Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.

The Research Assistant provides support for research project operations and logistics, facilitates communications between research team and sponsors, assists with data entry and organization, prepares project documentation, and processes financial transactions related to the project.

• Facilitate research project logistics including communicating updates to sponsors and team members, tracking project progress, scheduling meetings, organizing internal and external training sessions, and coordinating project participant scheduling
• Support data management activities through data entry, coding, and generating reports
• Serve as point of contact and liaison for investigators, project team members, sponsors, community and government partners
• Assist with financial aspects of research activities including processing reimbursements, payroll, purchase requests, and budget tracking
• Assist with editing, preparing, and submitting summaries, reports, grants, and proposals
• Maintain documentation and records related to research activities, personnel certifications, operating procedures, and safety requirements
• Provide support to external customers related to sample submissions
• Provide laboratory support including coordinating schedules, managing inventory, and maintaining safety documentation

Level:

– Senior Support

Base Description:

– Completes administrative activities and tasks of a technical or functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision–making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– May serve as lead support staff and/or provide basic direction to lower level support staff
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers or volunteers

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– Handles financial transactions
– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets for specific area and/or grant(s)

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems; occasionally faces more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May use experience to resolve more complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of institutional policies and procedures in determining course of action

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and/or the University
– May communicate with external audiences for scheduling/coordination
– Collaborates closely with team members; may interact with other staff outside of area
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly and accurately both verbally and in written materials that may be intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 6
• Minimum – $42,100.00
• MidPoint – $51,600.00
• Maximum – $61,000.00