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Penn State Job Catalog

Research Data Management Specialist – Intermediate Professional (PSU1390)

Additional Levels

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

Job Strings

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Research Data Management



Job Summary

The Research Data Management Specialist evaluates, develops, and maintains data management solutions for research teams; provides expertise and consultation related to data management processes including data retrieval, processing, verification, and quality control; and programs and tests data entry and management applications.

Representative Duties

  • Evaluate data management systems and develop processes for data acquisition, entry, verification, validation, and processing
  • Develop and maintain research datasets; create process algorithms; maintain data stores; establish data environment for a research team
  • Identify areas for enhancements to improve data quality and data collection/processing efficiency; monitor data quality and communicate issues to internal project team and external research staff
  • Program, test, maintain, and define specifications for data entry applications for manual data entry or electronic data capture
  • Develop and maintain coding schemes; import, convert, and merge data files; design and track queries
  • Define and execute processes for identifying potential data problems due to transcription, keying, or recording errors
  • Program data validation checks and reports to identify potential problem data
  • Plan, execute, and document data audits; design and create data quality reports
  • Create and implement data management training sessions for research staff

Level Matrix

Level:
Intermediate Professional
Base Description:
– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.
Level Summary:
– Demonstrates ability to perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas. Demonstrates intermediate knowledge of internal procedures. Works under general supervision, performing assignments that may be varied and sometimes difficult. Supports team decisions and follows through with team responsibilities. Interprets and communicates information clearly and accurately. Demonstrates intermediate problem–solving skills.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers or volunteers
Fiscal Responsibilities:
– May validate and pay invoices
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
– Applies knowledge of larger unit goals, priorities, and related procedures in determining course of action
Independence of Action:
– Work is generally monitored by supervisor
– Detailed instructions and procedures are generally provided
– Uses available guidelines to make appropriate adaptations to routine situations and refers other situations to supervisor
Communication and Collaboration:
– Communicates internally within working unit and/or the University
– May communicate with external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly and accurately both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution
Salary Structure
  • Comp Grade – 8
  • Minimum – $51,000.00
  • MidPoint – $62,500.00
  • Maximum – $74,000.00
FLSA Exemption Status
Exempt
Minimum Education
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum Experience
1+ years of relevant experience
Equivalency
Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Additional Job Requirements