Human Research Technologist, Cognitive Neuroscience of Creativity Lab

Penn State Lady Lions; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 34,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount 75%

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Penn State’s Cognitive Neuroscience of Creativity Lab is seeking a Human Research Technologist to support a grant-funded project. You will help coordinate participant activities, develop stimuli, and manage behavioral and neuroimaging data.

The role offers hands-on training in Python, PsychoPy, and AI tools to enhance experiment design and data analysis, with supervision from the lab director and collaboration across teams.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree and 2+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination
• Bachelor’s degree in psychology or related field preferred
• No required certifications

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 and budgets; purchase necessary study supplies.
• Oversee, train, and assign tasks to student and volunteer research assistants.
• Organize and quality-check data; prepare datasets for reporting and grant submissions.
• Support study procedures and research tasks.
• Track timelines, meetings, and documentation.
• Support IRB compliance and coordination with collaborating sites.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Willingness to learn

Communication

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Python

PsychoPy

AI tools

Job description

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.

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.

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.

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.

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