Human Research Technologist - Family and Community Medicine

The Pennsylvania State University; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 38,300 - 55,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

Paid time off including holidays, vacation, and sick time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University seeks a full-time human research technologist in Hershey, PA to assist with participant recruitment for research on health disparities.

Responsibilities include supporting the Healthy Brain and Child Development Study with tasks such as informed consent, data entry, and engaging with diverse participants.

Candidates should possess an Associate Degree and demonstrate strong planning, communication, and interpersonal skills. A competitive salary and benefits package is offered.

Qualifications

• Detail oriented with a strong focus on producing high quality work.
• Strong interpersonal skills to engage with diverse participants.
• Ability to conduct informed consent and collect quality data.

Responsibilities

• Assist with recruitment and retention of research participants.
• Support various assessments including MRI and EEG testing.
• Conduct informed consent and data collection in a respectful manner.

Skills

Detail oriented

Strong interpersonal skills

Planning and organizational skills

Clear communication

Education

Associate Degree

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Department of Family and Community Medicine Research Division at Penn State College of Medicine is seeking a full-time human research technologist (HRT)/research assistant.

The HRT will assist with the recruitment and retention of participants in family and community medicine research to examine and reduce health disparities across vulnerable and underserved urban and rural populations. The research assistant will support a National Institutes of Health research study, the Healthy Brain and Child Development Study, under the director of Dr. Aleksandra Zgierska (PI). This study is designed to better understand the impact of different life experiences on early brain and child development. The role will support timely and informed research including MRI and EEG testing, behavioral assessments, biospecimen collection and processing, and social-emotional development from newborn through early childhood. The candidate will be responsible for conducting informed consent and collection of quality data in a culturally respectful manner.

The HRT will demonstrate strong interpersonal skills to engage with research participants and team members across diverse backgrounds, skills, and education in support of research activities including participant recruitment, screening, informed consent, scheduling, data entry, and biospecimen collection.

Qualified candidates will be detail oriented, produce high quality work, communicate clearly and accurately, both verbally and in writing, demonstrate strong planning and organizational skills, and participate in and support team decisions and team responsibilities. Some local/regional travel may be required. Ability to be near MRI scanner is required.

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

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 $38,300.00 - $55,500.00.

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.