Penn State Job Catalog

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

The Core Research Technologist provides consultation and guidance for users on specialized research methods and techniques within a core lab facility; guides users on experimental design, instrument capabilities, and analysis techniques; provides data reports for customers; oversees daily lab operations related to safety, compliance, inventory, scheduling, and budget; ensures the availability of high-quality services for the University research community.

• Apply knowledge of scientific principles, concepts, and methods to design, update, document, and execute experimental protocols; develop operating procedures for a core lab facility
• Collaborate with investigators to develop specialized research procedures, experiments, or simulations; leverage the facility’s specialized equipment or services
• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and quality control of research instruments; evaluate performance to ensure accurate results; consult customers on instrument capabilities and procedures; deliver training for users
• Manage and analyze sample data; develop result reports for customers and investigators
• Provide guidance and consultation for lab users related to theories, experimental design, instrument and technology operation, and analysis techniques; align methods with research goals; identify and solve analytical challenges to ensure experimental success
• Receive lab supplies and monitor inventory; ensure the efficiency and safety of the research environment; ensure daily lab operations are compliant with University, sponsor, and federal rules and regulations
• Maintain core facility systems and applications related to daily operations including scheduling, ordering, and billing activities
• Oversee lab safety including delivering training, developing safety protocols, and maintaining safety and compliance documentation
• Review scientific literature and participate in seminars or workshops to maintain awareness of new technologies; provide input for the testing and adoption of new methods
• Develop and deliver educational courses and workshops; promote the activities and emerging technologies of the lab through tours and demonstrations
• Provide input for the development of new core services; participate in multidisciplinary research collaborations that advance and extend the core’s research capabilities and impact

Level:

– Principal Professional

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Displays mastery of defined skill areas/applications, principles, theories and practices. Evaluates and enhances existing practices. Recognizes emerging trends in area of expertise. Works independently on complex or strategic assignments. Directs and delegates appropriate tasks to others. Implements strategies to ensure achievement of initiatives. Prepares written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on complex issues and deliver to broad audiences. Identifies and implements innovative solutions to important, highly complex 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:

– Validates and pays invoices
– Monitors and tracks budgets and funding
– May plan and forecast budgets

Problem Solving:

– Encounters complex and novel problems
– Applies policies, practices, specialized knowledge, and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations, and impact of potential solutions
– Anticipates potential problems and recommends possible solutions within general guidelines

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on complex or strategic assignments
– Uses existing practices as guidelines as well as working knowledge to determine specific work methods
– Carries out work activities independently, with supervisor available to resolve problems
– Reviews work of others to verify technical soundness

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates with both internal and external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members and area leads across the University
– Prepares written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on complex issues and delivers to a broad variety of audiences
– Establishes and maintains networks to facilitate successful communication among units

• Comp Grade – 10
• Minimum – $61,800.00
• MidPoint – $75,700.00
• Maximum – $89,600.00