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Research Scientist & Engineer

Classification Process

Introduction

The process for determining the appropriate promotional classification is designed to assist principal investigators, managers and administrators in gathering and analyzing information to select the best job match and appropriate salary for new research scientist/engineer positions. Just follow the steps below.

Step 1 - Check your School, College or Department's Process

Schools and departments may have slightly different internal processes, so be sure that you check with the Administrator or HR representative who is responsible for processing compensation requests in your department or school.

Step 2 - Draft a Position Profile

Jot down a short description/sketch of the qualifications and duties which you feel are important in the job. This is an informal process just to help you get going -- a detailed, formal position description can be fleshed out at a later stage.

Step 3 - Complete Research Job Questionnaire

The Research Job Questionnaire form is fairly self-explanatory. If you have general terminology question, check out the Compensation Glossary. The questionnaire is in MSWord format and can be saved to your own drive for future use. This document must be attached to the UWHIRES requisition that you create in Step 6 of this process

Step 4 - Compare Questionnaire Responses to Research Job Descriptions

After completing the questionnaire, take a look at the job descriptions. Most of the categories in the questionnaire align with those of the job descriptions. Which job seems to be the closest match to your position? How does this job fit with similar jobs in your organization?

Step 5 - Evaluate Budget Impact

Check the salary range for the job you've selected. Does it fit within your budget? At this point you may need to go back to step 2 or 3 to re-evaluate the position responsibilities and/or job category. Ranges are based upon market data collected for jobs of the same level in other organizations within the job market.

Step 6 - Create the UWHIRES Requisition

Work with your departmental HR representative to create the UWHIRES requisition. Refer to the UWHIRES Hiring Process Guide for instructions on how to complete it.

Step 7 - Attach Supplemental Documentation to the UWHIRES Requisition

Attach the Research Job Questionnaire (completed in Step 3 of these instructions) to the UWHIRES requisition.

Step 8 - Review of the UWHIRES Requisition and Job Questionnaire/Job Description

Your Employment Specialist and the UW Compensation Office complete the review of your Personnel Request (UW Compensation Office review applies to "new" and "replacement with class changes" requisitions only).

Step 9 - Notification from Employment Specialist

Your Employment Specialist will contact you about advertising the position.

Research Scientist/Engr
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