NCAR Scientific and Research Engineering Appointments Policy

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NCAR's policy is to provide a scientific and research engineering appointments system that promotes development and maintenance of a highly qualified scientific and research engineering staff with the spectrum of knowledge and skills required to meet the objectives of the organization. In addition, this appointments system reflects UCAR's commitment to diversity and equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, handicap, and marital or veteran status. This appointments system governs only the appointment of scientific staff in the positions of Scientist I, Scientist II, Scientist III, and Senior Scientist and research engineering staff in the positions of Research Engineer I, Research Engineer II, Research Engineer III and Senior Research Engineer.

Appointments at each level within the system are based on the needs of NCAR for specific skills to carry out institutional efforts and the ability of the appointee to accomplish high-quality scientific and engineering research consistent with the goals and strategies of NCAR. The appointee is expected to build, through team and/or individual efforts, a record of scientific or research engineering contribution to the NCAR program of a quality that is well-recognized by peers in the relevant community.

NCAR Associate Directors make level I and level II appointments based on evaluation of the candidate according to appropriate criteria. The NCAR Director makes level III appointments, after review and recommendation by the NCAR Appointments Review Group (ARG). Senior level appointments are made by the NCAR Director with approval of the UCAR Board of Trustees after review and recommendation by the ARG.

Level I appointments are for one nonrenewable term of not more than three years; the incumbent faces an “up or out” decision at the end of the term. Level II appointments are normally for not more than four years; however, in certain cases, the NCAR Associate Director may request a single extension of up to three years. Level II also face an “up or out” decision at the ends of their terms. Level III and Senior level appointments are without term.

In certain circumstances, it may be appropriate to “stop or slow the clock” in the appointments sequence. The length of the interruption is determined by individual circumstances, and NCAR agrees to extend the time allowed before evaluation for promotion during that period.

In cases where the employment of a Scientist or Research Engineer is not to be continued, normally one year's notice is given to the incumbent.

The involuntary termination of a level I, II or III Scientist or research engineer requires approval by the NCAR Director. The involuntary termination of a senior level Scientist or Research Engineer requires approval of the NCAR Director, the UCAR President and the UCAR Board of Trustees. Any involuntarily terminated Scientist or Research Engineer may receive severance as part of the year's notice. In all cases the sum of notice and severance will equal one year. All involuntary terminations are conducted consistent with UCAR's Termination Policy.

The ARG is constituted to possess a balance of divisional representation and scientific and research engineering skills required by NCAR. Its role is to ensure that the excellence of the NCAR scientific and research engineering staff is fostered and protected, that the Director of NCAR is provided with the most sound advice possible concerning high-level scientific and research engineering appointments, and that a credible NCAR appointments system is maintained.

See A Guide to the Scientific and Research Engineering Appointments Process and the Appointments Review Group Procedures on the NCAR Director's Office Web site for more information.

For interpretation of this policy, contact the NCAR Director's office .