Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.
Missing levels within the leveling matrix can be added based on business need.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Research Technologist - Physical Sciences

The Research Technologist - Physical Sciences supports the design, execution, and analysis of laboratory and field-based research projects within disciplines such as Astronomy, Earth Sciences, Geology, Chemistry, and Physics; applies established scientific methods to analyze physical and environmental materials; supports data-driven research; contributes to the development and refinement of laboratory methodologies; collaborates closely with faculty and research staff.

• Conduct laboratory and/or field-based experiments in support of physical sciences research projects
• Apply established theories, principles, and methods to analyze geological, environmental, or material samples
• Ensure adherence to research protocols, safety standards, and quality assurance procedures
• Monitor experiment progress and document deviations or anomalies
• Develop and execute data collection procedures and workflows
• Collect, validate, and analyze quantitative and qualitative data
• Identify and resolve data integrity or quality issues
• Summarize findings and prepare reports, datasets, and visualizations for internal and external use
• Contribute to the design and refinement of research methodologies and experimental approaches
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to analytical techniques, instrumentation, and workflows
• Troubleshoot technical issues and propose practical, scientifically sound solutions
• Collaborate with faculty and research staff to support study design, feasibility assessments, and project execution
• Contribute to manuscripts, literature reviews, grant proposals, technical reports, and presentations
• Provide technical guidance on the selection and use of laboratory equipment and analytical tools
• Operate, maintain, and calibrate laboratory instruments and specialized equipment
• Train students, staff, and research personnel in proper laboratory techniques and equipment use
• Communicate capabilities, limitations, and best practices for instrumentation and methodologies
• Support day-to-day laboratory operations, including sample tracking, workflow coordination, and documentation
• Assist in maintaining organized lab spaces, inventories, and equipment readiness
• Contribute to project planning to ensure timelines, quality standards, and resource efficiency are met
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Level:

– Professional

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates baseline working knowledge of routine work tasks. Follows the standard principles and practices. Acts under direct and frequent supervision using established procedures with detailed instructions. Participates as a team member and actively contributes to completion of team goals. Clearly communicates information.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– None

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– Typically none

Problem Solving:

– Encounters routine problems
– Follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems

Independence of Action:

– Work is closely monitored by supervisor
– Detailed instructions and procedures are provided
– Applies standard operating procedures with limited guidelines for deviation

Communication and Collaboration:

– Typically communicates internally within working unit
– Collaborates closely with team members
– Clearly communicates information, ideas, or instructions verbally and in writing

• Comp Grade – 4
• Minimum – $34,800.00
• MidPoint – $42,600.00
• Maximum – $50,500.00

• Academic writing
• Feasibility studies
• Policy analysis
• Presentation Skills
• Project Management
• Regulatory compliance
• Research methods
• Training & Development