Research Staff Appointments
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Typically hold the PhD, MD, or equivalent terminal degree in their discipline; have received equivalent professional recognition; or have demonstrated exceptional artistic abilities. They are primarily involved in laboratory (rather than clinical) research, although they are not principal investigators except with the written approval of the vice president for research. They are not members of the faculty and are ineligible for tenure. Research associates may be appointed for a term of up to three years.
Work in the conduct of research and, after receiving the doctoral or equivalent terminal degree, have at least ten years of experience as research associates, or equivalent positions, and have demonstrated significant research achievements in the form of publications, patents, or other measures of research accomplishment. They are primarily involved in laboratory (rather than clinical) research, although they are not principal investigators except with the written approval of the vice president for research. They are not members of the faculty and are ineligible for tenure. Senior research associates may be appointed for a term of up to three years.
Typically hold an advanced qualification, including RN or MS or MA. They are primarily involved in administration of clinical trials and should have experience and expertise in running such trials. Individuals holding MD or PhD degrees who are involved in clinical research may also be appointed as clinical research associates. They do not serve as principal investigators on research projects, except with the written approval of the vice president for research. They are not members of the faculty and are ineligible for tenure. Clinical research associates may be appointed for a term of up to three years.
Participate in the conduct of clinical research and have at least ten years of experience as clinical research associates, or equivalent positions. They typically hold an advanced qualification, including RN or MS or MA, or are individuals holding MD or PhD degrees who are involved in clinical research, and have demonstrated significant research achievements in the form of publications, patents, or other measures of research accomplishment. They are primarily involved in clinical research, although they are not principal investigators in the conduct of research, except with the written approval of the vice president for research. They are not members of the faculty and are ineligible for tenure. Senior clinical research associates may be appointed for a term of up to three years.
Individuals with recently granted baccalaureate or master degrees. Under the direction of a faculty supervisor, the post-baccalaureate fellow supports the research efforts of the research laboratory or group. Depending on the scientific discipline and phase of research, they may design, prepare and run experiments; review scientific literature; prepare reports and presentations; develop and present theories and hypotheses; design and build experimental apparatus; operate research equipment; prepare samples for testing and perform a variety of research related activities in support of the research project. The individual’s degree must be in a related discipline of the supporting research laboratory or group. No more than six months may have transpired between the date of graduation and the position start date. In general, post-baccalaureate fellows may not be appointed for less than nine months or more than twelve. Exceptions to these appointment term limits may be made for individuals with documented job offers and/or acceptance to graduate school.
Non-exempt, full or part time, paid on an hourly basis must earn at least the local minimum wage, eligible for overtime.
The Research Specialists support the research efforts of the university, research laboratory or group. Depending on the scientific discipline and phase of research, may design, prepare and run experiments; review scientific literature; prepare reports and presentations; develop and present theories and hypotheses; design and build experimental apparatus; operate research equipment; prepare samples for testing and perform a variety of research related activities in support of the research project; however, this role is not eligible to become a Principal Investigator. Master’s degree is the minimum educational requirement, with PhD preferred.
Non-exempt, full or part time, paid on an hourly basis must earn at least the local minimum wage, eligible for overtime.
Guidelines and Resources
On April 26, 2024, university leadership announced that any new Postdoctoral Fellow must receive a minimum salary of $61,008 effective immediately, and current Postdocs upon reappointment. Effective August 1, 2024, the Office for Research will require that salaries for new Research Associates, Senior Research Associates, Clinical Research Associates, Senior Clinical Research Associates hired from outside the university cannot be less than the Postdoc minimum salary of $61,008. Those transferring within the university from a Postdoctoral position to a one of these positions should receive their previous salary or the Postdoc minimum salary, whichever is more. The same salary minimum will apply to all research staff currently in one of these positions upon reappointment; however, we strongly encourage that schools do not wait until the reappointment date.
Exempt staff appointment must be benefits-eligible (full-time for 6 months or at least half-time for 1 year).
Part time salary can be prorated and must meet the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) minimum exempt salary threshold.
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) minimum exempt salary of $43,888 was implemented in July, 2024 but overturned in November, 2024. The current Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) minimum exempt salary for Research Staff is $35,568/year.
Post-Baccalaureate Research Fellows, Research Specialists are Non-exempt staff paid by the hour, must earn at least the local minimum wage, and must receive no less than one and one-half times their regular rate of pay for hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a workweek.
Part time non-exempt staff must be scheduled to work at least 18.75 hours per week.
The minimum wage is $15.00 per hour for employees in Evanston and $16.20 per hour for employees working in the City of Chicago.
The University has established a Hiring and Compensation Consideration Group (HCCG) to review all staff position postings for currently vacant, future vacant, new and/or reclassified positions, promotions/equity adjustments, add pay requests, and temporary staff hiring.
Effective March 1, all Research staff are excluded from the review Process. To learn more about the HCCG process, please click here. (http://www.northwestern.edu/business-finance/cost-containment-measures/secure/personnel-expenses-hiring-compensation-process.html).
Background checks are required for individuals working with minors, for staff and faculty members administer programs that offer innovative and challenging opportunities for youth to grow academically and athletically.
POLICY
If you have any questions on the Research Staff Policy* and appointment process, please contact Research Administrative Services:
847-491-3327 | email
(*) The Research Staff Appointments Policy is currently being reviewed and updated.