Human Research Technologist

Penn State University; United States; Remote; USD 38,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University seeks a full-time Human Research Technologist for its Family and Community Medicine Department. The role involves executing food-related health initiatives, managing clinical trials, and delivering nutrition education to SNAP-eligible populations. Candidates must be fluent in Spanish, with strong communication and collaborative skills, and possess an Associate Degree.

Benefits

75% tuition discount for employees and families

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Substantial paid time off including holidays and vacation

Qualifications

• Associate Degree with no prior relevant work experience required.
• Ability to manage clinical trial protocols and nutrition education programs.
• Spanish fluency required for diverse community interactions.

Responsibilities

• Assist with patient-facing tasks for Veggie Rx program.
• Recruit, screen, and manage data for research participants.
• Conduct nutrition education and food tastings in low-income communities.

Skills

Spanish Language Fluency

Exceptional Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Education

Associate Degree

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

This position is funded for 12 months; continuation past 12 months will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Penn State Department of Family and Community Medicine is seeking a full-time Human Research Technologist, who will work on a variety of Food as Medicine initiatives related to diet and healthy lifestyles. The Human Research Technologist will be funded through the National Institute of Health (NIH) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed). This person will play a key role executing patient-facing tasks for a fruit and vegetable prescription program called Veggie Rx and assisting in all aspects of our SNAP Education community-based programming.

Tasks for the clinical trial include the following, assisting with IRB protocols and associated documents and approvals; recruiting, screening, consenting, and retaining research participants, data management and reporting; and assisting with writing and disseminating scholarly work in a variety of settings. This project involves working with an interdisciplinary team of researchers and clinicians (including epidemiologists, MD/DOs, psychologists, registered dietitians, social workers, nurse practitioners, and other allied health professionals). As part of our SNAP-Ed work this candidate will be responsible for providing nutrition education, food tastings, and cooking demonstrations to diverse groups of people who are SNAP eligible in low-income community settings such as community gardens, food pantries, after school programs, senior centers, and clinics (children, adults, and families). Many of our research and community participant contacts are Spanish speaking and making Spanish language fluency a requirement and familiarity with a variety of Hispanic and Latino cultures a significant plus.

This candidate must have exceptional oral and written communication skills. Candidates should be able to both work independently and in a team environment. They must also have the ability to contribute to the Penn State College of Medicine and FCM’s missions.

To apply, candidates should upload a cover letter with a summary of relevant skills, statement of research interests and goals, current resume, and contact information (name, position title, institution, e-mail address) for at least two professional references. The successful candidate must pass a background check. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is closed.

The FCM Research Division has a dynamic team of researchers involved in diverse, collaborative, primary care-based research, including cancer prevention and survivorship, healthy lifestyles, disease prevention, mental health, pain, substance use, health disparities, and more. Our campus is located in the beautiful town of Hershey, which features a high quality of life including excellent schools, numerous venues for indoor and outdoor activities, and proximity to major metropolitan centers.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Associate Degree No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education. Required Certifications: None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $38,300.00 - $55,500.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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