Research Associate's (RA's) provide content specific scientific expertise (e.g., epi methods, qualitative or quantitative data analyses, intervention design and implementation, etc.) to support one or more scientific programs.  RA's typically work in collaboration with other scientists (ie, RA's or scientific investigators), Project Managers, Programmers, biostatisticians and other research staff. The RA track is considered a faculty track, as distinct from other staff roles in the Institute which also directly or indirectly support the scientific programs.  As such, RA's are subject to the same academic standards for hiring and promotion as other faculty which include consideration of time within rank, local and national scientific service, scientific reputation, one's role in generating and disseminating scientific findings as well as one's overal skill competencies and annual performance. The RA track is a supporting faculty track distinct from the Scientific Investigator track, which is an independent scientific track. The RA II position is an entry level role for persons with a doctorate degree or an early-mid career role for someone with a master's degree. RA II's work under the direction of one or more Scientific Investigators, but are expected to function largely independently on assigned tasks. The specific activities RA's participate in can be variable based on the needs of the project and a person's skillset, but all RA's are expected to (1) apply advanced research methods, as relevant to their area of expertise, to the projects they support, (2) participate in scientific writing (such as grant applications and scientific papers), and (3) participate  in the dissemination of scientific findings to a national audience.