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:

– 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 – 13
• Minimum – $86,300.00
• MidPoint – $107,900.00
• Maximum – $129,500.00