With little or no supervisory assistance, incumbent formulates hypotheses, develops and carries out plan of attack. Supervisor is kept informed through informal discussions of general plans and progress of work. Proposals to alter the level or direction of investigation are subject to supervisory review and approval. Completed work is reviewed for overall results. Significant gaps or contradictory findings exist in relevant scientific literature.
Incumbent applies a high degree of originality in defining and delimiting problems for study.
Incumbent applies new techniques and original methods of attack to solution of important problems in physical science phenomena. These problems present novel or unprecedented aspects. Incumbent is author of one or more papers of considerable interest to other researchers in the assigned research situation. Accomplishments demonstrate the ability to independently conduct research or contribute significantly to a research team. Incumbent consults with others on results of the research.