Human Research Technologist, Cognitive Neuroscience of Creativity Lab

Penn State; Pennsylvania; Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cognitive Neuroscience of Creativity Lab at Penn State is seeking a Human Research Technologist to support a grant-funded project. The role involves coordinating day-to-day project activities, participant research, and data management.

You will gain training in Python, PsychoPy, and AI-assisted study design, and collaborate with students and staff across neuroimaging, behavioral, and educational domains.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required; two years of relevant experience preferred.
• Experience coordinating participants and data collection is desirable.
• Willingness to learn programming and data tools such as Python and PsychoPy.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate participant recruitment, scheduling, and data collection.
• Create computerized tasks and stimuli for experiments.
• Collect, process, and analyze behavioral, fMRI/fNIRS, and EEG data.
• Track project goals, timelines, and budgets; purchase study supplies.
• Oversee, train, and assign tasks to student/volunteer research assistants.
• Organize and quality-check data; prepare datasets for reporting and grants.
• Support IRB compliance and coordination with collaborating sites.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Willingness to learn

Education

Associate Degree

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

## Human Research Technologist, Cognitive Neuroscience of Creativity LabApply: Penn State University Park: Full time: Posted Today: REQ\\_0000083170# **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.### **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.**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 Cognitive Neuroscience of Creativity Lab, directed by Dr. Roger Beaty at Penn State, is accepting applications for a **Human Research Technologist** to support a grant-funded research project.The Cognitive Neuroscience of Creativity Lab focuses on psychological research on human creativity and problem solving. Our lab uses a combination of behavioral, neuroimaging, and computational approaches to investigate the mechanisms underlying human creativity.We create open-access tools for evaluating creative thinking and examine creativity across a variety of domains, such as music, science, and education.The **Human Research Technologist** will support the day-to-day coordination of the project, including participant research, project administration, and data management.# **Responsibilities include but are not limited to:*** Coordinate participant recruitment, scheduling, and data collection.* Create computerized tasks and stimuli for experiments.* Collect, process, and analyze behavioral, fMRI/fNIRS, and EEG data.* Track project goals and budgets; purchase necessary study supplies.* Oversee, train, and assign tasks to student and volunteer research assistants.* Organize and quality-check data. Create and manage datasets; prepare data for reporting, presentations, and grant submissions.* Support the implementation of study procedures and research tasks.* Track project goals, timelines, meetings, and documentation.* Support IRB compliance and coordination with collaborating research sites.The **Human Research Technologist** will receive training on programming (e.g., Python), creating psychological experiments (e.g., PsychoPy), and using AI tools (e.g., large language models and AI coding agents) to assist with experiment design, data analysis, and research workflows.# **Qualifications:*** Excellent interpersonal skills* Demonstrated ability to work well with others* Ability and willingness to learn **MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS**If filled as Human Research Technologist - Social Sciences - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Associate Degree2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Human Research Technologist - Social Sciences - Professional, this position requires:Associate DegreeNo prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education.Required Certifications:None### A Bachelor's degree in psychology or related field is preferred. # **Important Application Instructions**:Applicants must submit a cover letter of interest, highlighting relevant skills, and a CV/resume.# **Additional Information:**Visit our website to learn more about the work being done in the Cognitive Neuroscience of Creativity Lab.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. **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 $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.