Laboratory and Research Services #59070

Laboratory and Research Services, #59070
Occupational Family: Natural Resources and Applied Science
Pay Band Range: 1 - 5

Concept of Work

This Career Group provides career tracks for laboratory aides, laboratory assistants, laboratory specialists, research assistants, and research specialists who provide and/or oversee laboratory, research, or animal care support for animal, plant and physical research, teaching, clinical or regulatory services, or in a veterinary hospital. Employees perform duties that range from entry-level responsibilities such as glassware cleaning and sterilization, conducting routine tests, compiling data and maintaining quality control, collecting and preparing samples, and animal care, to management responsibilities for total functions of laboratory units, research projects, writing research papers as author or co-author, preparing grant proposals, and teaching laboratory sections to college level students.

Roles Comprising This Group

These roles describe the collective characteristics of the work performed by employees in the Laboratory and Research Services Career Group. The roles define the typical career paths for employees who pursue careers such as laboratory aides, laboratory assistants, laboratory specialists, research assistants, and research specialists.

Although all of these occupations work in laboratory and research, each warrants a separate career track. Each of these career paths requires different knowledge, skills, and abilities and would not naturally lead to the other for career progression. However, a role for each of these occupations represents different levels of work, or career progression. Career paths may exist within a single role, extend to other roles in this Career Group, or to roles in other occupationally related Career Groups.

PAY BAND	PRACTITIONER ROLES	ROLE CODE	MANAGEMENT ROLES	ROLE CODE
1	Laboratory and Research Aide	59071
2	Laboratory and Research Technician	59072
3	Laboratory and Research Specialist I	59073
4	Laboratory and Research Specialist II	59074
5			Laboratory and Research Manager	59075

Role Descriptions

These roles are distinguished based upon the Compensable Factors of Complexity, Results, and Accountability and are used for position classification. These factors should be used for classification and compensation analysis. Recruitment and selection standards must be based on knowledge, skills, and abilities as indicated in the Employee Work Profile.

Laboratory and Research Aide	Code: 59071	Pay Band: 1	SOC: 19-4000, and 31-9096
The Laboratory and Research Aide role provides career tracks for laboratory aides and laboratory animal caretakers who follow a highly structured schedule in performing simple, repetitive tasks under the immediate supervision of higher-level laboratory, or research personnel. Typical duties include washing and sterilizing glassware and equipment; receiving, distributing and preparing packages, samples and supplies; preparing sample test kits, and preparing media.
COMPLEXITY	Applies knowledge of basic sanitation techniques, laboratory safety procedures, research procedures, animal handling/care and hygiene, and use of laboratory equipment. Performs routine work with limited variation. Follows established directions and procedures. Limited contacts outside of co-workers and supervision. May perform a variety of tasks related to animal care such as feeding and caring for animals.
RESULTS	Proper sanitation procedures ensure appropriate laboratory testing and research conditions. Provides responsible care of animals. Responsible for equipment in support of research, laboratory, or clinical programs or teaching services. May be required to adhere to established standards and guidelines as set forth by accredited programs.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Decision-making and judgment is limited to assigned functional area and based on clearly defined procedures and guidelines or under direct supervision.

Laboratory and Research Technician	Code: 59072	Pay Band: 2	*SOC: 19-4000, and 31-9096**
The Laboratory and Research Technician role provides career tracks for laboratory technicians, geological technicians, and laboratory animal caretakers that perform a variety of laboratory and/or research tasks in support of research/teaching, clinical services, geological services, field research or a regulatory laboratory. Employees are responsible for a variety of standard procedures that range from routine to specialized in the areas of cleaning and decontamination; media preparation; performing standard/routine laboratory testing; sectioning and preparing rock and mineral samples for various mineralogical and laboratory analyses; preparing samples; assisting in autopsy, necropsy, or routine surgical procedures; maintaining animal health and welfare; recording data, and operating and maintaining tools and equipment.
COMPLEXITY	Applies knowledge of sanitation techniques and laboratory safety. Applies knowledge of research and testing procedures and techniques, and of animal handling, care and welfare. Performs a variety of procedures supporting laboratory, research, clinical or autopsy and necropsy services, or geological services. May provide limited surgical assistance. Follows established directions and procedures. Frequent contacts with co-workers, supervisors, students, faculty, and research staff to discuss study techniques or results or handling and care of animals.
RESULTS	Proper laboratory, autopsy and necropsy procedures impact outcomes of tests and research, and impact the safety, health, and well-being of laboratory animals, staff and the general public through the identification of scientific and legal findings or contagious disease sources. Proper sanitation procedures ensure appropriate laboratory testing and research conditions. Provides responsible care of animals. Responsible for equipment in support of research, laboratory, or clinical programs or teaching services. May be required to adhere to established standards and guidelines as set forth by accredited programs.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Responsible for generally well defined procedures supporting laboratory, testing, research or clinical programs. Decision-making and judgment is typically based on clearly defined procedures, although skilled positions may exercise independent judgment. Refers non-routine issues to supervision. May lead other staff, activities, or provide guidance and leadership to students and interns. Development of competencies may lead to broader, more responsible assignments.

Laboratory and Research Specialist I	Code: 59073	Pay Band: 3	*SOC: 19-4000, and 31-9096**
The Laboratory and Research Specialist I role provides career tracks for autopsy technicians, laboratory specialists, research specialists, assistants to chemists, microbiologists and other scientists who support in the performance of various technical, scientific, analytical or animal care activities for clinical, research, regulatory or laboratory programs, or in a veterinary hospital or animal care facility. Laboratory and research support responsibilities range from journey-level to advanced-level.
COMPLEXITY	Applies knowledge of scientific/technical principles, practices, and regulatory requirements of functional areas. Performs a variety of procedures supporting clinical, research, field research, service or regulatory and/or diagnostic laboratory programs. Duties may include performing standardized or specialized scientific or clinical procedures, performing preliminary procedures to prepare, expedite, and facilitate further scientific examination and training, assisting in veterinary surgical procedures, analysis and compilation of data, communicating findings/research results, animal care, repairing and maintaining equipment and ordering supplies. May have contact with, private business, other state agencies or government entities, faculty, students and researchers, and/or the general public to communicate results and explain laboratory procedures or regulatory requirements.
RESULTS	Proper application of procedures impacts outcomes of tests and research, legal evidence, and the safety, health, and economic well being of the general public, research staff, environment and/or animals through identification of scientific and legal findings, contagious and benign disease sources. Performance of duties may impact the level of public confidence and consumer satisfaction. May be required to adhere to established standards and guidelines as set forth by accredited programs.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Independently performs standardized or specialized procedures and seeks advice on more complex or non-routine issues. Decision-making has moderate to significant impact on program’s success. Exercises judgment and decision making to determine appropriate procedures; compiles data, documents and communicates findings. May lead, train or supervise students, staff or coordinate program activities.

Laboratory and Research Specialist II	Code: 59074	Pay Band: 4	*SOC: 19-4000, and 31-9096**
The Laboratory and Research specialist III role provides career tracks for both employees who are laboratory specialists and research specialists performing advanced to expert level responsibilities and for supervisors in a laboratory, field setting, animal care facility or for scientific research. The first track is for positions conducting complex scientific procedures or research for a laboratory or program manager, principal investigator or project director. The second track is for laboratory and research specialists who continue to deliver scientific services while assuming additional supervisory and administrative responsibilities.
Laboratory and Research Specialist II (Advanced-Expert)
COMPLEXITY	Applies knowledge of assigned technical or research area. Participates or leads in the design, modification and performance of laboratory or research projects. Frequent contact with private business, other state agencies or government entities, principal investigators, faculty, laboratory staff, students and researchers, and/or the general public to report and interpret results, provide consultation and technical assistance, and discuss research projects. Responsibilities include: participating in or leading work in the design, modification, evaluation and performance of laboratory, field surveys or research procedures; writing or modifying computer programs to analyze data and generate reports; researching literature related to project/procedures; conducting experiments; writing segments of reports and manuscripts; coordinating grants and budgets; assisting lower level staff; troubleshooting instrument problems and performing preventive maintenance on equipment.
RESULTS	Accurate scientific testing, research, and consultation minimizes errors in laboratory findings, scientific research and fieldwork. Proper application of procedures impacts outcomes of tests and research, and the safety, health, and well being of the general public, research staff, and laboratory animals through identification of scientific findings, and contagious and benign disease sources.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Independently performs and provides consultation on specialized laboratory/research procedures and projects. Independent decision-making on appropriate methods, design and data interpretation. Some positions ensure compliance with established standards and guidelines as set forth by accredited programs. Independently monitors, evaluates and analyzes quality control results and determines corrective action as needed.
Laboratory and Research Specialist II (Supervisor)
COMPLEXITY	Applies knowledge of supervisory principles and practices. Applies knowledge of assigned technical or research area. Participates or leads in the design, modification and performance of laboratory or research projects. Frequent contact with principal investigators, research faculty, laboratory personnel and students to discuss policies, procedures and methodology; coordinate research projects; report and interpret results; and provide consultation, and technical assistance. Responsibilities include: writing grant proposals and identifying funding sources; designing and directing complex research projects in consultation with a principal investigator; modifying and developing laboratory and field procedures, quality control processes and determining work methods; reviewing the scientific work results; directing animal care according to applicable federal laws and regulations; hiring and training personnel or students; approving procurement, budgeting, other administrative duties; and teaching a laboratory section of college level students.
RESULTS	Accurate scientific testing, quality control, research, or consultation and supervision minimizes errors in laboratory findings or research, and impacts the success of grant proposals and scientific findings. Work impacts the health, safety and well being of the general public, the environment, industry, research, and animal health and welfare.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Independently supervises laboratory research operation or animal care facility to include business functions and accountability for services provided to administrators, faculty, and other users. Responsible for program and staff supervision. Leads teams or special projects. May be required to ensure compliance with established standards and guidelines as set forth by accredited programs.

Laboratory and Research Manager	Code: 59075	Pay Band: 5	SOC: 11-9199*
The Laboratory and Research Manager role provides career tracks for managers of laboratories in a teaching, research, clinical, service or regulatory setting. Employees are responsible for making administrative decisions related to all laboratory operations and exercise broad-based administrative responsibility for all laboratory functions and personnel.
COMPLEXITY	Applies knowledge of the principles and methods of laboratory administration and management. Applies knowledge of the theory and application of lab methods and instrumentation for the assigned discipline(s). Ability to plan, lead and evaluate the work of professional staff. Frequent contacts, with regulatory boards or governmental entities regarding standards, quality assurance, and lab procedures. Frequent contact with internal departments regarding administrative matters and with vendors concerning equipment and supplies. Frequent contacts with researchers, staff and students to provide information, consultation or direction concerning laboratory operations. Plans, manages and evaluates the work of professional staff; develop goals, objectives and timetables; develop and monitor budgets; determine and implement technical methodologies, ensure that quality control standards and safety procedures are in compliance with government regulations and laws. May teach and/or serve as technical experts.
RESULTS	Proper management of laboratory operations ensures the scientific accuracy, timeliness and quality of services and impacts public health, safety, and the environment.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Responsible for the provision of quality and timely laboratory services. Manages work of subordinate supervisors and professional and technical staff engaged in laboratory operations and research. Establishes and monitors quality control procedures. May ensure compliance with established standards and guidelines as set forth by accredited programs.

*Statistical Reporting

This Career Group includes, but is not limited to, those in the following Standard Occupational Classifications:

11-9199	Managers, All Others
19-4000	Life, Physical, and Social Technicians
19-4011	Agricultural Food Science Technicians
19-4021	Biological Technicians
19-4031	Chemical Technicians
19-4041	Geological & Petroleum Technicians
19-4090	Miscellaneous Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians
31-3096	Veterinarian Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

History

Previous class titles (listed by new role title).

Laboratory and Research Aide

CLASS CODE	CLASS TITLE	GRADE
43101	Laboratory Aide	2
44382	Animal Care Technician A	3

Laboratory and Research Technician

CLASS CODE	CLASS TITLE	GRADE
44371	Autopsy Technician A	4
43102	Laboratory Technician	4
43103	Laboratory Technician Senior	5
53121	Geological Technician	5
44383	Animal Care Technician B	5

Laboratory and Research Specialist I

CLASS CODE	CLASS TITLE	GRADE
44373	Autopsy Technician B	6
44401	Forensic Autopsy Technician	6
44402	Forensic Autopsy Technician Senior	7
53071	Microbiologist Assistant	7
44384	Animal Care Technician C	7
81342	Seed Analyst	7
22561	State Anatomical Program Supervisor	8
34031	Research Specialist	8
53011	Analytical Chemist Assistant	8
43071	Laboratory Specialist	8

Laboratory and Research Specialist II

CLASS CODE	CLASS TITLE	GRADE
34032	Research Specialist Senior	9
43072	Laboratory Specialist Senior	9
81152	Agricultural Biologist Assistant Senior	9
81343	Seed Analyst Senior	9
43073	Laboratory Specialist Advanced	11
34033	Research Specialist Advanced	11
44386	Animal Care Supervisor	11

Laboratory and Research Manager

CLASS CODE	CLASS TITLE	GRADE
43074	Laboratory Manager	13