Human Research Technologist - Cognition, Affect, and Temperament Laboratory

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

The Cognition, Affect, and Temperament Laboratory at Penn State is seeking a Human Research Technologist to support a multi-year HEALthy Brain and Child Development study. The role centers on recruiting families, coordinating visits, and collecting behavioral data, EEG with young children, and related biological samples.

You may work evenings/weekends to meet study goals. Collaboration across sites (Hershey) is possible, with cross-site training opportunities and a supportive academic

Qualifications

• Associate degree with 2+ years relevant experience or equivalent.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Willingness to learn computer skills (MS Word/Excel/PowerPoint).
• Experience with infants/children is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Recruit participants and coordinate visit scheduling and consent forms.
• Collect and process data from participants and prepare materials for visits.
• Attend study meetings and trainings; assist with EEG data collection.
• Contribute to data collection including biological samples and MRI when needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Collaboration

Computer skills

Infant/child experience

Education

Associate Degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Position Overview

The Cognition, Affect, and Temperament Laboratory, headed by Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar at Penn State, is seeking a Human Research Technologist to work on the longitudinal, multi-year NIDA-funded HEALthy Brain and Child Development study. This study focuses on pregnant people and their children in the areas of neurodevelopment, behavior, learning, environmental factors, substance exposure, and cognitive functioning. The majority of the Human Research Technologist’s time will be spent working directly with participants and their families through phone calls, email exchanges, and/or face-to-face interactions.

Responsibilities

• Recruitment of participants Coordination of visit scheduling and consent form completion Collect and process data from participants Prepare and process materials needed for each research visit Attend lab meetings, team meetings, and trainings Serve on designated committees within the study when appropriate Data collection will focus on behavioral assessments of infant and early childhood development, as well as electroencephalograms (EEG) with infants and young children.
• Other data collection components include biological sample collection and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Important Note: The Human Research Technologist will be required to perform weekend and evening work as needed to complete the study’s goals. This work will take advantage of the University’s broad resources, including the Child Study Center and the SLEIC Center.

This is a two-site study in collaboration with Dr. Aleksandra Zgierska at Penn State’s College of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania. As such, study personnel will have cross-site, virtual training opportunities.

Qualifications

• Good interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with others
• Willingness to learn and develop computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and other programs)
• Professional experience working with infants and/or children is highly desirable.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS If filled as Human Research Technologist - Social Sciences - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Associate Degree 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Human Research Technologist - Social Sciences - Professional, this position requires: Associate Degree No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education. Required Certifications: None

Additional Information: Questions may be addressed to the leaders of the study, Megan Zinobile at [e-mail] or Dr. Pérez-Edgar at [e-mail]. The College of the Liberal Arts is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Position Details

This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.

Background Checks / Clearance Requirements

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 and Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $33,504.00 - $53,532.00. 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports 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.

Company Values

Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community.

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