Penn State Job Catalog

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

The Research Technologist - Plant Sciences examines, tests, and diagnoses plant disease; communicates diagnosis and disease management information to clients. This position also manages laboratory facilities, budgets, and personnel.

• Responsible for the identification of plant diseases; direct best practices regarding the analysis and diagnosis of samples submitted to the clinic
• Perform literature reviews and synthesis; attend scientific meetings and workshops
• Communicate diagnosis and disease management strategies to extension personnel, commercial growers, and homeowners in Pennsylvania
• Implement strategic goals and processes aimed at improving the quality of diagnostic and educational services; evaluate current methods and recommend solutions
• Research, evaluate, and implement new technologies
• Develop educational materials; provide instruction to students, diagnosticians, extension educators, and others
• Assess educational needs; develop and manage educational programs and resources
• Serve as primary investigator; apply for funding and manage the clinic budget
• Hire, train, supervise, and develop personnel

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