Research Staff (Project) Bylaws

Associate Research Scientist (Project), Research Scientist (Project), Senior Research Scientist (Project):

General Principles:

Project scientists hold a PhD in science or equivalent terminal earned degree. They use their scientific training and judgment in their work, and they engage in scientific discourse and other professional activities normally done by scientists. However, in contrast to Doherty Scientists, project scientists work under the supervision of another scientist, typically as a team member on one or more externally-funded project(s). They typically work on projects for which they have not set the overarching research goals, established the research agenda, or raised the research funding. Each project scientist position has an individual, specific job description, which identifies expertise and tasks that are important or essential to a funded project or projects at Lamont.

Project scientists are not provided support through the endowments of the Observatory. They are allowed, but not required, to serve as Principal Investigators on grants and contracts.

The project scientist positions are intended to enhance the ability of Lamont scientists to assemble large research teams to attack complex problems, and to recognize and reward a wide range of professional accomplishments and skills.

There are three ranks of project scientist at Lamont-Doherty: Associate Research Scientist (Project), Research Scientist (Project), and Senior Research Scientist (Project), abbreviated ARS(P), RS(P), and SRS(P).

Criteria for Appointment or Promotion in the Project Scientist Ranks:

Associate Research Scientist (Project):

The required qualifications for the ARS(P) position are:

PhD in science.
Demonstrated expertise that is important to an existing or nascent Lamont research project.
Record of publications in the scientific literature (including technical reports and proceedings volumes).

In addition, credit is given for the following accomplishments and skills:

Patents, software, instructional materials, articles about science for a popular audience, websites, databases, or similar products pertinent to the job description.
Organizational, managerial, editorial, or public outreach skills.

Research Scientist (Project):

The required qualifications for the RS(P) position are:

PhD in science.
At least six years of post-PhD experience.
Demonstrated expertise that is essential to an existing or nascent Lamont research project.
Record of publications in the scientific literature (including technical reports and proceedings volumes.)

In addition, credit is given for the following accomplishments and skills:

Patents, software, instructional materials, articles about science for a popular audience, websites, databases, or similar products pertinent to the job description.
Organizational, managerial, editorial, or public outreach skills.
Success in mentoring and supervising of students and technical staff.

Senior Research Scientist (Project):

The required qualifications for the SRS(P) position are:

PhD in science.
For a promotion candidate: at least three years as RS(P). For an external appointment, at least ten years post-PhD experience.
Demonstrated expertise which is essential to an existing or nascent Lamont research project.
Record of publications in the scientific literature (including technical reports and proceedings volumes.)
(for promotional candidate) Carries major responsibility for the success of the project.
(for appointment candidate) Capable of carrying major responsibility for the success of the project.

In addition, credit is given for the following accomplishments and skills:

Patents, software, instructional materials, articles about science for a popular audience, websites, databases or similar products pertinent to the job description.
Organizational, managerial, editorial, or public outreach skills.
Success in mentoring and supervising of students and technical staff.

Procedures for Appointment, Promotion & Review in the Project Scientist Ranks:

The detailed procedures for appointment, promotion and review in the project scientist track are defined in a separate Human Resources procedures manual.

Project scientist appointments are renewable yearly, upon successful performance evaluation, contingent on continued funding of the project(s). In contrast with the Doherty track, the project scientist ranks have no limit on time-in-rank or number of renewals, and no up-or-out promotion step.

Moving between Project and Doherty positions:

A scientist holding an approved and supported project scientist position, can be nominated for the Doherty designation. To achieve the Doherty designation, and receive the associated endowment support, the scientist must pass the full review process for appointment to the appropriate position in the Doherty track.

A Doherty Scientist may apply for a project scientist position. If he or she later wishes to return to the Doherty support system, he or she may return to the previous level Doherty appointment and regain access to the Doherty bank account at any time within three years, if he or she had been at the DARS or DRS level, or within five years if he or she had been at the DSRS level. After the expiration of the three or five year window of opportunity, he or she may be reinstated into the Doherty ranks at the discretion of the Director.

If a scientist moves from the ARS(P) to the DARS position, and then subsequently comes under consideration for promotion to the Lamont Senior Staff, the time spent as an ARS(P) shall not count towards the time limit for time allowed in the DARS position prior to Senior Staff promotional consideration.