Human Research Technologist - Cognition, Affect, and Temperament Laboratory

Penn State University; University Park (TX); Hybrid; USD 33,504 - 53,532; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount for employees

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off

Retirement plans

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a Human Research Technologist to support the HEALthy Brain and Child Development study. The role involves direct engagement with participants and families via calls, emails, and in-person interactions across two Penn State sites.

Responsibilities include recruitment, data collection, preparing materials for visits, and participating in meetings and trainings. Cross-site, virtual training opportunities are available, with funding for 1 year and continuation based

Qualifications

• Good interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with others.
• Willingness to learn and develop computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other programs).

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.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Collaboration

Computer skills

Education

Associate degree with 2+ years of relevant experience

Associate degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Overview

The Cognition, Affect, and Temperament Laboratory, led by Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar at Penn State, seeks a Human Research Technologist to work on the longitudinal, multi-year NIDA-funded HEALthy Brain and Child Development study. The 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.

Position Details

This position is funded for 1 year. Continuation past 1 year will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding. The Human Research Technologist will work across two sites in collaboration with Penn State’s College of Medicine; study personnel will have cross-site, virtual training opportunities.

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 components include biological sample collection and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Qualifications

• Good interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with others
• Willingness to learn and develop computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other programs)

Professional experience working with infants and/or children is highly desirable.

Education, Experience & Certifications

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications:

• If filled as Human Research Technologist - Social Sciences - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Associate Degree with 2+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 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.

Application Instructions

Applicants must upload a cover letter highlighting relevant skills and a CV/resume.

Important Notes

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

Questions may be addressed to the leaders of the study: Megan Zinobile at [e-mail] or Dr. Pérez-Edgar at [e-mail].

Background Checks & Clearances

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check, Pennsylvania 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 is $33,504.00 – $53,532.00. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plans; paid time off; and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family. Details are available on the university Benefits Page.

Campus Security & Compliance

Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR) under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. The ASR is available for review here. Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you need accommodations to use our online application process, contact 814-865-1473.

EEO & Bellwethers

Penn State is committed to advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We value belonging as a core strength and essential to the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

Note: This description contains the essential duties and requirements for the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications of the role.