This appointment is given to persons who are engaged in scholarly or scientific research in association with a faculty member or as a member of a research group. Such persons will normally have at least two years of research experience following a Ph.D. (or equivalent), will have demonstrated professional ability in fields related to the work or program of the department or area concerned, and will be expected to contribute to it as a colleague. The initial term of appointment in this rank is normally one year and is renewable. There is no limit on the number of terms to which an associate research scientist may be reappointed. However, reappointment will depend on the continued need for the position, the availability of resources for the position, and the performance of the individual. With prior approval of the Dean or cognizant provost, an appointment or reappointment may be for a term of up to three years, conditional upon the availability of salary support. The incumbent must be reviewed for promotion to research scientist/scholar at intervals of no longer than three years. In the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, nominations for this rank are submitted by department chairs to the Office of Faculty Development Office and are reviewed by the Steering Committee of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. In the professional schools, appointments to this rank must be approved by the dean of the school in which the appointment is to be made or the dean's designate, in accordance with school policies.

An associate research scientist/scholar must receive a professional development review at intervals of no longer than three years. While the primary goal of such a review is to advise on the professional development of the individual, the possibility of promotion should be considered at this time.