Generic Job Description Research Assistant I- MS and HSS Grade C

Representative Duties:

Researches and collects data through complex laboratory/ scientific experiments, techniques, and procedures; library research; structured interviews; or through other means for designated research assignments.

Records and compiles information related to research data. Codes data accordingly to research specifications.

Uses a computer terminal to input and retrieve data and to generate reports.

Processes and summarizes data using scientific or statistical techniques. Assists in data interpretation and analyses.

Reports on status of research activities.

Sets up, operates and maintains laboratory equipment and apparatus. Formulates and prepares scientific solutions and media.

Recruits study participants.

Orders and maintains inventory of supplies.

May assist in designing, developing, and modifying research experiments, procedures, or survey instruments.

May oversee and instruct research staff.

Performs additional functions incidental to research activities.

Family: Research
Job Code: 601 and 606 Date: 10/95

The job duties listed above are representative and characteristic of the duties required and the level of the work performed in the job title. The duties will vary from incumbent to incumbent in the job title.

Yale University Clerical and Technical Job Description
Job: 601 Research Assistant MS/HSS Grade C

Required Knowledge:
Advanced knowledge, college degree; substantial knowledge in a specialized field; substantial knowledge in broader field of learning.
Limited knowledge of University organizational policies and procedures generally; detailed knowledge of a narrow area of University rules and procedures.

Required Skills
Extracts and compiles a range of data from written sources, from individuals by asking questions, or from one or several given databases, limited interpretation of data.
Use of one or several standard reference works.
Files already labeled material using a straightforward alphabetical or chronological system.
Screens complex, technical or specialized literature for referral.
Composes and proofreads routine formal letters or memoranda for internal or external circulation.
Regular, skilled use of more complex machines, including word processors or personal computers.
Performs complex experiments from start to finish. Experiments include multiple procedures performed in combination and/or in sequence.

Office and Administrative Skills
Keyboards letters, memos, and other moderately complex material.
Formats, stores and files data on a personal computer to generate basic, pre-established reports.
Schedules and coordinates appointments.
Screens and refers callers and visitors to the appropriate individual.

Experience, Education, and Formal Training
Six years of related work experience, four of them in the same job family at the next lower level, and high school level education; or four years of related work experience and an Associate degree; or little or no work experience and a Bachelor degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Complexity and Organization
Limited variety of job tasks requiring coordinating steps/procedures.
Occasionally coordinates or organizes the work of others.

Interpersonal Relations
Some involvement outside immediate work unit.
Offers or obtains specialized information and provides assistance on general matters.
Understands what is being said and responds with complex answers that may take time to give.

Supervisory Guidelines
Work is subject to general review on an occasional basis.
Incumbent plans and schedules own work and/or work of others based on the understanding of broadly defined objectives and priorities, supervisor reviews work after completion.
Instruction provided only in new situations, methods, procedures that are not clearly related to existing tasks and duties.

Independent Judgment
Established procedures/policies govern many work situations.
Regular exercise of independent judgment or initiative.
Problems solved by choosing solutions from among several alternatives that are not necessarily governed by established procedures.

Leadership Responsibility
Occasionally provides work guidance or orientation for non-routine procedures/policies.

Impact and Consequence of Error
Work affects outside immediate work unit, but rarely outside the University.
Errors are somewhat difficult to recognize and correct and can cause harm or financial loss to individuals, departments, and the University, or to other individuals and groups.

Working Conditions
Occasional possibility of safety risks.
Occasional conflicting demands, time, pressures, deadlines, or emergencies.
Regular sustained concentration.
Some physical effort or dexterity.