APL Ocean Scientist 4

UW CODE AND REPRESENTATIVE GROUP

23614 (NE S UAW RSE)
23613 (E S UAW RSE)

CLASS SERIES CONCEPT

Within the Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), apply scientific knowledge gained through formal education at least at the Bachelor’s level or equivalent/related experience to conduct research in one or more of the following core technical competencies APL is required to maintain as a United States Navy University Affiliated Research Center (UARC): experimental oceanography, acoustic propagation in the ocean, underwater instrumentation and equipment, simulations and signal processing, acoustic and related systems, marine corrosion, mission related and public service quick response research, development, and/or engineering.

Discovers and investigates the natural and physical world in a scientific discipline such as oceanography, physics, acoustics, environmental science, etc. Conducts research to describe and determine processes affecting the earth’s surface, subsurface, and earth-atmosphere boundaries. Studies include the physical and chemical properties and dynamic response of the earth and earth materials, flow and transport on the surface or subsurface, the carbon cycle, underground imaging, and tectonics.

Responsibility for, assisting or contributing in one or more of the following tasks: Identifying and defining research problems; Designing approaches or hypotheses to be tested and the methodology to be used; Designing specific phases of research projects; Analyzing results; Developing conclusions and hypotheses; Presenting research results in publishable form; Developing and obtaining research grants.

BASIC FUNCTION

This is the fully competent professional researcher, independent researcher level. Plans and executes laboratory research. Capable of working independently and without direction on assigned tasks/projects. Plans and conducts work requiring independent judgment in the evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation/modification of standard techniques, procedures and criteria. Devises new approaches to problems encountered. Uses a wide application of complex principles, theories and concepts in the specific field. Works on complex problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires in-depth evaluation of identifiable factors. Project results may impact UW research mission; results are visible/impactful in peer community.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Independently performs most assignments with instructions as to the general results expected. Receives technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and supervisory approval on proposed plans for projects. Has established technical expertise; serves as a resource to research unit/department and UW. Possesses and applies a comprehensive knowledge of particular field of specialization to the completion of complex assignments; advances state-of-the-art research in field of specialization.

TYPICAL WORK

Manages multiple or significant projects which may require the use of sophisticated project planning techniques.

Plans, schedules, conducts, or coordinates detailed phases of the work of a major project or in a total project of moderate scope.

Makes substantial contributions to determining feasibility of goals/objectives; may evaluate proposed or ongoing projects; interfaces with client/customer project managers and UW research/engineering management for existing or proposed projects.

Creates opportunities to enhance technical methodology or content through expansion of existing, or development of, new efforts; may extend technology into new application areas; contributes or leads in major intellectual development activities.

Chairs sessions at technical meetings; gives invited papers; participates in external seminars, workshops, professional societies and committees.

Provides innovative problem-solving approaches to enhance organizational capabilities; uses peer network to expand technical capabilities and identify new research opportunities.

Understands broad strategic objectives and contributes to them; nurtures and maintains relationships with major customers/grantors of external research and development grant funding.

Identifies grant/project extensions and persuade customers/grantors to fund; impacts customer decisions and strategies.

Identifies and evaluates candidates for open positions; mentors/trains staff or students in development of technical, project and business development skills.

May develop research tools.

May lead others on assigned work, provide major input to staffing of overall project teams, build teams and staff to optimize efficiency and cost effectiveness.

May initiate new project concepts and seek funding, develop technical proposals and make presentations to potential customers/grant sponsors.

Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree in a related field and four years of relevant experience,

Equivalent combination of education/experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

There may be instances where an individual position requires additional security clearance and/or U.S. citizenship. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate security clearance/U.S. citizenship is obtained for each position.

CIVIL SERVICE EXEMPTION

Research

CLASSIFICATION HISTORY

New to UAW: 06-16-2022 per PERC Case No. 134711-E-21.
Prior to 06-16-2022, this work was in professional staff job codes 19328 – Research Scientist/Engineer 4 (NE S 9) and 11495 – Research Scientist/Engineer 4 (E S 9).