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.

Research Computing Facilitation

The Research Computing Facilitation Specialist supports and enhances the computational capabilities of the research community; provides expert guidance on the use of computational resources, such as high-performance computing clusters and clouds (HPC); facilitates the integration of research tools and technologies; contributes to a collaborative environment that accelerates research innovation.

• Provide complex technical support for research computing hardware and software utilizing computational resources and tools
• Support the setup, configuration, and troubleshooting of research computing environments, including high-performance computing (HPC) systems and cloud-based platforms
• Collaborate with IT teams and other departments to ensure seamless integration of research tools and technologies
• Initiate an investigation of problems and provide innovative solution approaches to the scientific program and/or hardware problems; use peer networks and vendor interfaces to determine the source of the problem; lead or take corrective action
• Escalate complex incidents or issues to Research Computing Systems or Software Engineers
• Monitor the utilization of computational resources, ensuring optimal performance and availability
• Work with researchers to analyze their requirements and initiate new project concepts; present technical proposals
• Implement security policies and protocols
• Develop and deliver training sessions and workshops to educate researchers on best practices and emerging technologies
• Review, update, and maintain documentation to ensure processes and procedures, workflows, and training manuals are current
• Assist in the development and implementation of policies and procedures for the use of research computing resources
• Stay current with technology advancements and recommend improvements or upgrades as needed
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

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 – 13
• Minimum – $86,300.00
• MidPoint – $107,900.00
• Maximum – $129,500.00