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

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

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Penn State University in University Park, PA, seeks a full-time Human Research Technologist to study how mind grounds and simulates concept meaning, bridging perception, action, imagery, and language in adults.

The role involves EEG, fMRI, and behavioral methods, with opportunities to contribute to open science data sharing and to work across Penn State’s language science resources and imaging centers. Flexible evening/weekend support is required.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required; no prior experience needed.
• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, or related field preferred.
• Experience with EEG or fMRI is a plus.
• Interest in behavioral and neuroimaging research.

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 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 interviewing, training, and scheduling.
• Coordinate day-to-day lab activities with the IRB and document lab procedures and protocols.

Skills

EEG

fMRI

Behavioral research

Quantitative analysis

Python

R

MATLAB

Education

Associate Degree

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

Tools

EEG

fMRI

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.

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.

Important Note: This position requires a flexible schedule to include working some evenings and weekends, primarily to accommodate the availability of research participants.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• 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 (one or more)

• 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

Additional Information

Questions regarding the position may be addressed to Dr. Emiko Muraki at [e-mail]

The Department of Psychology in the College of the Liberal Arts at Penn State is home to the Concepts, Imagery, and Simulation in Cognition 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

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. 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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