diff --git a/common/djangoapps/student/roles.py b/common/djangoapps/student/roles.py
index 879d620bba..bbe702d81b 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/student/roles.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/student/roles.py
@@ -343,6 +343,14 @@ class OrgLibraryUserRole(OrgRole):
         super(OrgLibraryUserRole, self).__init__(self.ROLE, *args, **kwargs)
 
 
+class OrgDataResearcherRole(OrgRole):
+    """A Data Researcher"""
+    ROLE = 'data_researcher'
+
+    def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
+        super(OrgDataResearcherRole, self).__init__(self.ROLE, *args, **kwargs)
+
+
 @register_access_role
 class CourseCreatorRole(RoleBase):
     """
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/student/rules.py b/common/djangoapps/student/rules.py
deleted file mode 100644
index c718d56af4..0000000000
--- a/common/djangoapps/student/rules.py
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,28 +0,0 @@
-"""
-Django rules for student roles
-"""
-from __future__ import absolute_import
-
-import rules
-
-from lms.djangoapps.courseware.access import has_access
-from openedx.core.djangoapps.waffle_utils import CourseWaffleFlag, WaffleFlag, WaffleFlagNamespace
-
-from .roles import CourseDataResearcherRole
-
-# Waffle flag to enable the separate course outline page and full width content.
-RESEARCHER_ROLE = CourseWaffleFlag(WaffleFlagNamespace(name='instructor'), 'researcher')
-
-
-@rules.predicate
-def can_access_reports(user, course_id):
-    """
-    Returns whether the user can access the course data downloads.
-    """
-    is_staff = user.is_staff
-    if RESEARCHER_ROLE.is_enabled(course_id):
-        return is_staff or CourseDataResearcherRole(course_id).has_user(user)
-    else:
-        return is_staff or has_access(user, 'staff', course_id)
-
-rules.add_perm('student.can_research', can_access_reports)
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/rules.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/rules.py
index 72a4ea903f..58866b397a 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/rules.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/rules.py
@@ -19,10 +19,12 @@ from xblock.core import XBlock
 from course_modes.models import CourseMode
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.content.course_overviews.models import CourseOverview
 from student.models import CourseAccessRole, CourseEnrollment
+from student.roles import CourseRole, OrgRole
 from xmodule.course_module import CourseDescriptor
 from xmodule.error_module import ErrorDescriptor
 from xmodule.x_module import XModule
 
+
 from .access import has_access
 
 LOG = logging.getLogger(__name__)
@@ -151,3 +153,27 @@ class HasStaffAccessToContent(Rule):
         if not is_global_staff:
             query &= Q(id__in=course_staff_or_instructor_courses) | Q(org__in=org_staff_or_instructor_courses)
         return query
+
+
+class HasRolesRule(Rule):
+    def __init__(self, *roles):
+        self.roles = roles
+
+    def check(self, user, instance=None):
+        if not user.is_authenticated:
+            return False
+        if isinstance(instance, CourseKey):
+            course_key = instance
+        elif isinstance(instance, (CourseDescriptor, CourseOverview)):
+            course_key = instance.id
+        elif isinstance(instance, (ErrorDescriptor, XModule, XBlock)):
+            course_key = instance.scope_ids.usage_id.course_key
+        else:
+            course_key = CourseKey.from_string(str(instance))
+
+        for role in self.roles:
+            if CourseRole(role, course_key).has_user(user):
+                return True
+            if OrgRole(role, course_key.org).has_user(user):
+                return True
+        return False
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/permissions.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/permissions.py
index e1d75a235b..8a94e492aa 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/permissions.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/permissions.py
@@ -4,7 +4,8 @@ Permissions for the instructor dashboard and associated actions
 
 from bridgekeeper import perms
 from bridgekeeper.rules import is_staff
-from lms.djangoapps.courseware.rules import HasAccessRule
+from lms.djangoapps.courseware.rules import HasAccessRule, HasRolesRule
+
 
 ALLOW_STUDENT_TO_BYPASS_ENTRANCE_EXAM = 'instructor.allow_student_to_bypass_entrance_exam'
 ASSIGN_TO_COHORTS = 'instructor.assign_to_cohorts'
@@ -16,6 +17,18 @@ GENERATE_CERTIFICATE_EXCEPTIONS = 'instructor.generate_certificate_exceptions'
 GENERATE_BULK_CERTIFICATE_EXCEPTIONS = 'instructor.generate_bulk_certificate_exceptions'
 GIVE_STUDENT_EXTENSION = 'instructor.give_student_extension'
 VIEW_ISSUED_CERTIFICATES = 'instructor.view_issued_certificates'
+CAN_RESEARCH = 'instructor.research'
+CAN_ENROLL = 'instructor.enroll'
+CAN_BETATEST = 'instructor.enroll_beta'
+ENROLLMENT_REPORT = 'instructor.enrollment_report'
+EXAM_RESULTS = 'instructor.view_exam_results'
+OVERRIDE_GRADES = 'instructor.override_grades'
+SHOW_TASKS = 'instructor.show_tasks'
+VIEW_COUPONS = 'instructor.view_coupons'
+EMAIL = 'instructor.email'
+RESCORE_EXAMS = 'instructor.rescore_exams'
+VIEW_REGISTRATION = 'instructor.view_registration'
+VIEW_DASHBOARD = 'instructor.dashboard'
 
 
 perms[ALLOW_STUDENT_TO_BYPASS_ENTRANCE_EXAM] = HasAccessRule('staff')
@@ -27,4 +40,21 @@ perms[ENABLE_CERTIFICATE_GENERATION] = is_staff
 perms[GENERATE_CERTIFICATE_EXCEPTIONS] = is_staff
 perms[GENERATE_BULK_CERTIFICATE_EXCEPTIONS] = is_staff
 perms[GIVE_STUDENT_EXTENSION] = HasAccessRule('staff')
-perms[VIEW_ISSUED_CERTIFICATES] = HasAccessRule('staff')
+perms[VIEW_ISSUED_CERTIFICATES] = HasAccessRule('staff') | HasRolesRule('data_researcher')
+perms[CAN_RESEARCH] = HasRolesRule('data_researcher')
+perms[CAN_ENROLL] = HasAccessRule('staff')
+perms[CAN_BETATEST] = HasAccessRule('instructor')
+perms[ENROLLMENT_REPORT] = HasAccessRule('staff') | HasRolesRule('data_researcher')
+perms[VIEW_COUPONS] = HasAccessRule('staff') | HasRolesRule('data_researcher')
+perms[EXAM_RESULTS] = HasAccessRule('staff')
+perms[OVERRIDE_GRADES] = HasAccessRule('staff')
+perms[SHOW_TASKS] = HasAccessRule('staff') | HasRolesRule('data_researcher')
+perms[EMAIL] = HasAccessRule('staff')
+perms[RESCORE_EXAMS] = HasAccessRule('instructor')
+perms[VIEW_REGISTRATION] = HasAccessRule('staff')
+perms[VIEW_DASHBOARD] = \
+    HasRolesRule(
+        'staff',
+        'instructor',
+        'data_researcher'
+) | HasAccessRule('staff') | HasAccessRule('instructor')
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/views/test_instructor_dashboard.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/views/test_instructor_dashboard.py
index 3bbfdbf54f..856d5ac5fb 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/views/test_instructor_dashboard.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/views/test_instructor_dashboard.py
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ from openedx.core.djangoapps.waffle_utils.testutils import override_waffle_flag
 from shoppingcart.models import CourseRegCodeItem, Order, PaidCourseRegistration
 from student.models import CourseEnrollment
 from student.roles import CourseFinanceAdminRole
-from student.tests.factories import AdminFactory, CourseEnrollmentFactory
+from student.tests.factories import AdminFactory, CourseAccessRoleFactory, CourseEnrollmentFactory
 from xmodule.modulestore import ModuleStoreEnum
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import TEST_DATA_SPLIT_MODULESTORE, ModuleStoreTestCase
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.factories import CourseFactory, ItemFactory, check_mongo_calls
@@ -118,6 +118,24 @@ class TestInstructorDashboard(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase, XssT
         student = UserFactory.create()
         self.assertFalse(has_instructor_tab(student, self.course))
 
+        researcher = UserFactory.create()
+        CourseAccessRoleFactory(
+            course_id=self.course.id,
+            user=researcher,
+            role='data_researcher',
+            org=self.course.id.org
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(has_instructor_tab(researcher, self.course))
+
+        org_researcher = UserFactory.create()
+        CourseAccessRoleFactory(
+            course_id=None,
+            user=org_researcher,
+            role='data_researcher',
+            org=self.course.id.org
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(has_instructor_tab(org_researcher, self.course))
+
     @ddt.data(
         ("How to defeat the Road Runner", "2017", "001", "ACME"),
     )
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/api.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/api.py
index ca3a1f3d38..b85c901c7f 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/api.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/api.py
@@ -37,7 +37,8 @@ from edx_rest_framework_extensions.auth.jwt.authentication import JwtAuthenticat
 from edx_rest_framework_extensions.auth.session.authentication import SessionAuthenticationAllowInactiveUser
 from opaque_keys import InvalidKeyError
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey, UsageKey
-from rest_framework import permissions, status
+from rest_framework import status
+from rest_framework.permissions import IsAuthenticated, IsAdminUser
 from rest_framework.response import Response
 from rest_framework.views import APIView
 from six import StringIO, text_type
@@ -135,18 +136,8 @@ from util.json_request import JsonResponse, JsonResponseBadRequest
 from util.views import require_global_staff
 from xmodule.modulestore.django import modulestore
 
-from ..permissions import (
-    ALLOW_STUDENT_TO_BYPASS_ENTRANCE_EXAM,
-    ASSIGN_TO_COHORTS,
-    EDIT_COURSE_ACCESS,
-    EDIT_FORUM_ROLES,
-    EDIT_INVOICE_VALIDATION,
-    ENABLE_CERTIFICATE_GENERATION,
-    GENERATE_BULK_CERTIFICATE_EXCEPTIONS,
-    GENERATE_CERTIFICATE_EXCEPTIONS,
-    GIVE_STUDENT_EXTENSION,
-    VIEW_ISSUED_CERTIFICATES
-)
+from .. import permissions
+
 from .tools import (
     dump_module_extensions,
     dump_student_extensions,
@@ -231,36 +222,6 @@ def require_post_params(*args, **kwargs):
     return decorator
 
 
-def require_level(level, perm=None):
-    """
-    Decorator with argument that requires an access level of the requesting
-    user. If the requirement is not satisfied, returns an
-    HttpResponseForbidden (403).
-
-    Assumes that request is in args[0].
-    Assumes that course_id is in kwargs['course_id'].
-
-    `level` is in ['instructor', 'staff']
-    if `level` is 'staff', instructors will also be allowed, even
-        if they are not in the staff group.
-    """
-    if level not in ['instructor', 'staff']:
-        raise ValueError(u"unrecognized level '{}'".format(level))
-
-    def decorator(func):  # pylint: disable=missing-docstring
-        def wrapped(*args, **kwargs):
-            request = args[0]
-            course = get_course_by_id(CourseKey.from_string(kwargs['course_id']))
-
-            if has_access(request.user, level, course) and \
-                    ((perm and request.user.has_perm(perm, course.id)) or not perm):
-                return func(*args, **kwargs)
-            else:
-                return HttpResponseForbidden()
-        return wrapped
-    return decorator
-
-
 def require_course_permission(permission):
     """
     Decorator with argument that requires a specific permission of the requesting
@@ -342,7 +303,7 @@ COUNTRY_INDEX = 3
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.CAN_ENROLL)
 def register_and_enroll_students(request, course_id):  # pylint: disable=too-many-statements
     """
     Create new account and Enroll students in this course.
@@ -658,7 +619,7 @@ def create_and_enroll_user(email, username, name, country, password, course_id,
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.CAN_ENROLL)
 @require_post_params(action="enroll or unenroll", identifiers="stringified list of emails and/or usernames")
 def students_update_enrollment(request, course_id):
     """
@@ -826,7 +787,7 @@ def students_update_enrollment(request, course_id):
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('instructor')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.CAN_BETATEST)
 @common_exceptions_400
 @require_post_params(
     identifiers="stringified list of emails and/or usernames",
@@ -910,7 +871,7 @@ def bulk_beta_modify_access(request, course_id):
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_course_permission(EDIT_COURSE_ACCESS)
+@require_course_permission(permissions.EDIT_COURSE_ACCESS)
 @require_post_params(
     unique_student_identifier="email or username of user to change access",
     rolename="'instructor', 'staff', 'beta', or 'ccx_coach'",
@@ -991,7 +952,7 @@ def modify_access(request, course_id):
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('instructor')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.EDIT_COURSE_ACCESS)
 @require_post_params(rolename="'instructor', 'staff', or 'beta'")
 def list_course_role_members(request, course_id):
     """
@@ -1045,7 +1006,7 @@ def list_course_role_members(request, course_id):
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff', perm='student.can_research')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.CAN_RESEARCH)
 @common_exceptions_400
 def get_problem_responses(request, course_id):
     """
@@ -1085,15 +1046,17 @@ def get_problem_responses(request, course_id):
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.CAN_RESEARCH)
 def get_grading_config(request, course_id):
     """
     Respond with json which contains a html formatted grade summary.
     """
     course_id = CourseKey.from_string(course_id)
-    course = get_course_with_access(
-        request.user, 'staff', course_id, depth=None
-    )
+    # course = get_course_with_access(
+    #     request.user, 'staff', course_id, depth=None
+    # )
+    course = get_course_by_id(course_id)
+
     grading_config_summary = instructor_analytics.basic.dump_grading_context(course)
 
     response_payload = {
@@ -1105,7 +1068,7 @@ def get_grading_config(request, course_id):
 
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff', perm='student.can_research')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.CAN_RESEARCH)
 def get_sale_records(request, course_id, csv=False):  # pylint: disable=unused-argument, redefined-outer-name
     """
     return the summary of all sales records for a particular course
@@ -1136,7 +1099,7 @@ def get_sale_records(request, course_id, csv=False):  # pylint: disable=unused-a
 
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff', perm='student.can_research')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.CAN_RESEARCH)
 def get_sale_order_records(request, course_id):  # pylint: disable=unused-argument
     """
     return the summary of all sales records for a particular course
@@ -1176,7 +1139,7 @@ def get_sale_order_records(request, course_id):  # pylint: disable=unused-argume
     return instructor_analytics.csvs.create_csv_response("e-commerce_sale_order_records.csv", csv_columns, datarows)
 
 
-@require_course_permission(EDIT_INVOICE_VALIDATION)
+@require_course_permission(permissions.EDIT_INVOICE_VALIDATION)
 @require_POST
 def sale_validation(request, course_id):
     """
@@ -1243,7 +1206,7 @@ def re_validate_invoice(obj_invoice):
 @transaction.non_atomic_requests
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_course_permission(VIEW_ISSUED_CERTIFICATES)
+@require_course_permission(permissions.VIEW_ISSUED_CERTIFICATES)
 def get_issued_certificates(request, course_id):
     """
     Responds with JSON if CSV is not required. contains a list of issued certificates.
@@ -1284,7 +1247,7 @@ def get_issued_certificates(request, course_id):
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff', perm='student.can_research')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.CAN_RESEARCH)
 @common_exceptions_400
 def get_students_features(request, course_id, csv=False):  # pylint: disable=redefined-outer-name
     """
@@ -1381,7 +1344,7 @@ def get_students_features(request, course_id, csv=False):  # pylint: disable=red
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.CAN_RESEARCH)
 @common_exceptions_400
 def get_students_who_may_enroll(request, course_id):
     """
@@ -1428,7 +1391,7 @@ def _cohorts_csv_validator(file_storage, file_to_validate):
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
 @require_POST
-@require_course_permission(ASSIGN_TO_COHORTS)
+@require_course_permission(permissions.ASSIGN_TO_COHORTS)
 @common_exceptions_400
 def add_users_to_cohorts(request, course_id):
     """
@@ -1474,7 +1437,7 @@ class CohortCSV(DeveloperErrorViewMixin, APIView):
         BearerAuthenticationAllowInactiveUser,
         SessionAuthenticationAllowInactiveUser,
     )
-    permission_classes = (permissions.IsAuthenticated, permissions.IsAdminUser)
+    permission_classes = (IsAuthenticated, IsAdminUser)
 
     def post(self, request, course_key_string):
         """
@@ -1498,7 +1461,7 @@ class CohortCSV(DeveloperErrorViewMixin, APIView):
 
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.VIEW_COUPONS)
 def get_coupon_codes(request, course_id):  # pylint: disable=unused-argument
     """
     Respond with csv which contains a summary of all Active Coupons.
@@ -1529,7 +1492,7 @@ def get_coupon_codes(request, course_id):  # pylint: disable=unused-argument
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.ENROLLMENT_REPORT)
 @require_finance_admin
 @common_exceptions_400
 def get_enrollment_report(request, course_id):
@@ -1548,7 +1511,7 @@ def get_enrollment_report(request, course_id):
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.ENROLLMENT_REPORT)
 @require_finance_admin
 @common_exceptions_400
 def get_exec_summary_report(request, course_id):
@@ -1567,7 +1530,7 @@ def get_exec_summary_report(request, course_id):
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.ENROLLMENT_REPORT)
 @common_exceptions_400
 def get_course_survey_results(request, course_id):
     """
@@ -1585,7 +1548,7 @@ def get_course_survey_results(request, course_id):
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.EXAM_RESULTS)
 @common_exceptions_400
 def get_proctored_exam_results(request, course_id):
     """
@@ -1674,7 +1637,7 @@ def random_code_generator():
 
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.VIEW_COUPONS)
 @require_POST
 def get_registration_codes(request, course_id):
     """
@@ -1869,7 +1832,7 @@ def generate_registration_codes(request, course_id):
 
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.VIEW_COUPONS)
 @require_POST
 def active_registration_codes(request, course_id):
     """
@@ -1900,7 +1863,7 @@ def active_registration_codes(request, course_id):
 
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.VIEW_COUPONS)
 @require_POST
 def spent_registration_codes(request, course_id):
     """
@@ -1931,7 +1894,7 @@ def spent_registration_codes(request, course_id):
 
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff', perm='student.can_research')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.CAN_RESEARCH)
 def get_anon_ids(request, course_id):  # pylint: disable=unused-argument
     """
     Respond with 2-column CSV output of user-id, anonymized-user-id
@@ -1969,7 +1932,7 @@ def get_anon_ids(request, course_id):  # pylint: disable=unused-argument
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.CAN_ENROLL)
 @require_post_params(
     unique_student_identifier="email or username of student for whom to get enrollment status"
 )
@@ -2026,7 +1989,7 @@ def get_student_enrollment_status(request, course_id):
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
 @common_exceptions_400
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.ENROLLMENT_REPORT)
 @require_post_params(
     unique_student_identifier="email or username of student for whom to get progress url"
 )
@@ -2057,7 +2020,7 @@ def get_student_progress_url(request, course_id):
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.GIVE_STUDENT_EXTENSION)
 @require_post_params(
     problem_to_reset="problem urlname to reset"
 )
@@ -2144,7 +2107,7 @@ def reset_student_attempts(request, course_id):
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.GIVE_STUDENT_EXTENSION)
 @common_exceptions_400
 def reset_student_attempts_for_entrance_exam(request, course_id):
     """
@@ -2219,7 +2182,7 @@ def reset_student_attempts_for_entrance_exam(request, course_id):
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.OVERRIDE_GRADES)
 @require_post_params(problem_to_reset="problem urlname to reset")
 @common_exceptions_400
 def rescore_problem(request, course_id):
@@ -2295,7 +2258,7 @@ def rescore_problem(request, course_id):
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.OVERRIDE_GRADES)
 @require_post_params(problem_to_reset="problem urlname to reset", score='overriding score')
 @common_exceptions_400
 def override_problem_score(request, course_id):
@@ -2352,7 +2315,7 @@ def override_problem_score(request, course_id):
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('instructor')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.RESCORE_EXAMS)
 @common_exceptions_400
 def rescore_entrance_exam(request, course_id):
     """
@@ -2409,7 +2372,7 @@ def rescore_entrance_exam(request, course_id):
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.EMAIL)
 def list_background_email_tasks(request, course_id):  # pylint: disable=unused-argument
     """
     List background email tasks.
@@ -2431,7 +2394,7 @@ def list_background_email_tasks(request, course_id):  # pylint: disable=unused-a
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.EMAIL)
 def list_email_content(request, course_id):  # pylint: disable=unused-argument
     """
     List the content of bulk emails sent
@@ -2450,7 +2413,7 @@ def list_email_content(request, course_id):  # pylint: disable=unused-argument
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.SHOW_TASKS)
 def list_instructor_tasks(request, course_id):
     """
     List instructor tasks.
@@ -2496,7 +2459,7 @@ def list_instructor_tasks(request, course_id):
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.SHOW_TASKS)
 def list_entrance_exam_instructor_tasks(request, course_id):
     """
     List entrance exam related instructor tasks.
@@ -2538,7 +2501,7 @@ def list_entrance_exam_instructor_tasks(request, course_id):
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.CAN_RESEARCH)
 def list_report_downloads(request, course_id):
     """
     List grade CSV files that are available for download for this course.
@@ -2562,7 +2525,7 @@ def list_report_downloads(request, course_id):
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff', perm='student.can_research')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.CAN_RESEARCH)
 @require_finance_admin
 def list_financial_report_downloads(_request, course_id):
     """
@@ -2584,7 +2547,7 @@ def list_financial_report_downloads(_request, course_id):
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff', perm='student.can_research')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.CAN_RESEARCH)
 @common_exceptions_400
 def export_ora2_data(request, course_id):
     """
@@ -2602,7 +2565,7 @@ def export_ora2_data(request, course_id):
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff', perm='student.can_research')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.CAN_RESEARCH)
 @common_exceptions_400
 def calculate_grades_csv(request, course_id):
     """
@@ -2620,7 +2583,7 @@ def calculate_grades_csv(request, course_id):
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff', perm='student.can_research')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.CAN_RESEARCH)
 @common_exceptions_400
 def problem_grade_report(request, course_id):
     """
@@ -2641,7 +2604,7 @@ def problem_grade_report(request, course_id):
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.CAN_ENROLL)
 @require_post_params('rolename')
 def list_forum_members(request, course_id):
     """
@@ -2713,7 +2676,7 @@ def list_forum_members(request, course_id):
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.EMAIL)
 @require_post_params(send_to="sending to whom", subject="subject line", message="message text")
 @common_exceptions_400
 def send_email(request, course_id):
@@ -2789,7 +2752,7 @@ def send_email(request, course_id):
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_course_permission(EDIT_FORUM_ROLES)
+@require_course_permission(permissions.EDIT_FORUM_ROLES)
 @require_post_params(
     unique_student_identifier="email or username of user to change access",
     rolename="the forum role",
@@ -2882,7 +2845,7 @@ def _display_unit(unit):
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_course_permission(GIVE_STUDENT_EXTENSION)
+@require_course_permission(permissions.GIVE_STUDENT_EXTENSION)
 @require_post_params('student', 'url', 'due_datetime')
 def change_due_date(request, course_id):
     """
@@ -2906,7 +2869,7 @@ def change_due_date(request, course_id):
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_course_permission(GIVE_STUDENT_EXTENSION)
+@require_course_permission(permissions.GIVE_STUDENT_EXTENSION)
 @require_post_params('student', 'url')
 def reset_due_date(request, course_id):
     """
@@ -2935,7 +2898,7 @@ def reset_due_date(request, course_id):
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.GIVE_STUDENT_EXTENSION)
 @require_post_params('url')
 def show_unit_extensions(request, course_id):
     """
@@ -2950,7 +2913,7 @@ def show_unit_extensions(request, course_id):
 @require_POST
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.GIVE_STUDENT_EXTENSION)
 @require_post_params('student')
 def show_student_extensions(request, course_id):
     """
@@ -3017,7 +2980,7 @@ def generate_example_certificates(request, course_id=None):  # pylint: disable=u
     return redirect(_instructor_dash_url(course_key, section='certificates'))
 
 
-@require_course_permission(ENABLE_CERTIFICATE_GENERATION)
+@require_course_permission(permissions.ENABLE_CERTIFICATE_GENERATION)
 @require_POST
 def enable_certificate_generation(request, course_id=None):
     """Enable/disable self-generated certificates for a course.
@@ -3037,7 +3000,7 @@ def enable_certificate_generation(request, course_id=None):
 
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_course_permission(ALLOW_STUDENT_TO_BYPASS_ENTRANCE_EXAM)
+@require_course_permission(permissions.ALLOW_STUDENT_TO_BYPASS_ENTRANCE_EXAM)
 @require_POST
 def mark_student_can_skip_entrance_exam(request, course_id):
     """
@@ -3301,7 +3264,7 @@ def get_student(username_or_email, course_key):
 @transaction.non_atomic_requests
 @ensure_csrf_cookie
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_course_permission(GENERATE_CERTIFICATE_EXCEPTIONS)
+@require_course_permission(permissions.GENERATE_CERTIFICATE_EXCEPTIONS)
 @require_POST
 @common_exceptions_400
 def generate_certificate_exceptions(request, course_id, generate_for=None):
@@ -3343,7 +3306,7 @@ def generate_certificate_exceptions(request, course_id, generate_for=None):
 
 
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_course_permission(GENERATE_BULK_CERTIFICATE_EXCEPTIONS)
+@require_course_permission(permissions.GENERATE_BULK_CERTIFICATE_EXCEPTIONS)
 @require_POST
 def generate_bulk_certificate_exceptions(request, course_id):
     """
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/gradebook_api.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/gradebook_api.py
index 32f0ed3197..ca8a4f0293 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/gradebook_api.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/gradebook_api.py
@@ -6,7 +6,6 @@ which is currently use by ccx and instructor apps.
 
 import math
 
-import six
 from django.contrib.auth.models import User
 from django.db import transaction
 from django.urls import reverse
@@ -16,9 +15,11 @@ from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
 from lms.djangoapps.courseware.courses import get_course_with_access
 from edxmako.shortcuts import render_to_response
 from lms.djangoapps.grades.api import CourseGradeFactory
-from lms.djangoapps.instructor.views.api import require_level
+from lms.djangoapps.instructor.views.api import require_course_permission
 from xmodule.modulestore.django import modulestore
 
+from .. import permissions
+
 # Grade book: max students per page
 MAX_STUDENTS_PER_PAGE_GRADE_BOOK = 20
 
@@ -101,7 +102,7 @@ def get_grade_book_page(request, course, course_key):
 
 @transaction.non_atomic_requests
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.OVERRIDE_GRADES)
 def spoc_gradebook(request, course_id):
     """
     Show the gradebook for this course:
@@ -114,7 +115,7 @@ def spoc_gradebook(request, course_id):
 
     return render_to_response('courseware/gradebook.html', {
         'page': page,
-        'page_url': reverse('spoc_gradebook', kwargs={'course_id': six.text_type(course_key)}),
+        'page_url': reverse('spoc_gradebook', kwargs={'course_id': str(course_key)}),
         'students': student_info,
         'course': course,
         'course_id': course_key,
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/instructor_dashboard.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/instructor_dashboard.py
index aa87e18c5f..f9dbe22828 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/instructor_dashboard.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/instructor_dashboard.py
@@ -65,6 +65,7 @@ from xmodule.modulestore.django import modulestore
 from xmodule.tabs import CourseTab
 
 from .tools import get_units_with_due_date, title_or_url
+from .. import permissions
 
 log = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
@@ -84,7 +85,7 @@ class InstructorDashboardTab(CourseTab):
         """
         Returns true if the specified user has staff access.
         """
-        return bool(user and has_access(user, 'staff', course, course.id))
+        return bool(user and user.is_authenticated and user.has_perm(permissions.VIEW_DASHBOARD, course.id))
 
 
 def show_analytics_dashboard_message(course_key):
@@ -120,24 +121,27 @@ def instructor_dashboard_2(request, course_id):
         'sales_admin': CourseSalesAdminRole(course_key).has_user(request.user),
         'staff': bool(has_access(request.user, 'staff', course)),
         'forum_admin': has_forum_access(request.user, course_key, FORUM_ROLE_ADMINISTRATOR),
-        'data_researcher': request.user.has_perm('student.can_research', course_key),
+        'data_researcher': request.user.has_perm(permissions.CAN_RESEARCH, course_key),
     }
 
-    if not access['staff']:
+    if not request.user.has_perm(permissions.VIEW_DASHBOARD, course_key):
         raise Http404()
 
     is_white_label = CourseMode.is_white_label(course_key)
 
     reports_enabled = configuration_helpers.get_value('SHOW_ECOMMERCE_REPORTS', False)
 
-    sections = [
-        _section_course_info(course, access),
-        _section_membership(course, access),
-        _section_cohort_management(course, access),
-        _section_discussions_management(course, access),
-        _section_student_admin(course, access),
-        _section_data_download(course, access),
-    ]
+    sections = []
+    if access['staff']:
+        sections.extend([
+            _section_course_info(course, access),
+            _section_membership(course, access),
+            _section_cohort_management(course, access),
+            _section_discussions_management(course, access),
+            _section_student_admin(course, access),
+        ])
+    if access['data_researcher']:
+        sections.append(_section_data_download(course, access))
 
     analytics_dashboard_message = None
     if show_analytics_dashboard_message(course_key):
@@ -207,7 +211,7 @@ def instructor_dashboard_2(request, course_id):
     openassessment_blocks = [
         block for block in openassessment_blocks if block.parent is not None
     ]
-    if len(openassessment_blocks) > 0:
+    if len(openassessment_blocks) > 0 and access['staff']:
         sections.append(_section_open_response_assessment(request, course, openassessment_blocks, access))
 
     disable_buttons = not _is_small_course(course_key)
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/registration_codes.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/registration_codes.py
index 57348574e4..59c307fd85 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/registration_codes.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/registration_codes.py
@@ -5,7 +5,6 @@ E-commerce Tab Instructor Dashboard Query Registration Code Status.
 
 import logging
 
-import six
 from django.urls import reverse
 from django.utils.translation import ugettext as _
 from django.views.decorators.cache import cache_control
@@ -14,16 +13,18 @@ from opaque_keys.edx.locator import CourseKey
 
 from lms.djangoapps.courseware.courses import get_course_by_id
 from lms.djangoapps.instructor.enrollment import get_email_params, send_mail_to_student
-from lms.djangoapps.instructor.views.api import require_level
+from lms.djangoapps.instructor.views.api import require_course_permission
 from shoppingcart.models import CourseRegistrationCode, RegistrationCodeRedemption
 from student.models import CourseEnrollment
 from util.json_request import JsonResponse
 
+from .. import permissions
+
 log = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
 
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.VIEW_REGISTRATION)
 @require_GET
 def look_up_registration_code(request, course_id):
     """
@@ -47,7 +48,7 @@ def look_up_registration_code(request, course_id):
 
     reg_code_already_redeemed = RegistrationCodeRedemption.is_registration_code_redeemed(code)
 
-    registration_code_detail_url = reverse('registration_code_details', kwargs={'course_id': six.text_type(course_id)})
+    registration_code_detail_url = reverse('registration_code_details', kwargs={'course_id': str(course_id)})
 
     return JsonResponse({
         'is_registration_code_exists': True,
@@ -58,7 +59,7 @@ def look_up_registration_code(request, course_id):
 
 
 @cache_control(no_cache=True, no_store=True, must_revalidate=True)
-@require_level('staff')
+@require_course_permission(permissions.VIEW_REGISTRATION)
 @require_POST
 def registration_code_details(request, course_id):
     """