RESEARCH SCIENTIST 3 MICROBIOLOGY
Microbiology
Career Family: RESEARCH SCIENTIST
New Jersey classifies Research Scientist 3 Microbiology as non-competitive, which skips the exam-and-list step and turns on whether you meet the minimum requirements.
The minimum is a master's degree and 2 years of relevant experience. The FY 2027 range lands between $79,844 and $117,228.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
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See where to apply for this title →Pay ladder: Research Scientist series
- Research Scientist 3 — $79,844 – $117,228
- Research Scientist 2 — $91,628 – $134,900
- Research Scientist 1 — $100,498 – $148,187
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.
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 the limited supervision of a Research Scientist 1, Microbiology or other supervisory official in a State department, institution, or agency, implements and carries out microbiological or molecular biology research projects designed by higher-level scientific staff; performs microbiological or molecular biology-based tests and analyses primarily in a laboratory setting, and may include field and/or office work; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
- Operates and maintains scientific instruments utilized for microbiological or molecular biology-based analyses.
- Participates in the daily activities of a group of professional and technical personnel engaged in microbiological or molecular biology-based research and testing activities.
- Investigates, reviews, modifies, develops, and tests new analytical procedures and methodologies utilized in microbiological or molecular biology based analyses.
- Assists in initiating, designing, and implementing new immunological, microbiological, and molecular biology-based testing techniques such as direct and indirect fluorescent antibody procedures, specific methods development, and other analytical laboratory tools.
- Interprets raw analytical data and submits conclusions and results to supervisory staff for approval.
- Prepares clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
- Prepares detailed correspondence.
- Participates in the installation, testing, maintenance, and repair of analytical instruments.
- Maintains essential records, reports, and files.
- Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Education
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master of Science degree in microbiology or molecular biology or other appropriate biological discipline.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology or other appropriate biological discipline.
Experience
Two (2) years of experience in microbiological or molecular biology analysis or research.
Three (3) years of experience in microbiological analysis or research; one (1) year of which must be in the operation of technical and complex instrumentation used in microbiological or molecular biology based analysis including but not limited to Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight mass spectrometry ((MALDI-TOF MS); Real-Time-PCR instruments; Next Generation Sequencing instruments; fluorescent microscopes; high-throughput ELISA or NAAT instrumentation.
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 research methods including research design, data collection, and data evaluation techniques.
- Knowledge of the statistical techniques and methods.
- Knowledge of the laboratory automation systems, methodology, and procedures pertaining to the area of specific research in microbiology.
- Knowledge of the specialty area assigned, including the most current analytical instrumentation utilized in microbiological testing.
- Knowledge of appropriate federal regulations and procedural methods requirements.
- Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret scientific data.
- Ability to operate and maintain scientific instruments utilized for microbiological analyses.
- Ability to implement and carry out microbiological research projects.
- Ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions concerning research problems.
- Ability to maintain cooperative working relationships with personnel assigned to other units within the department and division, and with external stakeholders.
- Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
- Ability to prepare detailed correspondence.
- Ability to maintain essential records, reports, and files.
- Ability to learn how 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, and 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 if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The 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 microbiological or molecular biology discipline may be substituted for the experience indicated above.
<b>OR</b>
Appointees may be required to perform physical activities such as lifting, carrying, and standing for an extended period of time.
Appointees may be required to get vaccinations or submit vaccination records.
Appointees may be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment.