A person appointed to the position of Research Investigator must hold a doctoral degree or its equivalent in professional and technical experience and typically has completed two or more years of postdoctoral work. The typical candidate for this position is someone whose scholarly reputation is equivalent to a person who has recently completed a PhD or MD and/or postdoctoral training and demonstrates evidence of potential for scholarship. Candidates for research investigator are not expected to have a record of Institutional citizenship or teaching, although achievement in these areas is a welcome addition.

Candidates who are appointed or promoted to this rank must have a record of publications in peer-reviewed journals. Participation at professional meetings is typically present. Candidates for Assistant Research Scientist should demonstrate potential for scholarly development, possibly as part of a larger research program.

Appointment or promotion to this rank requires a growing national and/or international scholarly reputation. Independence in research is not required but may be developing as represented by a substantial record of collaborative funding as a team scientist (usually as co-investigator).

There should be a strong and sustained record of publication in peer-reviewed journals, including a number of first-author and/or senior-author publications and evidence that this accomplishment will continue. A candidate for this rank should have a record of participation in or presentation at professional meetings. Promotion to Associate Research Scientist signals the passage into medical academia’s senior rank.

Appointment and promotion to this highest rank in the Research Scientist Track requires an internationally recognized record of continued excellence in research productivity and contributions. A Research Scientist will have a sustained record of first-author and/or senior author publications in peer-reviewed journals.

A Research Scientist will have served as principal investigator on center grants, major grants (e.g. NIH R01) or equivalent. A significant and sustained record of participation in relevant professional meetings is expected of a Research Scientist.

Candidates who are appointed or promoted to this rank must have a record of publications in peer reviewed journals in which of several they are a primary or senior author. Participation in national and international professional meetings is usually present. Candidates for Research Assistant Professor will have evidence of extramural funding (often mentored K awards and/or foundation grants); with a strong potential for independent “R01 NIH type” proposals.

Contributions to education and institutional citizenship are typical. Candidates at this rank typically have documented teaching and mentoring within the context of one or more research programs with postdoctoral fellows, junior research colleagues, or students at any level.

Appointment or promotion to this rank requires independent, distinguished, and productive research that has been consistent over a number of years. There should be clear evidence of obtaining significant independent external funding as principal investigator; past the level of initial research grants and fellowships.

There should be a strong record of publication in peer reviewed journals, including numerous first-author and/or senior-author publications and evidence that this accomplishment will continue. Many researchers appointed or promoted to Research Associate Professor also have a substantial record of book chapters, abstracts, and textbook co-authorships.

Appointment and promotion to this highest rank in the Research Professor Track requires an internationally recognized record of continued excellence in research. A Research Professor will have a substantial and continued record of first-author and/or senior-author publications in peer reviewed journals.

A Research Professor will have served as principal or co-principal investigator on center grants, major grants (e.g. NIH R01 or equivalent), and maintained a record of such funding. National and international lectures, seminars, study sections, and ad hoc reviews are expected of a Research Professor. Research Professors are expected to perform mentoring, supervising, and laboratory or research based teaching in a number of venues. Institutional citizenship is expected of a Research Faculty.