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:

– Supervisor

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates appropriate knowledge to perform own work; spends majority of time on tasks related to own job responsibilities. Demonstrates baseline planning, organizing, directing, and facilitating skills. Reviews completed work of others to verify accuracy and quality. Follows recommended approaches to assigned work. Supervises assigned staff and coordinates routine work activities. Monitors employee interactions and facilitates a productive working environment. Communicates instructions and policies in a consistent, effective and timely manner. Identifies and addresses concerns appropriately. Makes recommendations for possible solutions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

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

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets for specific area and/or grant(s)

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows standard operating procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems
– Applies proven and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on difficult work assignments, conferring with manager on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– Organizes work of direct reports and may set priorities within general guidelines established by manager
– Reviews the work of others to verify accuracy, quality, and conformance to required procedures and special instructions

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 and accurately both verbally and in written materials

• Comp Grade – 12
• Minimum – $76,700.00
• MidPoint – $95,900.00
• Maximum – $115,100.00