Human Research Technologist - Professional

Penn State University; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Competitive benefits package

Retirement plans

Job summary

The Brain & Behavior Lab at Penn State College of Medicine seeks a full-time Human Research Technologist to support NIH/NIMH-funded studies on social functioning, cognition, and neurophysiology across the lifespan. Summer/Fall 2026 start; office location at Hershey, PA.

Primary duties include participant recruitment, administering assessments, data management, and contributing to manuscripts and posters. Experience in psychology or neuroscience is valued, with opportunities to learn EEG/ERP

Qualifications

• Associate degree required; no prior experience required or accepted in lieu of education.
• Experience or strong interest in psychology, mental health, or neuroscience is preferred.
• EEG/ERP data collection experience preferred but not required.

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 literature reviews for new and ongoing research.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and maintain protocol integrity.
• Assist with preparation of manuscripts, posters, and other dissemination materials.

Skills

Psychology

Neuroscience

EEG/ERP data collection

E-Prime

Datavyu

Statistical analysis

EMA data collection

Education

Associate Degree

Tools

E-Prime

Datavyu

Job description

This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

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 position will support federally funded and investigator-initiated research examining social functioning, cognition, and neurophysiological processes across the lifespan.

Primary responsibilities will include supporting an NIMH-funded study on neurophysiological correlates of social reward in adolescents, with additional opportunities to assist on a study examining the effects of hormonal changes on cognition in perimenopausal women. Opportunities to contribute to other departmental research projects may also be available.

Job Duties and 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 & ongoing research initiatives
• Troubleshoot technical issues and maintain protocol integrity
• Assist with preparation of manuscripts, posters, and other research dissemination materials

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Preferred)

• Experience or strong interest in psychology, mental health, or neuroscience
• EEG/ERP data collection experience preferred but not required
• Familiarity with programming software (e.g., E-Prime) or other neuroimaging techniques desirable
• Familiarity with coding software (e.g., 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
• Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic at 22 Northeast Drive, Hershey, PA

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Associate DegreeNo 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 $40,608.00 - $58,836.00.

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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