See Research Investigator 1

Conducts advanced scientific research studies and analysis work in a variety of one or more disciplines.

In addition to that specified for the Research Investigator 1 level, positions are characterized by the following:

• Serves as principal researcher with full responsibility for multiple-issue research projects/studies, or for a segment of a large project; or as a researcher with specialized knowledge serving a single program.
• Designs methodology; selects appropriate descriptive and analytical procedures; implements applicable study processes; writes final reports; recommends policy options.
• May direct work of other professional research staff.

Initiates and designs research studies which are essential to the achievement of agency goals or evaluation of programs; i.e., may develop new methods of vocational training and design study intended to assess worthwhileness; may develop schedule of reinforcement for desired behaviors and evaluate obtained results against results of a control group not subjected to reinforcement schedules; may develop research strategy for major demographic forecasts (e.g., criminal justice);

In an agency, serves as a resource person for staff doing research and assists with problems in regard to design, methodology, and statistical analyses;

Performs or directs research over statistical analyses of data such as analysis of covariance, analysis of variance, independent and correlated t-test; various kinds of correlations, etc.;

Designs methodologically sound analytic studies, supervises research support staff and others who are part of their team;

Handles problems with budget, personnel, purchasing, etc.;

May supervise professional or technical personnel;

Performs the work of the lower levels in the series;

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge of: the body of knowledge in specialty field; experimental research designs appropriate to field; statistical and research theory and techniques.

Ability to: initiate, plan and design independent experimental research; coordinate assigned; develop methods of data collections and interpret data; speak and write effectively.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

A Master's degree in relevant specialty, technical or qualitative field; and two years' experience in experimental, analytical, or theoretical research in identified specialty area


Equivalent education/experience in relevant field.

New class (replacing existing Research Investigator 2, code 0426): 1-15-82
New class code: (formerly 04160) effective July 1, 2007
(06/26/2008) General language revision to Desirable Qualifications, last paragraph. Last paragraph former language reads: In all instances, candidates must have had at least three articles (not necessarily as sole author) either published or in press, i.e., definitely accepted. These articles may not be the publication of a Master's thesis.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.

Added class series concept, revised definition, distinguishing characteristics, typical work, knowledge and abilities, and desirable qualifications; base range increase from 56 to 62: adopted June 23, 2025; effective July 1, 2025.