Human Research Technologist – Concepts, Imagery, and Simulation in Cognition Lab

The Pennsylvania State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 34,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount 75%

Full benefits package (medical, dental

Paid time off including holidays

Job summary

The Concepts, Imagery, and Simulation in Cognition Lab at Penn State is seeking a full-time Human Research Technologist to contribute to studies on grounding and simulating concept meaning across perception, action, imagery, and language. The role involves working with EEG, fMRI, and behavioral methods within university resources.

You will recruit participants, assist study design, analyze data, prepare materials, and support undergraduate researchers while ensuring lab procedures meet IRB

Qualifications

• Requires Associate Degree or higher; bachelor’s preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, or related field is preferred.
• Experience with EEG or fMRI is desirable.
• Research experience with Python, R, or MATLAB is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and schedule study participants; manage recruitment platform signups and records.
• Assist with behavioral, EEG, and fMRI study design, programming, and data collection.
• Process, clean, and analyze behavioral and neural data using quantitative statistics.
• Prepare and maintain study materials, data, and analysis code for open science repositories.
• Support training and coordination of undergraduate researchers; assist in interviewing, training, and scheduling.
• Coordinate day-to-day lab activities and document procedures with IRB.

Education

Associate Degree

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

Tools

EEG

fMRI

Python

R

MATLAB

Job description

Position Specifics

The Concepts, Imagery, and Simulation in Cognition Lab, headed by Dr. Emiko Muraki, is seeking a full-time Human Research Technologist. The Human Research Technologist will have the opportunity to work on studies investigating how the mind grounds and simulates concept meaning, bridging perception, action, imagery, and language in adults. In doing so, the lab incorporates several techniques, including EEG, fMRI, behavioral research methods, and quantitative statistical analysis. This work will take advantage of the University’s broad resources, including the Center for Language Science and the Social, Life, and Engineering Sciences and Imaging (SLEIC) Center.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and schedule study participants, manage recruitment platform signups, and maintain participant records
• Assist with behavioral, EEG, and fMRI study design, programming, and data collection
• Process, clean, and analyze behavioral and/or neural data using quantitative statistical analysis
• Prepare and maintain study materials, data, and analysis code for sharing on open science repositories
• Support the training and coordination of undergraduate research assistants; may assist in the interviewing, training, and scheduling of these students
• Coordinate the day-to-day activities in the lab, such as coordinating with the Institutional Review Board and documenting lab procedures and protocols

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

• Associate Degree
• No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education.
• Required Certifications: None

Preferred Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, or a related field
• Experience in a lab that conducts behavioral or neuroimaging studies
• Experience with EEG or fMRI
• Research experience with Python, R, or Matlab

Background Checks / Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

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 - $48,552.00.

• 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.

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.