Application
This unit describes the skills required to conduct scientific and/or technological research at a level meriting national recognition where superior initiative and judgment are used within strategically important areas. It includes formulating the research question, devising the research methodology, conducting and managing the research, and publishing and presenting the research results.
This unit applies to those working in scientific and/or technological research at a high level.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.
Those undertaking this unit would work autonomously with supervisory responsibilities, while performing sophisticated tasks in a range of contexts.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Formulate research question | 1.1 Identify issues for investigation through ongoing professional development and networking with industry, external funding bodies and professional networks. 1.2 Formulate innovate research questions using industry experience and analysis. 1.3 Formulate a research question that dissects key elements of the issue to be investigated. 1.4 Demonstrate how the research question will be of strategic importance to the industry and to the organisation’s objectives and timeframes. 1.5 Identify and exploit issues relating to intellectual property. 1.6 Contribute to and use research and professional networks to access current information relevant to the research question, and assess both current and published information and extract relevant information. |
2. Devise research methodology | 2.1 Monitor innovations in research methods, and adjust objectives and/or the formulation of a hypothesis to enhance the conduct of the research. 2.2 Determine a hypothesis that is testable, relevant and of benefit, and develop research methods appropriate to the hypothesis. 2.3 Identify and specify risk management strategies and resource needs. 2.4 Prepare and submit funding applications as required. 2.5 Complete documentation. |
3. Conduct and manage research | 3.1 Seek and manage external funding. 3.2 Provide leadership and manage the research team to meet research objectives. 3.3 Monitor performance and outputs and instigate change/s in direction. 3.4 Facilitate collaboration across locations and organisations to meet research objectives and timeframes. 3.5 Analyse, document and report research results. 3.6 Adapt communication style to write for both scientific and lay audiences and to translate results to applied situations. |
4. Publish and present research results | 4.1 Publish research papers and disseminate results widely both internally and externally to the organisation. 4.2 Present research at seminars and scientific conferences, nationally or internationally. 4.3 Protect intellectual property. 4.4 Build national reputation through publication and presentation of research papers and networking nationally or internationally. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.
using problem solving techniques
using communication styles to suit different audiences and purposes
using technology for data input, analysis and preparation of reports
interpreting and preparing reports containing scientific research information using communication styles to suit different audiences and purposes
presenting research results tailored to different audiences
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
research methodologies
scientific process
statistics
the use of sophisticated statistical models
specialist area of expertise
national networks
external funding sources
reporting requirements for scientific research, requiring precision of expression
work health and safety, environmental protection and other public sector legislation, public sector standards and organisational code of practice as they relate to work in a scientific research/technological environment
Assessment Conditions
This unit contains no specific industry-mandated assessment conditions. Guidance on suggested and recommended conditions and methods can be found in the Implementation Guide.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills are embedded within the elements and performance criteria of this unit.
Competency Field
Government Science and Technology