PROFESSIONALS AUSTRALIA

PROFESSIONAL SCIENTIST REMUNERATION SURVEY

Responsibility Level Definitions

Level 1   |   Level 2   |   Level 3   |   Level 4   |   Level 5

LEVEL 1

Definition:

The graduate scientist commencement level. The scientist undertakes initial professional scientific tasks of limited scope and complexity, such as minor phases of broader assignments, in office, plant, field or laboratory work.

Under supervision from higher-level professional scientists as to method of approach and requirements, the professional scientist performs normal professional scientific work and exercises individual judgment and initiative in the application of scientific principles, techniques and methods.

In assisting more senior professional scientists by carrying out tasks requiring accuracy and adherence to prescribed methods of scientific analysis, design or computation, the scientist draws upon advanced techniques and methods learned during and after the undergraduate course.

Training, development and experience using a variety of standard scientific methods and procedures enable the professional scientist to develop increasing professional judgment and apply it progressively to more difficult tasks at Level 2.

Decisions are related to tasks performed, relying upon precedent or defined procedures for guidance. Recommendations are related to solution of problems in connection to the tasks performed.

Work is reviewed by higher-level professional scientists for validity, adequacy, methods and procedures. With professional development and experience, work receives less review, and the professional scientist progressively exercises more individual judgment until the level of competence at Level 2 is achieved.

The professional scientist may assign and check work of technical staff assigned to work on a common project. 

LEVEL 2

Definition:

Following development through Level 1 he/she is an experienced scientist (as defined) who plans and conducts scientific work without detailed supervision, but with guidance on unusual features and who is usually engaged on more responsible scientific assignments requiring substantial professional experience.

LEVEL 3

Definition:

A professional scientist performing duties requiring the application of mature scientific knowledge. With scope for individual accomplishment and coordination of more difficult assignments, the professional deals with problems for which it is necessary to modify established guides and devise new approaches.

The professional scientist may make some original contribution or apply new scientific approaches and techniques to the design or development of equipment or special aspects of products, facilities and buildings.

Recommendations may be reviewed for soundness of judgment but are usually regarded as technically accurate and feasible. The professional scientist makes responsible decisions on matters assigned, including the establishment of scientific standards and procedures, consults, recommends and advises in speciality science areas.

Work is carried out within broad guidelines requiring conformity with overall objectives, relative priorities and necessary cooperation with other units. Informed scientific guidance may be available.

The professional scientist outlines and assigns work, reviews it for technical accuracy and adequacy, and may plan, direct, coordinate and supervise the work of other professional and technical staff.

LEVEL 4

Definition:

A professional scientist required to perform scientific work involving considerable independence in approach, demanding a considerable degree of originality, ingenuity and judgment, and knowledge of more than one field of, or expertise (for example, acts as his/her organisation’s technical reference authority) in a particular field of science.

The professional scientist:

• initiates or participates in short-range or long-range planning and makes independent decisions on scientific policies and procedures within an overall program
• gives technical advice to management and operating departments
• may take detailed technical responsibility for product development and provision of specialised scientific systems, facilities and functions
• coordinates work programs
• directs or advises on use of equipment and material.

The professional scientist makes responsible decisions not usually subject to technical review, decides courses of action necessary to expedite the successful accomplishment of assigned projects, and may make recommendations involving large sums or long-range objectives.

Duties are assigned only in terms of broad objectives and are reviewed for policy, soundness of approach, accomplishment and general effectiveness.

The professional scientist supervises a group or groups including professional scientists and other staff, or exercises authority and technical control over a group of professional staff, in both instances engaged in complex scientific applications. 

LEVEL 5

Definition:

A professional scientist usually responsible for an scientific administrative function, directing several professional and other groups engaged in interrelated scientific responsibilities, or as a professional scientific consultant. Achieving recognition as an authority in an scientific field of major importance to the organisation.

The professional scientist independently conceives programs and problems to be investigated and participates in discussions determining basic operating policies, devising ways of reaching program objectives in the most economical manner and of meeting any unusual conditions affecting work progress.

The professional scientist makes responsible decisions on all matters, including the establishment of policies and expenditures of large sums of money and/or implementation of major programs, subject only to overall policy and financial controls.

The professional scientist receives administrative direction based on organisation policies and objectives. Work is reviewed to ensure conformity with policy and co-ordination with other functions.

The professional scientist reviews and evaluates technical work; selects, schedules, and co-ordinates to attain program objectives, and/or as administrator, makes decisions concerning selection, training, rating, discipline and remuneration of staff.