Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.
Missing levels within the leveling matrix can be added based on business need.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Research Technologist - Physical Sciences

The Research Technologist - Physical Sciences supports the design, execution, and analysis of laboratory and field-based research projects within disciplines such as Astronomy, Earth Sciences, Geology, Chemistry, and Physics; applies established scientific methods to analyze physical and environmental materials; supports data-driven research; contributes to the development and refinement of laboratory methodologies; collaborates closely with faculty and research staff.

• Conduct laboratory and/or field-based experiments in support of physical sciences research projects
• Apply established theories, principles, and methods to analyze geological, environmental, or material samples
• Ensure adherence to research protocols, safety standards, and quality assurance procedures
• Monitor experiment progress and document deviations or anomalies
• Develop and execute data collection procedures and workflows
• Collect, validate, and analyze quantitative and qualitative data
• Identify and resolve data integrity or quality issues
• Summarize findings and prepare reports, datasets, and visualizations for internal and external use
• Contribute to the design and refinement of research methodologies and experimental approaches
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to analytical techniques, instrumentation, and workflows
• Troubleshoot technical issues and propose practical, scientifically sound solutions
• Collaborate with faculty and research staff to support study design, feasibility assessments, and project execution
• Contribute to manuscripts, literature reviews, grant proposals, technical reports, and presentations
• Provide technical guidance on the selection and use of laboratory equipment and analytical tools
• Operate, maintain, and calibrate laboratory instruments and specialized equipment
• Train students, staff, and research personnel in proper laboratory techniques and equipment use
• Communicate capabilities, limitations, and best practices for instrumentation and methodologies
• Support day-to-day laboratory operations, including sample tracking, workflow coordination, and documentation
• Assist in maintaining organized lab spaces, inventories, and equipment readiness
• Contribute to project planning to ensure timelines, quality standards, and resource efficiency are met
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Level:

– Senior Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field. Works independently on moderately complex work assignments under limited oversight, reviews progress, and evaluates results. Monitors work and projects ensuring timeliness, quality, and efficiency. Identifies and mobilizes resources to achieve outcomes. Trains others and reviews progress with management. Presents ideas, concepts, and instructions in a clear and persuasive manner. Develops new techniques, concepts, and approaches and applies them to moderately complex and strategic and/or operational issues.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor 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
– Monitors and tracks budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters moderately complex problems
– Applies specialized knowledge and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations, and impact of potential solutions

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on moderately complex work assignments, reviews progress, and evaluates results
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor
– May review the work of others to verify accuracy 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
– Coaches others in using appropriate strategies for resolving conflict; negotiating reasonable compromises; and proposing and evaluating possible solutions
– Give candid and constructive feedback to others to influence and persuade managers and employees to accept and implement findings and recommendations

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

• Academic writing
• Feasibility studies
• Policy analysis
• Presentation Skills
• Project Management
• Regulatory compliance
• Research methods
• Training & Development