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Penn State Job Catalog

Human Research Technologist - Social Sciences – Senior Professional (PSU2039)

Additional Levels
Job Strings

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Human Research Technologist - Social Sciences



Job Summary

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.

Representative Duties

  • 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 Matrix

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
Salary Structure
  • Comp Grade – 7
  • Minimum – $46,400.00
  • MidPoint – $56,800.00
  • Maximum – $67,300.00
FLSA Exemption Status
Non-Exempt
Minimum Education
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum Experience
6+ years of relevant experience
Equivalency
Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Additional Job Requirements