Penn State Job Catalog

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

The Core Research Technologist provides consultation and guidance for users on specialized research methods and techniques within a core lab facility; guides users on experimental design, instrument capabilities, and analysis techniques; provides data reports for customers; oversees daily lab operations related to safety, compliance, inventory, scheduling, and budget; ensures the availability of high-quality services for the University research community.

• Apply knowledge of scientific principles, concepts, and methods to design, update, document, and execute experimental protocols; develop operating procedures for a core lab facility
• Collaborate with investigators to develop specialized research procedures, experiments, or simulations; leverage the facility’s specialized equipment or services
• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and quality control of research instruments; evaluate performance to ensure accurate results; consult customers on instrument capabilities and procedures; deliver training for users
• Manage and analyze sample data; develop result reports for customers and investigators
• Provide guidance and consultation for lab users related to theories, experimental design, instrument and technology operation, and analysis techniques; align methods with research goals; identify and solve analytical challenges to ensure experimental success
• Receive lab supplies and monitor inventory; ensure the efficiency and safety of the research environment; ensure daily lab operations are compliant with University, sponsor, and federal rules and regulations
• Maintain core facility systems and applications related to daily operations including scheduling, ordering, and billing activities
• Oversee lab safety including delivering training, developing safety protocols, and maintaining safety and compliance documentation
• Review scientific literature and participate in seminars or workshops to maintain awareness of new technologies; provide input for the testing and adoption of new methods
• Develop and deliver educational courses and workshops; promote the activities and emerging technologies of the lab through tours and demonstrations
• Provide input for the development of new core services; participate in multidisciplinary research collaborations that advance and extend the core’s research capabilities and impact

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 – 9
• Minimum – $56,200.00
• MidPoint – $68,800.00
• Maximum – $81,500.00