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Physical Scientists, All Other

SOC 19-2099.00Job Zone 4 · Considerable PreparationSibling-inferredv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers applied physical and animal science practice across laboratory research, field extension, producer advisory, and organizational leadership contexts within Job Zone 4 occupations requiring a bachelor's degree and several years of relevant experience.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Nutritional requirements of common livestock species — identify and document under direct supervisor guidance using standard reference tables and laboratory protocols.
  2. Scientific literature on animal feed materials — read and summarize key findings using structured templates in an entry-level research support role.
  3. Basic feeding and housing protocols — follow established procedures under close oversight at a university or government research facility.
  4. Research data on animal health indicators — collect and record accurately using spreadsheet software under the direction of a senior scientist.
  5. Animal disease and parasite control guidelines — recognize and apply standard sanitation checklists in supervised field or laboratory settings.
  6. Preliminary research findings — assist in preparing written summaries and presentation slides using office suite and presentation software under review by lead researchers.
  7. Geographic information system tools — operate at a basic level to map animal production regions under structured task assignments.
  8. Database query software — retrieve and organize animal nutrition and production data sets as directed within an institutional research database.
  9. Scientific terminology and technical writing conventions — apply correctly when drafting entry-level reports reviewed by experienced physical scientists.
  10. Producer inquiries about animal feed products — respond to routine questions by referencing established guidelines under supervisor approval.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Nutritive values of diverse animal feed materials — evaluate using laboratory analysis and published databases with limited oversight in a research or extension setting.
  2. Research findings on animal nutrition and production — communicate in written reports and oral presentations to producer groups and scientific peers with moderate independence.
  3. Feeding and housing improvement practices — develop incremental recommendations based on current research data for producers operating in familiar production environments.
  4. Animal parasite and disease control protocols — adapt established sanitation and prevention strategies to address routine herd management challenges on commercial operations.
  5. Spreadsheet and statistical software — analyze animal production data sets to identify trends and draw evidence-based conclusions in a mid-level research role.
  6. Producer advisory sessions — conduct face-to-face consultations and field visits, translating research outcomes into practical husbandry recommendations.
  7. Scientific manuscripts and technical reports — draft and revise under periodic peer review for submission to extension bulletins or regional journals.
  8. CAD and GIS software — apply to model housing layouts or map regional production data in support of applied research projects.
  9. Complex problems in animal feed formulation — work through systematically using deductive reasoning and referencing current nutritional science literature.
  10. Cross-disciplinary research teams — contribute actively, sharing findings from biology, chemistry, and mathematics domains to support collaborative project goals.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Nutritional requirements and feed value research — design and execute comprehensive studies autonomously, spanning multiple species and production systems in field and laboratory environments.
  2. Non-routine animal disease and parasite challenges — diagnose contributing factors and develop evidence-based intervention strategies for producers facing novel herd health problems.
  3. Improved feeding, housing, and sanitation practices — formulate and validate new protocols by integrating experimental results, industry data, and biological principles across diverse production contexts.
  4. Research findings — communicate authoritatively to scientific conferences, industry associations, and public audiences through peer-reviewed publications and technical extension documents.
  5. Producer advisory programs — lead independently, assessing individual operation needs and tailoring science-based recommendations to improve animal production outcomes.
  6. Advanced database and GIS tools — leverage to integrate spatial, environmental, and nutritional data into multi-variable models that inform regional animal science policy.
  7. Critical gaps in animal nutrition science — identify through active literature synthesis and original experimental inquiry, generating new knowledge applicable to industry problems.
  8. Judgment in ambiguous research situations — exercise by weighing incomplete data, ethical considerations, and stakeholder impacts to reach well-reasoned scientific conclusions.
  9. Complex, multi-factorial animal production problems — resolve by applying inductive and deductive reasoning across chemistry, biology, and management knowledge domains.
  10. Technical training materials and extension resources — develop and deliver for producer groups and early-career scientists, translating specialized research into actionable guidance.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Organizational research agenda for animal nutrition and production science — set strategic direction by aligning multi-year study programs with industry needs, funding landscapes, and regulatory priorities.
  2. Institutional standards for communicating scientific findings — establish and model best practices across publications, media engagement, and stakeholder reporting at a national or organizational level.
  3. Novel animal production improvement frameworks — pioneer by synthesizing cross-disciplinary evidence from chemistry, biology, and management to drive sector-wide adoption of best practices.
  4. Senior scientists and research staff — mentor and develop, fostering intellectual curiosity, methodological rigor, and integrity across the full research team.
  5. External partnerships with producers, government agencies, and industry bodies — lead negotiations and collaborations that translate physical science research into measurable improvements in animal production systems.
  6. Policy recommendations on animal health, nutrition, and housing standards — author and advocate at regulatory and legislative forums, drawing on deep scientific expertise and organizational credibility.
  7. Large-scale research programs — oversee resource allocation, timeline management, and quality assurance using administration and management principles to deliver impactful outcomes on schedule.
  8. Emerging risks in animal disease, feed safety, and environmental sustainability — anticipate and respond to with organizational-level contingency strategies, guiding teams through complex, high-stakes decisions.
  9. Institutional use of advanced technologies — champion adoption of GIS, CAD modeling, and integrated database platforms to transform research capacity and data-driven decision-making organization-wide.
  10. Cross-sector knowledge exchange — lead by presenting authoritative research syntheses at international scientific forums and facilitating collaborative networks that elevate the field of physical and animal science.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-assisted literature review — uses an LLM to summarize scientific papers and extract key findings on animal nutrition and disease control, verifying the output against primary sources before incorporating results into research notes Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Research synthesis delegation — hands off structured queries about nutritive values or feeding practices to an AI assistant, then critically evaluates the returned summaries against established peer-reviewed references before advising producers Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Scientific writing acceleration — drafts initial sections of research reports and extension communications using AI-generated text, then revises for technical accuracy and audience-appropriate language Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Complex problem-solving scaffolding — directs an AI assistant to model multi-variable scenarios in animal housing or parasite control, interpreting outputs within the broader experimental context while retaining authorship of conclusions Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Data pattern interrogation — queries AI tools to identify trends across large nutritional datasets, cross-checking AI-identified patterns with domain knowledge before integrating findings into recommendations Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Producer communication drafting — generates producer-facing advisories and technical summaries using AI assistance, then edits for factual precision and practical applicability to specific livestock operations Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. Autonomous workflow orchestration — deploys AI agents across the full research pipeline from literature triage through preliminary data analysis to draft manuscript generation, maintaining critical oversight at each handoff point to ensure scientific integrity Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. AI capability evaluation — benchmarks LLM outputs against ground-truth experimental data from animal studies, identifying systematic failure modes in AI-generated nutritional or epidemiological claims and establishing validation protocols for the research group Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Cross-disciplinary knowledge integration — directs AI tools to synthesize findings spanning animal science, epidemiology, and environmental health, then architects the interpretive framework that connects disparate AI-retrieved evidence into coherent scientific conclusions WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 65
Augment share: 6.5%
Time saved: 73.4%
AI autonomy: 3.65
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Reading Comprehension
Score: 45.5 / 100
Quadrant: Q2_ai_augmented
precision: exact
WEF cluster
Data Science and Analysis
data_science_and_analysis
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication10 statements
Emerging
  1. Research summaries — drafts basic written reports of physical science observations using standard scientific terminology for internal review Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Stakeholder vocabulary — adjusts technical language when presenting preliminary findings to non-specialist audiences such as agricultural producers Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Scientific manuscripts — composes structured research reports and journal article drafts that accurately convey methodology and findings to peer audiences Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Producer advisories — delivers oral recommendations on improved feeding or housing practices using clear, jargon-free language accessible to field practitioners Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Active listening in field settings — elicits operational details from animal producers through structured questioning to inform research design Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Multi-audience science communication — tailors written and oral presentations of nutritional or environmental research findings for scientific peers, producers, and the general public simultaneously Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Technical advisory documents — produces clear, evidence-based guidance on parasite control, sanitation, or feed value improvements for practitioner distribution Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Conference presentations — delivers research outcomes on animal nutrition or physical science topics through organized talks that integrate data visualization and narrative clarity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Cross-sector science dissemination — leads communication strategy for translating complex physical or biological science research into policy briefs, public outreach materials, and peer-reviewed publications concurrently Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Mentored science writing — coaches junior researchers and graduate students in structuring research narratives, interpreting data for lay audiences, and meeting publication standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
2Leadership8 statements
Emerging
  1. Research task ownership — takes initiative in completing assigned components of multi-investigator studies on animal nutrition or physical science topics with minimal oversight Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Team contribution — supports principal investigators by organizing data collection schedules and coordinating logistics for field or laboratory studies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Project coordination — manages discrete research phases, including feed trial design or environmental sampling campaigns, ensuring timelines and quality standards are met Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Producer engagement leadership — leads advisory sessions with agricultural producers on science-based improvements to animal production practices Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Research team direction — oversees technicians, graduate assistants, and field staff conducting nutritive value analyses or physical science experiments, setting priorities and resolving operational obstacles Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Institutional initiative — takes responsibility for designing and launching new research programs addressing gaps in animal nutrition, environmental science, or applied physical science Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Program leadership — directs multi-year, multi-investigator research programs, allocating resources, defining scientific priorities, and representing the program to funding agencies and stakeholder organizations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Field-wide influence — shapes research agendas and professional standards within physical science subfields by serving on editorial boards, advisory panels, and scientific committees Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition8 statements
Emerging
  1. Learning gap identification — recognizes limitations in personal understanding of analytical methods or domain-specific knowledge areas such as animal physiology or feed chemistry and seeks targeted resources Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Study strategy selection — deliberately chooses literature review, peer consultation, or formal coursework to build competence in unfamiliar physical science methodologies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Research process reflection — reviews personal problem-solving approaches after completing experiments or analyses to identify inefficiencies and adjust future scientific workflows Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Assumption monitoring — identifies and interrogates underlying assumptions in research hypotheses about nutritional requirements or environmental variables before committing to study designs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Cognitive bias management — systematically checks own interpretation of experimental data for confirmation bias, particularly when results challenge established nutritional or physical science models Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Adaptive learning planning — constructs personal development plans that align emerging technical skills in instrumentation, data analysis, or regulatory science with current research demands Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Reflective practice modeling — demonstrates and teaches metacognitive strategies to junior scientists, helping them recognize knowledge boundaries and develop self-directed inquiry habits within physical science research contexts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Epistemic humility in complex systems — openly re-evaluates long-held scientific positions on nutritive values or environmental dynamics when new empirical evidence warrants conceptual revision Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking8 statements
Emerging
  1. Data plausibility checking — identifies obvious outliers or inconsistencies in animal feed analysis data or physical measurement datasets before proceeding to interpretation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Literature evaluation — distinguishes peer-reviewed research from non-scientific sources when compiling evidence on nutritional requirements or environmental science topics Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Experimental logic analysis — evaluates whether study designs for feed trials or physical science experiments contain adequate controls, sample sizes, and measurement precision to support intended conclusions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Competing hypothesis assessment — weighs alternative explanations for observed animal health or environmental outcomes against available evidence before selecting the most defensible interpretation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Evidence synthesis — integrates findings across multiple primary studies on nutritive feed values or physical phenomena to produce evidence-based recommendations for producers or policy stakeholders Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Risk-benefit judgment — applies structured reasoning to evaluate trade-offs in proposed interventions such as new parasite control regimens or feed additive protocols, considering efficacy, cost, and safety evidence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Paradigm critique — identifies foundational assumptions limiting current models in animal nutrition science or applied physical science and proposes empirically testable frameworks to advance the field Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-disciplinary inference — draws defensible conclusions by integrating evidence from biology, chemistry, mathematics, and environmental science to address complex physical science problems spanning multiple knowledge domains Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration8 statements
Emerging
  1. Laboratory teamwork — contributes reliably to shared data collection and sample processing tasks within multi-member research teams studying animal nutrition or physical science phenomena Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Interdisciplinary awareness — recognizes the contributions of colleagues from complementary disciplines such as veterinary science, chemistry, and engineering to joint research objectives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Producer partnership — works cooperatively with agricultural producers to design and implement on-farm trials, incorporating operational constraints and stakeholder knowledge into research protocols Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Collaborative data management — coordinates with research partners on shared data collection standards, naming conventions, and quality control procedures for physical science datasets Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Cross-institutional research collaboration — functions as an effective contributor in multi-institution grant projects, fulfilling agreed deliverables, communicating progress, and resolving role conflicts constructively Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Diverse perspective integration — synthesizes input from scientists, producers, regulators, and extension specialists to produce research outputs and advisory products that serve multiple stakeholder groups Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Collaborative network building — establishes and sustains productive research consortia across academic, government, and industry sectors to accelerate discovery in physical and applied science domains Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Conflict mediation in science teams — navigates disagreements over research priorities, authorship, or methodology within multi-investigator teams, facilitating resolutions that preserve relationships and scientific integrity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character8 statements
Emerging
  1. Research honesty — records experimental observations and measurements accurately without selective omission, even when results do not support initial hypotheses about feed values or physical processes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional responsibility — meets commitments to research supervisors and collaborators regarding data submission deadlines and sample handling protocols Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Ethical data handling — applies institutional data management policies and research ethics guidelines consistently when storing, sharing, or reporting physical science data involving animal subjects Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Conflict of interest transparency — discloses funding sources and potential conflicts when presenting research findings to producers, the public, or peer-review venues Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Scientific integrity stewardship — identifies and reports suspected data falsification, selective reporting, or plagiarism within the research environment through appropriate institutional channels Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Accountable advisory practice — acknowledges the limits of available evidence when advising producers on new practices, clearly distinguishing evidence-based recommendations from professional opinion Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Ethics culture modeling — establishes explicit norms for responsible research conduct within a team or department, including procedures for authorship, data sharing, and reporting of negative results Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Public trust guardianship — upholds the credibility of physical science research in public communications by correcting misinformation, distinguishing scientific consensus from emerging findings, and refusing to overstate conclusions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
7Creativity8 statements
Emerging
  1. Measurement adaptation — proposes minor modifications to existing protocols for measuring nutritive feed values or physical properties when standard methods are unavailable in a given field context Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Hypothesis generation — formulates novel research questions about animal nutritional requirements or environmental phenomena by connecting observations not previously linked in the literature Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Experimental design innovation — constructs original study designs that address limitations in prior research on feeding practices, parasite control, or physical science measurement under realistic operational conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Interdisciplinary borrowing — adapts analytical techniques or theoretical frameworks from adjacent fields such as materials science, ecology, or data science to solve problems in physical science research Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Novel solution development — creates new practices or technologies for improving animal housing, sanitation, or nutritional delivery that are both scientifically grounded and practically adoptable by producers Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Research program originality — designs research agendas that explore underexamined mechanisms or phenomena in physical science, generating intellectual contributions beyond incremental replication Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Field-advancing innovation — introduces conceptually novel methods, models, or applications that redirect inquiry in a physical science subfield, as evidenced by adoption by other researchers or translation to practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Creative problem-solving mentorship — cultivates divergent thinking in junior scientists by structuring research environments that reward hypothesis exploration, productive failure, and unconventional experimental designs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset8 statements
Emerging
  1. Feedback receptivity — incorporates peer, supervisor, and reviewer feedback on research methods or written reports without defensiveness, treating critique as information for improvement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Challenge acceptance — engages willingly with unfamiliar physical science topics or analytical tools assigned during early career research roles, viewing difficulty as a learning signal rather than a threat Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Skill development persistence — pursues mastery of new instrumentation, statistical software, or domain knowledge in areas such as feed chemistry or environmental measurement despite initial difficulty Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Setback reframing — treats failed experiments, rejected manuscripts, or inconclusive data as productive sources of information for refining hypotheses and improving future study designs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Continuous learning integration — systematically incorporates advances in physical science methods, computational tools, and domain knowledge into active research practice without requiring external mandate Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Effort-mastery connection — models and communicates to collaborators that sustained scientific rigor and iterative experimentation, rather than innate talent, drive meaningful advances in physical science Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Growth culture cultivation — structures research group norms, feedback cycles, and professional development expectations to build sustained growth mindset capacity across all team members in a physical science research unit Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Paradigm-shift readiness — actively engages with evidence that challenges established personal or field-wide scientific frameworks, updating positions and redirecting research programs in response to compelling new findings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness8 statements
Emerging
  1. Attention management in data collection — maintains focused awareness during repetitive measurement or sampling tasks, reducing errors in physical science data that depend on consistent observation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Situational awareness — notices early indicators of study deviation, equipment drift, or animal condition changes during ongoing research observations and responds before problems compound Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Stress regulation during field research — manages personal stress responses when field conditions, animal welfare events, or equipment failures disrupt research plans, maintaining productive decision-making Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Deliberate observation — applies intentional, systematic attention to physical science phenomena during data collection rather than relying on automated processes alone, catching nuances that instruments may not record Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Intentional communication — pauses to assess audience comprehension and emotional reception when delivering complex scientific findings to producers or public groups, adjusting delivery in real time Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Ethical moment recognition — notices decision points in research practice that carry ethical implications — such as data selection or subject welfare tradeoffs — and responds with deliberate rather than automatic judgment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Team attentional climate — creates research environments where mindful, unhurried observation and deliberate experimental decision-making are normalized, reducing impulsive interpretations of ambiguous physical science data Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Regulatory and stakeholder attunement — maintains sustained awareness of shifting policy landscapes, producer concerns, and public perceptions of physical science research, adjusting program direction with intentionality rather than reactivity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude8 statements
Emerging
  1. Persistence through null results — continues executing research protocols on animal nutrition or physical science measurements when early data yield inconclusive outcomes, maintaining methodological rigor rather than abandoning the study Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Grant rejection recovery — resubmits revised research proposals after initial rejection, incorporating reviewer feedback and strengthening scientific rationale Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Long-duration study commitment — sustains consistent effort and data quality standards across multi-year longitudinal studies on animal production systems or environmental physical phenomena Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Adversarial peer review navigation — responds to critical or hostile peer review with professional composure, addressing methodological objections rigorously and revising manuscripts without abandoning valid findings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Unpopular findings defense — presents and publishes research conclusions that challenge producer practices, industry interests, or prevailing scientific consensus when evidence is sufficient, accepting professional resistance as a cost of scientific integrity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Resource constraint perseverance — advances research programs on animal nutrition or physical science topics under conditions of budget limitations, equipment failures, or staffing gaps without compromising scientific standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Field advocacy under opposition — sustains long-term advocacy for evidence-based improvements in animal production or environmental science policy despite sustained institutional, political, or industry resistance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Resilience modeling for research teams — demonstrates and explicitly cultivates perseverance norms within research groups, helping junior scientists maintain motivation and scientific courage through extended periods of uncertainty or setback Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Inventor · Physical Scientist · Research Scientist · Wood Technologist
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingSpeakingWritingComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingActive Learning
Knowledge domains
English LanguageMathematicsComputers and ElectronicsEducation and TrainingBiologyAdministration and ManagementCustomer and Personal ServiceChemistry
Abilities
Written ComprehensionOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionInductive ReasoningDeductive Reasoning
Work styles
Attention to DetailIntellectual CuriosityDependabilityIntegrityAchievement OrientationCautiousness
Technology
Computer aided design CAD softwareGeographic information systemData base user interface and query softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwarePresentation software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Study nutritional requirements of animals and nutritive values of animal feed materials.
  2. Write up or orally communicate research findings to the scientific community, producers, and the public.
  3. Develop improved practices in feeding, housing, sanitation, or parasite and disease control of animals.
  4. Advise producers about improved products and techniques that could enhance their animal production efforts.
CIP education codes
30.180130.320140.9999

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.