The job I've gotten paid to do since 2001 is officially titled: "Research Assistant II - Natural/Health Science" for a Big 10 University in the Hawkeye State.
The University says my BASIC FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES are:
Conduct experimental laboratory research work, including testing and evaluating current procedures; and assist in validating the experimental test data obtained.
And my CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES are:
Perform research on specified topics, including researching current literature for methods and trends and subsequent evaluation of those methods.
Write research progress reports, including summarizing test results of participating investigators, and assist in the preparation of papers for publication.
Execute designated experiments, including the procurement of space, supplies and related equipment.
Prepare graphs and other illustrations to facilitate the interpretation of research findings.
Maintain knowledge of scientific and health care trends through reading, conferences and seminars.
Translate and interpret data and assist in the planning of data presentations.
Assist in the design and implementation of computer program development, including establishing coding formats for future scientific research data collection.
Assist in validating the data obtained from experimental procedures and recommend additional tests and/or modifications.
Instruct students and others in methods and instrument operation.
Respond to requests for technical information from various public and private agencies.
Maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students and the public.
But it turns out after reading the BASIC FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES of an
RAIII:
Participate in the design, execution and control of a laboratory project or research study. Coordinate the processing and analysis of data and conduct experimental tests and procedures. Develop new and/or revised research methodologies
as well as CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES of an RAIII:
Perform critical analysis of literature relevant to research undertaken.
Assist in the preparation of research papers and manuscripts for publication and presentation at conferences and workshops, and in the writing of project reports, articles and other documents.
Coordinate experimental tests and plan the processing and analysis of research data obtained
Conduct or participate in staff conferences related to the progress of projects.
Assist in the design and implementation of complex data processing systems to code research data and prepare comprehensive reports on systems studies.
Assist in the establishment of test controls, criteria and research standards.
Design and oversee the construction of necessary equipment.
Develop and test experimental designs, sampling techniques and analytical methods and make recommendations for their utilization.
Organize data search and analysis procedures.
Participate in the development of general goals for the research project and in the planning of the field work, graduate students and other support staff.
Serve as a consultant to the project director, faculty and staff.
Organize data for the preparation of proposals for new funding.
Maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students and the public.
that I am doing more things that fall under an RAIII position. Looks I need to ask for a reclassification this year
.
Oh yeah, I also run the mouse colony for the labs I work in too.
My unpaid titles fall under Mom, Wife, and tryathlete.