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:

– Advanced Professional

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. 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:

– Indirect supervisor or mentor 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
– May monitor/track budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

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

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

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

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