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Penn State Job Catalog

Research Data Management Specialist – Advanced Professional (PSU1391)

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:
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
Salary Structure
  • Comp Grade – 9
  • Minimum – $56,200.00
  • MidPoint – $68,800.00
  • Maximum – $81,500.00
FLSA Exemption Status
Exempt
Minimum Education
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum Experience
3+ years of relevant experience
Equivalency
Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Additional Job Requirements