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:

– Advanced Professional

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor or mentor 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
– May monitor/track budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 12
• Minimum – $76,700.00
• MidPoint – $95,900.00
• Maximum – $115,100.00