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:

– Intermediate Professional

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates ability to perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas. Demonstrates intermediate knowledge of internal procedures. Works under general supervision, performing assignments that may be varied and sometimes difficult. Supports team decisions and follows through with team responsibilities. Interprets and communicates information clearly and accurately. Demonstrates intermediate problem–solving skills.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers or volunteers

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems; occasionally faces more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– Applies knowledge of larger unit goals, priorities, and related procedures in determining course of action

Independence of Action:

– Work is generally monitored by supervisor
– Detailed instructions and procedures are generally provided
– Uses available guidelines to make appropriate adaptations to routine situations and refers other situations to supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and/or the University
– May communicate with external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly and accurately both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 6
• Minimum – $42,100.00
• MidPoint – $51,600.00
• Maximum – $61,000.00