Computational Scientist
Summary
- Job Category:
- Research Support
- Job Title:
- Computational Scientist
- Job Category Definition:
- This specialty covers the design, implementation and evaluation of various research projects. Functions include providing support in areas such as instrumentation, data management, laboratory operations and general administration.
- Job Title Definition:
- The Computational Scientist collaborates with research faculty and other research computing personnel on the development and innovative application of advanced simulation, data analysis, visual analytics or other computational techniques to research problems in the sciences, engineering, or other disciplines for which computational approaches are significant; works closely with faculty and research computing staff to develop and/or deploy computational approaches to research, such as more effective algorithms, programming methods, software tools, and underlying systems, in order to facilitate deeper understanding or shorter time to discovery for Penn State research in many disciplines; plans, conducts, coordinates and/or leads collaborative efforts in the integration of complex computational methods, systems and/or services within diverse research and teaching activities; works to standardize such services within a service portfolio and to communicate existing and new services to various user communities; evaluates findings to develop new concepts, methods, processes or systems, or to develop applications of findings to new uses; prepares technical reports and other documentation for use by faculty, research support or management personnel for long-and short-range projects and planning. Duties are performed at various levels within the defined title.
- Working Conditions:
- Specific physical requirements and effort are outlined in Job Responsibilities Worksheet (list of essential job duties and responsibilities specific to a particular job at the unit level) in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
- Other Requirements:
- Security clearance and/or U.S. citizenship may be required.
Levels
Level 2
| Job Code | Salary Band | FLSA Status |
|---|---|---|
| RERS0102 | J | Exempt |
Level 2 positions typically demonstrate intermediate knowledge of the concepts, practices and procedures of a particular field of specialization; perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas/applications by continuously building on current job knowledge; maintain effective relationships with peers, vendors, and others in a diverse environment; support team decisions and follow through with team responsibilities; interpret information, ideas and instructions and communicate clearly and accurately both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; determine causes of unusual occurrences and apply standard principles and practices to determine and implement solutions; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; typically work under general supervision, while performing assignments that are varied and that may be somewhat difficult in character, but usually involve limited responsibility.
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2+ years related experience Bachelor’s Degree or higher in a field of study with focus on computational research methods Or an equivalent combination of education and experience Security clearance and/or U.S. citizenship may be required. |
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This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.
Level 3
| Job Code | Salary Band | FLSA Status |
|---|---|---|
| RERS0103 | K | Exempt |
Level 3 positions typically demonstrate proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications to integrate fundamental elements from other specialties into work assignments; apply knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization to complete difficult assignments; promote a culture that is conducive to effective relationships among diverse team members; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; may lead a project team involved in completion of difficult assignments, requiring proficient knowledge of field of specialization; interpret and communicate information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; incorporate new facts and ideas into group processes and apply creative thinking to develop new solutions; typically work with minimal supervision on difficult assignments, conferring with manager on unusual matters.
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5+ years related experience Bachelor’s Degree or higher in a field of study with focus on computational research methods; Master’s Degree preferred Or an equivalent combination of education and experience Security clearance and/or U.S. citizenship may be required. |
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This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.
Level 4
| Job Code | Salary Band | FLSA Status |
|---|---|---|
| RERS0104 | L | Exempt |
Level 4 positions typically demonstrate advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization and complete complex assignments; integrate complex elements from other specialties into work assignments; demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusionary practices which support diversity throughout the University; establish a shared vision and take responsibility for the achievement of team goals, and provide direction for appropriate implementation of plans; present ideas, concepts and instructions in a clear manner, and use persuasion and negotiation to build consensus and cooperation; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; develop new techniques, concepts, theories, programs or solutions and apply them to complex strategic operating issues; typically work independently on complex work assignments, review progress and evaluate results and update management as appropriate; may direct and delegate work to lower-level staff.
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3+ years related experience Master’s Degree or higher in a field of study with focus on computational research methods Or an equivalent combination of education and experience Security clearance and/or U.S. citizenship may be required. |
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This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.
Level 5
| Job Code | Salary Band | FLSA Status |
|---|---|---|
| RERS0105 | M | Exempt |
Level 5 positions typically extend mastery of job knowledge to the principles, theories and practices of related specialties; expand knowledge of best practices and incorporate into all work assignments and procedures; evaluate and enhance current practices and efforts to ensure optimal support of diversity; oversee leadership of teams and projects that involve extensive cooperation and coordination between multiple departments across the University or with external customers; prepare written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on highly complex issues and deliver to a broad variety of audiences; identify and implement innovative solutions to important, highly complex strategic and/or operational issues which may involve unusual circumstances and incomplete or conflicting data; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; work independently on highly complex or strategic assignments; may direct and supervise lower-level staff.
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8+ years related experience Master’s Degree or higher in a field of study with focus on computational research methods Or an equivalent combination of education and experience Security clearance and/or U.S. citizenship may be required. |
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This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.