Human Research Technologist - Cognition, Affect, and Temperament Laboratory

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 31,600 - 45,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Tuition discount (75%)

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a full-time Human Research Technologist for a study on parent-child synchrony and emotion modeling. The successful candidate will work with fNIRS, eye-tracking, and behavioral data, collaborating with a research team.

Responsibilities include recruiting families, data collection, and supervising research assistants.

Salary range is $31,600.00 – $45,800.00 with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required; Bachelor’s preferred.
• Experience in lab settings with behavioral coding and neuroimaging.
• Strong communication skills and flexible schedule required.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, schedule, and maintain contact with children and families.
• Guide participants through consent and data collection.
• Collect and analyze behavioral, neural, and eye‑tracking data.
• Coordinate lab activities and IRB liaison.
• Submit data to national archives.
• Train and supervise undergraduate research assistants.

Skills

Behavioral coding

Neuroimaging

Eye-tracking studies

Experience working with children

Strong communication skills

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, or related field

Job description

Position Overview

The Cognition, Affect, and Temperament Laboratory in the College of the Liberal Arts at Penn State seeks a full‑time Human Research Technologist to participate in an NIMH‑funded study on parent‑child synchrony and emotion modeling and anxiety risk. The role includes working with fNIRS, eye‑tracking, behavioral observation, and questionnaires, and collaborating with a two‑site study at Washington University in St.Louis.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, schedule, and maintain contact with children and families (virtually or in person).
• Guide participants through consent and data collection.
• Collect, process, and analyze behavioral, neural, and eye‑tracking data.
• Coordinate day‑to‑day lab activities, including IRB liaison.
• Submit data to national archives.
• Collaborate with a dynamic research team.
• Train and supervise undergraduate research assistants.

Qualifications

• Associate degree (no prior relevant work experience required; prior relevant work experience acceptable).
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, or related field.
• Experience in a lab with behavioral coding, neuroimaging, or eye‑tracking studies.
• Experience working with children.
• Required certifications: None.
• Strong communication skills, flexible schedule (evenings/weekends).

Other Requirements

• Applicants must upload a cover letter of interest and a CV/resume.
• Background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, Federal FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.; no visa sponsorship.
• Position funded for one year; continuation may be based on need, performance, and funding.

Salary & Benefits

Salary range: $31,600.00 – $45,800.00.

Penn State offers medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, generous tuition discount (75% for employees and eligible family), and other comprehensive benefits.

EEO Statement

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.