Penn State Job Catalog

The Lab Coordinator - Social Sciences is responsible for coordinating operational activities in a research or instructional laboratory. The Lab Coordinator ensures laboratory security, efficiency, and quality control; serves as safety officer; assists with planning labs, experiments, and research projects; provides instruction and support to students; contributes to research project advancement; ensures equipment and material availability; maintains relationships with agencies, contractors, vendors; complies and reports project funding, sourcing, and research progress data; assists with grants and proposals.

• Coordinate operational activities in social sciences research or instructional laboratories; provide support services to researchers, faculty, students, and technologists
• Oversee laboratory security, efficiency, and quality control; develop and implement policies, procedures, and protocols
• Mange and organize laboratory schedules; promote upcoming events and research opportunities to generate interest in research activities
• Serve as laboratory safety officer; ensure laboratories and equipment are maintained and operated in compliance with safety regulations; maintain records
• Assist faculty and researchers plan labs and classroom activities; make equipment, material, and supply recommendations, as necessary
• Provide academic activity support; guide students during lab activities including field opportunities and research projects; review, analyze, and advise on project feasibility; schedule laboratories and facilitate set up/tear down; provide class coverage; proctor exams
• Contribute to research project advancement; collect, compile, and process data
• Compile project funding and sourcing information; develop and maintain source relationships; assist with research and grant proposals
• Coordinate equipment, supply, and lab purchases; reconcile invoices and maintain records; establish and maintain vendor and sales representative relationships; maintain inventory
• Coordinate use and reporting of research budget and funds
• Report laboratory use and research progress data, including testing activities and technical issues; write reports and maintain logs

Level:

– Professional

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates baseline working knowledge of routine work tasks. Follows the standard principles and practices. Acts under direct and frequent supervision using established procedures with detailed instructions. Participates as a team member and actively contributes to completion of team goals. Clearly communicates information.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– None

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– Typically none

Problem Solving:

– Encounters routine problems
– Follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems

Independence of Action:

– Work is closely monitored by supervisor
– Detailed instructions and procedures are provided
– Applies standard operating procedures with limited guidelines for deviation

Communication and Collaboration:

– Typically communicates internally within working unit
– Collaborates closely with team members
– Clearly communicates information, ideas, or instructions verbally and in writing

• Comp Grade – 5
• Minimum – $38,300.00
• MidPoint – $46,900.00
• Maximum – $55,500.00