July 2008

Project Scientist III Guidelines

The Project Scientist III hiring or reclassification process includes additional rigor not common to other such processes. While it is not intended to be as rigorous or in-depth as that followed by the NCAR Appointment Review Group in considering Scientist III and Senior Scientist candidates, it is to ensure that candidates meet the criteria for appointment to PS III.

Beginning the process:

  1. Creating a New Position. The UCP Program or NCAR Laboratory submits a Request for Staff and a Position Description (PD) to the Human Resources Department (HR). HR evaluates the PD, and classifies the job. Following an affirmative classification decision from HR, the nomination and review process adheres to the principles of UCAR's Employee Search and Selection policy. Following this process, nominations for this position are made in accordance with the guidelines described below.
  2. Reclassifying an existing position, The UCP Program or NCAR Laboratory submits a Reclassification Action form and PD to HR. HR reviews the request to to classify the job. Following an affirmative classification decision, the incumbent's qualifications for PS III is reviewed in accordance with the guidelines described below. The reclassification occurs after the incumbent successfully completes the PS III review process. The effective date of the reclassification is normally the date on which HR receives the Reclassification Action Form.

    If the incumbent's nomination is unsuccessful, HR works closely with the division or program director to assign an appropriate classification and salary range consistent with the PD.

Nomination materials:

  1. Nominating Memo from the Candidate's Supervisor. This memo should provide a brief explanation of the request (i.e., new position, reclassification, etc.) and a description of the individual's eligibility for the PS III level (compared to the PS III matrix).
  2. Substantive memorandum regarding career achievements. The nominating supervisor should, in collaboration with the candidate as necessary, provide a substantive summary of the achievements of the candidate during the course of his/her career. This material, typically 2-4 pages in length, should be sufficient (1) to understand the nature of the nominee's contributions (e.g., research, leadership, program management, community service, etc.), (2) to assess the depth and scope of the nominee's contributions in the field citing highlights such as specific published findings or important projects that were led, and (3) to illustrate the candidate's overall stature. If publications are included, a brief summary should be done by the candidate describing how these papers reflect the PS III leadership criteria. As often happens, PS III panels may not be familiar with a candidate's scientific and technical areas and this is a simple way for them to get a sense of these skills.
  3. Curriculum Vitae. An up-to-date CV should be included in the nominating materials.
  4. References to Establish National Reputation. Reference letters should be sought from 3-4 peers in the community commenting on the candidate's suitability for the PS III position. These may be supplemented by reference phone call summaries.

Review Process:

  1. Responsibility for the Review Process. The UCP Program Director and NCAR Laboratory Director, or designated Division Director, will be the Panel Chair responsible for leading the review process. The Director will ensure that the nominating materials provided by the candidate's supervisor are sufficient, with assistance from Human Resources as needed. The Director will also invite the NCAR or UCP Director and the HR Department representative to participate in the Review.
  2. Advisory Panel. An ad hoc panel of 3-5 scientists will be established by the Panel Chair to review and discuss the Nomination Materials and to provide a recommendation on the suitability of the appointment. Ideally, the panel should consist of not more than one person from the candidate's home division. When practical, a panelist from outside NCAR/UCP may be sought. The panel will be expected to meet at least once.
  3. Recommendation. At the completion of the review process, the Panel Chair will forward a memo to the Director of NCAR or UCP outlining the process followed and a recommendation. (If an NCAR Division Director is the Panel Chair, the memorandum must first be approved by the NCAR Associate Director for the relevant laboratory.)

Upon approval of the NCAR or UCP Director, the Panel Chair will work with Human Resources to determine the appropriate salary and the notification of the individual.