RESEARCH SCIENTIST 2 (Non-Competitive)
Career Family: RESEARCH SCIENTIST
There is no civil service exam for Research Scientist 2. As a non-competitive state title, it is filled on the strength of meeting the listed qualifications.
It is a middle Research Scientist grade, between Research Scientist 3 below and the better-paid Research Scientist 1 above. Candidates need a master's degree and 3 years of relevant experience. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $91,628 to $134,900, and state payroll currently lists about 194 people in the title, led by Health and Senior Services.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
See every real route in, and where to apply. 7 agencies employ it. We don't track live vacancies.
See all 7 employers and how to apply →Who employs this title
Research Scientist 2 appears on the State payroll at 8 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
- Research Scientist 2 — $91,628 – $134,900 (this title)
- Research Scientist 1 — $100,498 – $148,187
Promoting to Research Scientist 1 raises the top of the band by about $13,286. Its top salary lands around the 80th 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 194 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $113,615. The agencies employing the most are:
- Health and Senior Services (109)
- Environmental Protection (54)
- Children and Families (11)
- Board of the Public Utilities (6)
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 general supervision of a Research Scientist 1 or other supervisory official in a state department, institution, or agency, conducts research projects or participates in functional programs in a specified professional field; assumes appropriate administrative and scientific duties as delegated; heads complex projects and makes recommendations to the supervisor; does related work.
Examples of work
- Designs, coordinates, and implements specialized research and/or analytical programs of a complex, technical nature in consultation with department staff and in accord with existing administrative and fiscal guidelines.
- Submits proposals and recommendations for scientific research in compliance with appropriate research methodology and statistical techniques.
- Reviews and analyzes all publications and other documents pertaining to current research developments and disseminates information to research staff.
- Directs the control and maintenance of supplies and equipment to ensure availability for ongoing proposed research projects.
- Prepares sound, accurate reports relating to research, grant, and other activities containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
- Functions as scientific consultant in areas pertaining to specific expertise.
- Verifies the results of tests, examinations, and analyses made by technical staff.
- Maintains liaison with state, federal, academic, and other individuals to discuss and resolve issues of mutual concern.
- Maintains essential records and files.
- Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office and related units.
Education
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in a discipline appropriate to the position.
Experience
Three (3) years of full-time experience in a field appropriate to the position.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a valid driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essentials duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Knowledge of principles and practices of modern research methods, evaluation techniques, and 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 assigned including the most current 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.
- 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 write scientifically sound articles and take active part in meetings and conferences.
- Ability to prepare official correspondence in connection with the research program.
- 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 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 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.