Research Professionals
Developed with the help of volunteer leaders and member institutions across the country, The Job Descriptions Index provides access to sample job descriptions for positions unique to higher education.
Descriptions housed within the index are aligned with the annual survey data collected by the CUPA-HR research team. To aid in the completion of IPEDS and other reporting, all position descriptions are accompanied by a crosswalk section like the one below.
Crosswalk Example
Position Number: The CUPA-HR position number
BLS SOC#: Bureau of Labor Statistics occupation classification code
BLS Standard Occupational Code (SOC) Category Name: Bureau of Labor Statistics occupation category title
US Census Code#: U.S. Census occupation classification code
VETS-4212 Category: EEO-1 job category title used on VETS-4212 form
***SOC codes are provided as suggestions only. Variations in the specific functions of a position may cause the position to better align with an alternate SOC code.
Sample Job Descriptions
Instructional Lab Manager
Responsible for all non-faculty related aspects of science laboratory activities. Responsibilities include maintenance of all teaching laboratories; preparation and distribution of all laboratory materials, chemicals, or other supplies and equipment; ordering of all materials for teaching laboratories; maintenance of the stock room; overseeing maintenance of laboratory equipment; assuring compliance with federal, state and local regulations in the handling and disposal of laboratory materials and chemicals; and development and updating of risk assessment and management plans for all science protocols, proposals, observations, and experiments. Assists faculty in administering laboratory sessions on an as-needed basis. Enforces safety standards in all laboratories.
CROSSWALKS
Position Number: 471710
BLS SOC #: 19-4099
BLS Standard Occupational Code (SOC) Category Name: Life, Physical, & Social Science Technicians, All Other
US Census Code: 1860
VETS-4212 Category: Prof
SAMPLE JOB DESCRIPTIONS
Chemistry Department Laboratory Manager (Notre Dame of Maryland University)
Instrumentation Manager, Chemistry (Wichita State University)
Medical Sciences, Research Assistant
Research Assistant supports the execution of certain aspects of a research project (after the research design is established), with minimal supervision. Requires a minimum of Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent degree from a non-US institution), with preference for a Master’s degree (or equivalent degree or experience).
CROSSWALKS
Position Number: 470650
BLS SOC #: 19-4099
BLS Standard Occupational Code (SOC) Category Name: Life, Physical, & Social Science Technicians, All Other
US Census Code: 1650
VETS-4212 Category: Prof
SAMPLE JOB DESCRIPTIONS
Research Assistant & Vivarium Manager (Notre Dame of Maryland University)
Medical Sciences, Research Associate
Research Associate independently performs components of a research program as directed by a senior member of the research team. A Research Associate may be involved in designing certain aspects of research projects and independently conducts work complementary to the overall research objectives. Requires a minimum of Master’s (or equivalent) degree, or Bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree, plus at least 2 years of post-bachelor’s work experience in a role that is demonstrably similar to that of a Research Assistant.
CROSSWALKS
Position Number: 470660
BLS SOC #: 19-4099
BLS Standard Occupational Code (SOC) Category Name: Life, Physical, & Social Science Technicians, All Other
US Census Code: 1650
VETS-4212 Category: Prof
SAMPLE JOB DESCRIPTIONS
Research Associate I (The University of Memphis)
Physical Sciences, Research Associate
Research Associate independently performs components of a research program as directed by a senior member of the research team. A Research Associate may be involved in designing certain aspects of research projects and independently conducts work complementary to the overall research objectives. Requires a minimum of Master’s (or equivalent) degree, or Bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree, plus at least 2 years of post-bachelor’s work experience in a role that is demonstrably similar to that of a Research Assistant.
CROSSWALKS
Position Number: 470300
BLS SOC #: 19-4099
BLS Standard Occupational Code (SOC) Category Name: Life, Physical, & Social Science Technicians, All Other
US Census Code: 1760
VETS-4212 Category: Prof
SAMPLE JOB DESCRIPTIONS
Research Associate I (The University of Memphis)
