Initiate and lead sophisticated scientific/technological research

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 8:09 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Unit of competency

National Code
PSPSCI702A

State Code
C8312

TGA Status
Deleted

DTWD Status
Deleted

Current Release Number
3.00

Current Release Date
01/11/2012

View on TGA

State Implementation and Classification

Approved Date

07/07/2014

Field of Education

080313 - Public And Health Care Administration

Original Release Date

07/07/2014

Nominal Hours

Description

This unit covers the conduct of sophisticated scientific/technological research at a level meriting international recognition requiring exceptional initiative and judgment in initiating, resourcing and leading projects. It includes initiating the research, designing the research methodology, leading and managing the research, and publishing and promoting the research results.In practice, initiating and leading sophisticated scientific/technological research overlaps with other generalist or specialist work activities such as influencing ethical practice, influencing strategic policy, undertaking strategic risk management, leading change management.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Notes

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Initiate research

1.1 Cutting edge professional expertise, liaison and collaboration with international networks and extensive industry experience are used to identify areas for targeting research.
1.2 Research is initiated that will make a significant contribution to the body of scientific knowledge in the area, to the industry and to the organisation's strategic objectives.
1.3 Intellectual property issues relating to the research are exploited in accordance with organisational requirements.
1.4 Research is initiated that is innovative, logically formulated and draws on national and international research in progress, in addition to both published and unpublished research.

2. Design research methodology

2.1 Innovations are incorporated in research design and hypothesis testing.
2.2 Research colleagues are identified, and functions and activities are negotiated and planned in accordance with the research methodology.
2.3 A communication strategy is developed to manage input and cooperation between team members in accordance with the research methodology.
2.4 Risk management strategies and resource needs are determined and specified in accordance with organisational and/or funding body requirements.
2.5 Funding applications are prepared and submitted in accordance with organisational and/or funding body requirements.
2.6 Documentation/recordkeeping is completed in accordance with organisational and/or funding body requirements.

3. Lead and manage research

3.1 Funding is attracted for significant research projects and managed in accordance with organisational and funding body requirements.
3.2 Scientific leadership is provided to research colleagues, decisions are influenced and research direction is monitored and changed in accordance with emerging requirements.
3.3 Collaboration across locations and organisations is managed to focus the research and meet objectives, timeframes and budgetary requirements.
3.4 Resources are managed in accordance with research budget, organisational and funding body requirements.
3.5 Research is documented and outcomes are delivered to the funding body and the organisation in accordance with research plan, timeframes and budget.
3.6 Research reports are prepared that are clear, concise, targeted to a range of audiences and are delivered on time in accordance with organisational and funding body requirements.

4. Publish and promote research results

4.1 Research papers are published and results are promoted widely internally and externally to the organisation in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
4.2 Research is presented at seminars and scientific conferences, both nationally and internationally in accordance with organisational requirements.
4.3 Intellectual property is protected in accordance with organisational and funding body requirements.
4.4 International reputation is built through publication and presentation of research papers and networking both nationally and internationally.

The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.
Research may include:
responsibility for a program or body of work as opposed to one-off experiments or studies
Unpublished research may include:
research completed locally, nationally and internationally in the previous 12 months, not yet published
Resource needs may include:
human
physical
monetary
design specifications
technical manuals
componentry
radioactive samples
Documented may include:
complete record to be held internally within the organisation
preparation of research results for publication
Range of audiences may include:
scientific community
lay audience/s
industry
community
government
organisation
funding body
board/s of directors
Promotion of results may include:
building an international reputation through publications and presentations
international recognition for publication of research results in externally refereed publications
publishing material in internationally recognised journals
publishing papers/articles for scientific audiences
publishing reports/articles for lay audiences
presentations at international seminars and scientific conferences
internal reporting verbally and in writing
drafting ministerials
contributing to strategic policy

The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPETHC701A Lead and influence ethical practice in the public sector
PSPMNGT701B Provide strategic direction
PSPMNGT703A Lead and influence change
PSPMNGT704A Undertake enterprise risk management
PSPPOL701A Influence strategic policy
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
leadership in sophisticated scientific/technological research initiated and lead in a range of (2 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
published research papers and articles for scientific and lay audiences that receive international recognition
research presentations for international scientific and industry audiences
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, procedures, guidelines and protocols
research guidelines and methodologies relating to scientific/technological research
industry information
risk management strategies relating to scientific/technological research
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture a range of different sophisticated research situations
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when initiating and leading scientific/technological research, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
leadership in sophisticated scientific/technological research initiated and lead in a range of (2 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
evidence of published research papers and articles for scientific and lay audiences that receive international recognition
evidence of research presentations for international scientific and industry audiences
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
case studies
portfolios
projects
questioning
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments

No information

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
J323	PSP60112	Advanced Diploma of Government	Qualification
C770	PSP60104	Advanced Diploma of Government	Qualification