Digital Storytelling & Civic Engagement Research Assistant

Penn State; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

The AI and Data Infrastructures Learning Lab (AIDILL) at Penn State University seeks an Undergraduate Research Assistant to support the VOICE-DC project on civic engagement around data centers. The role involves qualitative research support, transcription, and preparing materials for analysis and dissemination.

You will help create graphics, story maps, podcasts, and public-facing content, with flexible scheduling and a total of 100 hours for Fall 2026–Spring 2027.

Qualifications

• Strong written communication and attention to detail.
• Experience creating graphics or visual materials.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with a team.
• Familiarity with digital media tools (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, ArcGIS StoryMaps).
• Interest in qualitative, community-engaged research.

Responsibilities

• Produce high-quality transcripts of interviews and meetings.
• Assist with qualitative data organization and materials prep.
• Create graphics, figures, and visual resources for dissemination.
• Support podcast production and storytelling assets.
• Develop StoryMaps and website content; manage digital archives.
• Conduct literature searches and support citations as needed.
• Attend team meetings and contribute to research resources.

Skills

Written communication

Attention to detail

Organization skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Undergraduate student

Tools

Canva

Adobe Creative Suite

ArcGIS StoryMaps

Podcast editing software

Website content creation

Job description

The AI and Data Infrastructures Learning Lab (AIDILL) at Penn State University seeks an Undergraduate Research Assistant to support the VOICE-DC project on civic engagement around data centers. The role involves qualitative research support, transcription, and preparing materials for analysis and dissemination.

You will help create graphics, story maps, podcasts, and public-facing content, with flexible scheduling and a total of 100 hours for Fall 2026–Spring 2027.