used by departments when processing initial appointment files for researchers.
How to reappoint a researcher:
- Reappointment request: Review the Researcher Reappt Checklist, which can be used by departments when processing reappointment files for researchers.
Check out the salary scales to find the current salary rates for researchers (Specialist, Project Scientist, Professional Researcher).
Delegation of Authority:
The Dean has authority to approve many researcher files, but some may require additional committee review (DCAP/CAP) or require the EVC or Chancellor’s authority. Review the Delegation of Authority Chart here.
DCAP: Appointment files are due to the division 3 months prior to the effective date.
CAP or EVC/Chancellor authority: Appointment files are due to the division 4 months prior to the effective date.
Contact your Academic Personnel Analyst regarding any questions about policy or procedure.
Resources
Researcher Title Matrix
Document Inventory Matrices
Employee
Resources
CruzPay
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