Penn State Job Catalog

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

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Human Research Technologist - Social Sciences

The Human Research Technologist - Social Sciences develops, designs and conducts research projects/experiments in the laboratory/field related to Social Science topics of study including human services, political science, sociology and psychology; investigates and evaluates research methods, advises faculty/researchers on optimal use of methodology; collects, correlates, analyzes, summarizes and reports on results; identifies data integrity issues; trains users in equipment operation and research techniques; and oversees daily operations of project.

• Design and execute social science research projects
• Recruit subjects for research studies; inform participants of study risks and benefits
• Draft, develop, and review protocols; ensure adherence to protocol throughout study process; recommend protocol improvements or revisions
• Design project materials including participant forms, questionnaires, reports, surveys, and data collection instruments
• Develop data collection methods and materials; collect, code, verify, analyze, summarize, and report on data from assessments, surveys, interviews, studies, and polls
• Maintain collaborative relationships with external partners including partnering community and government agencies; develop community education resources and tools
• Draft, review, and submit Institutional Review Board (IRB) documents and modifications; oversee and monitor compliance with internal and external regulations
• Provide project updates to stakeholders; monitor project timelines and deliverables; maintain project documentation
• Author reports and papers; disseminate data to stakeholders and broader research community; create visual representations to present data

Level:

– Senior Supervisor

Base Description:

– Supervises direct reports, but primarily completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge to perform own work; spends majority of time on tasks related to own job responsibilities. May demonstrate subject matter expertise. Demonstrates intermediate to advanced planning, organizing, directing, and facilitating skills. Demonstrates the ability to coach assigned employees. Assigns and reviews completed work to verify accuracy, quality, and adherence to professional standards. Trains, coaches, mentors, and motivates staff. Anticipates potential problems, issues, and opportunities; researches and recommends solutions within defined policies. May develop creative recommendations for solving problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Typically oversees at least 2 full–time direct reports or equivalent team of part–time and/or student workers (for Professional track, performs work at the Senior Professional level or higher)

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– Monitors and tracks budgets for specific area and/or grant(s)
– May assist in planning and forecasting budgets

Problem Solving:

– Encounters moderately complex problems
– Applies general precedents and practices and specialized knowledge and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations and impact of potential solutions
– Anticipates potential problems and recommends possible solutions within general guidelines

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on moderately complex work assignments, reviews progress, and evaluates results
– Organizes work of direct reports and sets team priorities
– Reviews the work of others to verify accuracy, quality, and adherence to professional standards

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
– Collaborates closely with team members; may interact with other staff outside of area
– Utilizes a communication style that is appropriate for a given situation
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 7
• Minimum – $46,400.00
• MidPoint – $56,800.00
• Maximum – $67,300.00