Human Research Technologist: Development, Risk, and Resilience Lab and the REPEAT 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%

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a full-time Human Research Technologist to work on an NIH-funded longitudinal study examining maternal pre-postnatal substance use and related risks on family relationships and youth outcomes. You will interact with families, conduct interviews, and collect observational and EMA data across developmental stages.

Ideal candidates have experience with family-based assessments, strong organizational and communication skills, and proficiency with

Qualifications

• At least one year of relevant experience in research with families and/or adolescents/young adults/parents.
• Experience with family-based assessments and with parent and adolescent interviews.
• Experience with observational data collection and strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Recruiting, scheduling appointments for, and maintaining contact with parents and adolescents/young adults.
• Conducting data collection activities on Zoom with adolescents and parents.
• Conducting Timeline Follow Back interviews with adolescents and parents.
• Collect and process EMA surveys and track survey compliance.
• Coding observational assessments of parent-adolescent interactions.
• Use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint; R and SPSS for data handling.

Skills

Research with families

Adolescents/young adults

Interviews

Observational data collection

Organizational skills

Written verbal communication

Education

Associate Degree

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

R

SPSS

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Development, Risk and Resilience Lab, headed by Dr. Rina D. Eiden, and the REPEAT lab, headed by Dr. Emily Ansell, are seeking a full-time Human Research Technologist. The Human Research Technologist will work on an NIH-funded longitudinal study on the role of maternal pre-postnatal substance use and co-occurring risks on parent-adolescent relationships and adolescent/young adult outcomes. This is a continuation of a multi-method, longitudinal study of tobacco- and cannabis-exposed children and their mothers recruited in the 1st trimester of pregnancy. The current phase of the study will examine social and emotional outcomes in adolescence/young adulthood including health experiences and risk behaviors, the parent-child relationship, social skills, and peer relationships. Assessments will take place with families at multiple developmental stages, from early adolescence through young adulthood. This work will take advantage of the University’s broad resources, including the Child Study Center.

• Recruiting, scheduling appointments for, and maintaining contact with parents and adolescents/young adults through email, text messages, and phone calls
• Conducting data collection activities on Zoom with adolescents and parents
• Conducting Timeline Follow Back interviews with adolescents and parents
• Collect and process EMA (ecological momentary assessment) surveys
• Tracking EMA survey compliance of all enrolled participants
• Coding observational assessments of parent-adolescent interactions
• Data collection methods include observational assessments and online surveys, observational and physiological data, and ecological momentary assessments with young adults.
• After training, various software and applications will be utilized. This includes Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; R; and SPSS.

This position requires a flexible schedule to include working some evenings and weekends, primarily to accommodate the availability of participating families.

QUALIFICATIONS

• It is highly preferred that candidates have at least one year of relevant experience in research with families and/or adolescents/young adults/parents.
• Research experience with family-based assessments
• Experience with parent and adolescent interviews
• Experience with observational data collection
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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 A Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or related field is also preferred.

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

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 - $48,552.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

• 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.

EEO STATEMENTS

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.