Graduate AI Research Assistant — Scheduling & Automation

The Pennsylvania State University; Paxtonia (PA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

The Graduate Research Assistant position at The Pennsylvania State University supports research, data analysis, process improvement, and AI exploration for a more efficient academic scheduling process. The role involves data collection, AI tool evaluation, and documentation across multiple project tasks in a collaborative environment.

Selected applicants must be enrolled as graduate students and have interests in analytics, information systems, or AI-related fields.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience working with data, databases, or process mapping.
• Familiarity with AI tools, automation technologies, or programming languages (e.g., Python, SQL, Power Automate, Copilot).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with a multidisciplinary project team.

Responsibilities

• Collect, organize, and analyze historical scheduling, enrollment, classroom utilization, and related data using Excel and other tools.
• Conduct literature reviews and environmental scans on AI in higher education scheduling and automation.
• Evaluate AI-enabled technologies for potential scheduling applications.
• Document current workflows and identify opportunities for automation and standardization.
• Assist with data reconciliation, validation, and preparation of scheduling datasets.
• Support development of reports, presentations, and grant deliverables for stakeholders.
• Participate in project meetings with faculty, administrators, and campus partners.
• Perform other research and administrative tasks in support of grant objectives.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Excel & data analysis

Python or SQL

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Tools

Excel

Power Automate

Copilot

UiPath

Infosilem

Python

SQL

Job description

The Graduate Research Assistant position at The Pennsylvania State University supports research, data analysis, process improvement, and AI exploration for a more efficient academic scheduling process. The role involves data collection, AI tool evaluation, and documentation across multiple project tasks in a collaborative environment.

Selected applicants must be enrolled as graduate students and have interests in analytics, information systems, or AI-related fields.