RESEARCH SCIENTIST 3 (Competitive)
Career Family: RESEARCH SCIENTIST
Research Scientist 3 is a competitive state title, the kind you test for: the exam result, not a hiring manager's pick, decides where you land in line.
It is the lowest-paid of the 3 Research Scientist grades, a step below Research Scientist 2, whose band tops out about $17,672 higher. It expects a master's degree and 2 years of relevant experience. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $79,844 to $117,228, and state payroll currently lists about 92 people in the title, led by Health and Senior Services.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
See every real route in, and where to apply. 6 agencies employ it. We don't track live vacancies.
See all 6 employers and how to apply →Who employs this title
Research Scientist 3 appears on the State payroll at 6 departments, most of them at Department of Health.
State departments
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Pay ladder: Research Scientist series
- Research Scientist 3 — $79,844 – $117,228 (this title)
- Research Scientist 2 — $91,628 – $134,900
- Research Scientist 1 — $100,498 – $148,187
Promoting to Research Scientist 2 raises the top of the band by about $17,672. Its top salary lands around the 63rd percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.
Rungs are ordered by FY 2027 pay. NJ level numbers are not always sequential, so ordering follows salary rather than the title number.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 92 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $91,592. The agencies employing the most are:
- Health and Senior Services (52)
- Environmental Protection (27)
- Children and Families (6)
- Board of the Public Utilities (4)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under direction of a Research Scientist 2 or other supervisory official in a state department, institution, or agency, conducts or participates in research projects or developed programs in a specified professional field; does other related work.
Examples of work
- Implements and carries out specialized research and/or analytical programs designed by senior scientific staff.
- Participates in the daily activities of a group of professional and technical personnel engaged in research and/or testing activities.
- Under the direction of senior scientific staff, investigates, reviews, modifies, develops, and tests new analytical procedures and methodologies.
- Interprets raw analytical data and submits conclusions and results to senior staff for approval.
- Prepares or participates in the preparation of sound, accurate reports relating to research, grant, and other activities containing findings, conclusions, or recommendations.
- Functions as a scientific consultant in areas pertaining to specific expertise.
- Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information system used by the agency, office, or related units.
Education
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in a discipline appropriate to the position.
Experience
Two (2) years of experience in a field appropriate to the position.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Knowledge of principles and practices of modern research methods, evaluation techniques, methodology of technical analyses, and interpretation of results and findings.
- Knowledge of statistical techniques, modern laboratory automation systems, methodology and procedures pertaining to the area of specific research, and methods of ensuring conformance therewith.
- Knowledge of the specialty area to which assigned including the analytical instrumentation utilized in specialty area.
- Ability to assign and instruct technical and other staff, to verify the results of tests, examinations, and analyses made by technical staff, and to supervise the performance of their work.
- Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work programs and schedules of research staff.
- Ability to plan, direct, and evaluate research activities.
- Ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions concerning research and administrative problems.
- Ability to maintain cooperative working relationships with personnel assigned to other units within the department and division and with others concerned with the work of the research unit.
- Ability to prepare clear, scientifically sound articles and take active part in meetings and conferences.
- Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
- Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
- Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
- CODES: 25/P25- (NL) DJ 5/4/00 25/P26- (4E)
Note
The definition and examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
A Doctorate in a discipline appropriate to the position may be substituted for two (2) years of experience indicated above.