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.

Human Research Technologist - Social Sciences

The Human Research Technologist - Social Sciences develops, designs and conducts research projects/experiments in the laboratory/field related to Social Science topics of study including human services, political science, sociology and psychology; investigates and evaluates research methods, advises faculty/researchers on optimal use of methodology; collects, correlates, analyzes, summarizes and reports on results; identifies data integrity issues; trains users in equipment operation and research techniques; and oversees daily operations of project.

• Design and execute social science research projects
• Recruit subjects for research studies; inform participants of study risks and benefits
• Draft, develop, and review protocols; ensure adherence to protocol throughout study process; recommend protocol improvements or revisions
• Design project materials including participant forms, questionnaires, reports, surveys, and data collection instruments
• Develop data collection methods and materials; collect, code, verify, analyze, summarize, and report on data from assessments, surveys, interviews, studies, and polls
• Maintain collaborative relationships with external partners including partnering community and government agencies; develop community education resources and tools
• Draft, review, and submit Institutional Review Board (IRB) documents and modifications; oversee and monitor compliance with internal and external regulations
• Provide project updates to stakeholders; monitor project timelines and deliverables; maintain project documentation
• Author reports and papers; disseminate data to stakeholders and broader research community; create visual representations to present data

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