Human Research Technologist - Professional

The Pennsylvania State University; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 40,608 - 58,836; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement plans

Paid time off

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Brain & Behavior Lab in the Penn State College of Medicine seeks a full-time Human Research Technologist to start Summer/Fall 2026. The role supports research on social functioning, cognition, and neurophysiology across the lifespan; funding is for one year with potential renewal.

Responsibilities include recruiting participants, administering assessments, data entry and analysis, and manuscript preparation.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required; no prior experience required.
• Preferred interest in psychology, mental health, or neuroscience.
• EEG/ERP data collection experience preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with programming for neuroimaging (e.g., E-Prime) desirable.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, screen, and schedule research participants.
• Administer study assessments according to protocols.
• Ensure adherence to IRB and study procedures.
• Perform data entry, management and quality assurance.
• Process and analyze data using statistical and data management software.
• Assist with literature reviews for new and ongoing research.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and maintain protocol integrity.
• Assist with manuscript and poster preparation.

Skills

Psychology / neuroscience interest

EEG/ERP data collection

Statistical analysis

Data management

EMA familiarity

Education

Associate degree

Tools

E-Prime

Datavyu

Job description

Position Overview

The Brain & Behavior Lab within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Penn State College of Medicine is seeking a full-time Human Research Technologist beginning Summer/Fall 2026. This role will support federally funded and investigator-initiated research examining social functioning, cognition, and neurophysiological processes across the lifespan. The position is funded for one year; continuation beyond one year will depend on university need, performance, and/or funding availability.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, screen, and schedule research participants.
• Administer study assessments according to established protocols.
• Ensure adherence to IRB, regulatory, and study-specific procedures.
• Perform data entry, management, and quality assurance.
• Process and analyze research data using statistical and data management software.
• Assist with systematic and narrative literature reviews in support of new and ongoing research initiatives.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and maintain protocol integrity.
• Assist with preparation of manuscripts, posters, and other research dissemination materials.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Experience or strong interest in psychology, mental health, or neuroscience.
• EEG/ERP data collection experience preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with programming software such as E-Prime or other neuroimaging techniques desirable.
• Familiarity with coding software such as Datavyu.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and data management preferred; familiarity with Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) data collection and analysis desirable.

Work Schedule

• Full-time (40 hours per week).
• Monday-Friday, with some evening hours required.

Work Location

• In-office position at the Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic, 22 Northeast Drive, Hershey, PA.

Minimum Education and Certifications

Associate Degree required. No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education. No certifications required.

Background Checks and Clearances

This position requires PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Salary and Benefits

Salary range: $40,608.00 - $58,836.00. Full-time benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; robust retirement plans; paid time off (holidays, vacation, and sick time); and a 75% tuition discount for employees, eligible spouses, and children.

EEO Statement

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.