At the University of Chicago, individuals with academic responsibilities involving research, but who do not have regular responsibility for teaching and student supervision, are given the somewhat unusual title of Research Associates with the equivalent faculty rank stated in parentheses, for example "Research Associate (Assistant Professor)." Research Associates with parenthetical rank at the University have academic non-faculty positions that correspond at other institutions to titles such as "Research Assistant Professor" or "Associate Research Scientist."
Research Associates are expected to make substantial contributions to the research of collaborative research groups or individual faculty members. Their work in Health Studies is funded largely through external research funds through the Biostatistics Laboratory. Members of the Laboratory work with many investigators throughout the University, and are also able to submit their own research grant as principal investigator when it is appropriate to do so.
Research Associates in the Department of Health Studies participate fully in the life and governance of the department.
The following excerpt is from a recent University description of the Research Associate tracks. "This category of appointment is available for outstanding doctoral level individuals who participate in the research program of a faculty member, and for whom salary support is generally available from research grants and contracts. Appointees in this category of appointment are normally full time salaried employees. Salary is generally provided from sponsored research grants and contracts. In certain circumstances appointees may be permitted to apply as PI on sponsored research grants and contracts. If deemed to be of mutual benefit, appointees may have limited teaching responsibilities."
Last updated: July 1, 2009