Section 48. The executive director of OST may, subject to appropriation and with the approval of the director of economic development, appoint and may, with like approval, remove all such employees as may be necessary to carry out the work of OST. Unless otherwise provided by law, all such appointments and removals shall be made in accordance with chapter thirty-one. From time to time the executive director may, subject to appropriation and the laws and regulations pertaining to the employment of consultants, employ such consultants as he may deem necessary.

To assist OST in the discharge of its duties the executive director may appoint, without regard to chapter thirty-one but with the approval of the director of economic development, an advisory committee on science and technology from among interested citizens in the commonwealth.

Members of this committee shall receive no compensation for their services, but may be reimbursed for their expenses. This committee shall annually, on or before the first of November, make a report to the executive director and the director of economic development, and may make such special reports as it or the executive director of OST may deem desirable.