Plans, directs, and manages a research, statistical, or data analysis activity of major scope, significance and complexity; OR, supervises a staff of professional level personnel involved with research, statistical, or data analysis work.

Positions in this class are responsible for a principal portion or phase of a major research or statistical analysis program. These positions function as a unit chief, or equivalent, over a distinct unit of research or statistical analysis personnel on a continuing basis. Positions work at an equivalent technical level characterized by the necessity for considerable originality or responsibility, and independent judgment. Positions prioritize, assign and schedule research activities. Positions also carry responsibility for final reports, conclusions and recommendations; and for all technical and/or supervisory decisions related to their assigned research or statistical undertakings.

Direction is received from a research or administrative supervisor which is mainly administrative in nature.

Functions as a first-line supervisor; estimates time and personnel requirements and determines feasibility of major research project; plans, assigns, schedules and directs research studies;

Designs or directs design of reporting systems; supervises gathering and analysis of data and preparation of periodic or special statistical and narrative reports; coordinates work of unit with that of data processing and other groups;

Studies proposed program changes to ascertain costs, equity, social desirability, and administrative feasibility; studies department programs to determine effectiveness and need for changes; drafts proposed legislation;

Writes and reviews articles, speeches, and news releases; addresses business and other groups; furnishes advice on research problems to other members of department and representatives of other organizations and the Legislature;

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge of: research methods, statistical theory and techniques; applicable social and economic theory, principles and problems; sources of social, economic, or allied information; supervisory practices.

Ability to: plan, direct, supervise and coordinate work of professional level employees; conceive and conduct independent research projects; analyze and interpret complex data; write clearly and concisely; speak publicly.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

A Bachelor's degree, including three college-level courses in statistics, or two college-level courses in statistics and one technical course in computer programming and four years of professional work in research and statistical analysis, including one year of supervisory experience. 

OR

One year as a Research Analyst 3 supplemented by successful completion of three college-level courses in statistics, or two college-level courses in statistics and one technical course in computer programming. 

Research and statistics work performed in the private sector or governmental agencies may be substituted, year for year, for education but must be supplemented by successful completion of at least three college-level courses in statistics, and one course each in mathematics or computer programming (technical level), and English composition. 

Graduate training in an appropriate discipline may be substituted, year for year, for experience.

Revise class. Revises title (formerly Regulatory Analyst 4, class code (formerly 04110), and distinguishing characteristics; adopted May 10, 2007, effective July 1, 2007.