Penn State Job Catalog

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

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Research Technologist - Life Sciences

The Research Technologist - Life Sciences develops, designs and conducts research projects/experiments in the laboratory/field related to Life Science disciplines including neuroscience, plant science, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, genomics, bioinformatics, and biotechnology; investigates and evaluates research methods, advises faculty/researchers on optimal use of methodology and equipment; collects, correlates, analyzes, summarizes and reports on results; identifies data integrity issues; trains users in equipment operation and research techniques; and oversees daily operations of project.

• Conduct research projects or experiments related to life science areas of study; ensure protocol adherence; review progress and evaluate results
• Perform a variety of experimental tasks including assays, material tests, specimen evaluation, and cultures
• Execute and develop data collection procedures; record, correlate, and analyze data; prepare analysis summaries
• Contribute to the design of research methods; identify potential problems; recommend solutions and technical approaches for problem solving
• Make recommendations for the use of data collection, management, and visualization software
• Train users in equipment operation and research techniques; explain and demonstrate technology and equipment capabilities, limitations, and outcomes
• Develop project protocols; provide input in determining feasibility of goals and objectives; responsible for assuring quality, cost effectiveness and timeliness of assigned projects
• Author papers, proposals, presentations and reports in order to disseminate findings to the larger research community
• May be responsible for operation of a specialized research area or laboratory
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Level:

– Senior Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field. Works independently on moderately complex work assignments under limited oversight, reviews progress, and evaluates results. Monitors work and projects ensuring timeliness, quality, and efficiency. Identifies and mobilizes resources to achieve outcomes. Trains others and reviews progress with management. Presents ideas, concepts, and instructions in a clear and persuasive manner. Develops new techniques, concepts, and approaches and applies them to moderately complex and strategic and/or operational issues.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– Monitors and tracks budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters moderately complex problems
– Applies specialized knowledge and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations, and impact of potential solutions

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on moderately complex work assignments, reviews progress, and evaluates results
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor
– May review the work of others to verify accuracy and conformance to required procedures and special instructions

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and the University
– Communicates with external audiences for scheduling/coordination
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Coaches others in using appropriate strategies for resolving conflict; negotiating reasonable compromises; and proposing and evaluating possible solutions
– Give candid and constructive feedback to others to influence and persuade managers and employees to accept and implement findings and recommendations

• Comp Grade – 8
• Minimum – $51,000.00
• MidPoint – $62,500.00
• Maximum – $74,000.00