Part-Time Digital Storytelling & Research Assistant (VOICE-DC Project)

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 2,204,000; Part time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s AI and Data Infrastructures Learning Lab (AIDILL) seeks an Undergraduate Research Assistant to support the VOICE-DC project, a community-engaged study examining civic engagement, storytelling, and learning around AI data center development and governance.

You will transcribe interviews, organize qualitative data, create graphics and public-facing materials, and help produce podcasts and digital storytelling assets, collaborating with faculty and graduate

Qualifications

• Interest in education, learning sciences, communication, community development, digital humanities, science and technology studies, geography, media studies, or related fields.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce accurate written transcripts.
• Experience with graphic design, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, ArcGIS StoryMaps, website content creation, podcast production, or related digital media tools.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating as part of a research team.

Responsibilities

• Produce high-quality manual transcriptions of audio and video recordings from interviews, working groups, and community engagement activities.
• Assist with qualitative data organization, file management, and preparation of research materials for analysis.
• Create graphics, visualizations, figures, and other research dissemination materials for conference presentations, grant proposals, manuscripts, and public reports.
• Support the development and production of project podcasts, including transcription, episode preparation, audio asset organization, and dissemination materials.
• Assist with the creation of digital storytelling assets, including story maps, narrative archives, website content, and visual media.
• Format and organize photographs, documents, maps, and multimedia materials for public-facing project websites.
• Conduct literature searches and assist with citation management as needed.
• Participate in research team meetings and contribute to the ongoing development of community-engaged research resources.

Skills

Attention to detail

Graphic design

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Independent work

Tools

Canva

Adobe Creative Suite

ArcGIS StoryMaps

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Project:

Voices, Outlooks, and Information Networks in Civic Engagement around Data Centers (VOICE-DC)

Position Summary

The AI and Data Infrastructures Learning Lab (AIDILL) in the Department of Learning and Performance Systems seeks an Undergraduate Research Assistant to support the VOICE-DC project, a community-engaged research study examining civic engagement, storytelling, and learning related to AI data center development and governance. The undergraduate assistant will work closely with faculty and graduate researchers to support qualitative research, digital storytelling, and public-facing dissemination efforts. The project investigates how community members use stories, narratives, and other forms of civic participation to understand and shape decisions about emerging technology infrastructure.

Responsibilities

The Undergraduate Research Assistant will:

• Produce high-quality manual transcriptions of audio and video recordings from interviews, working groups, and community engagement activities.
• Assist with qualitative data organization, file management, and preparation of research materials for analysis.
• Create graphics, visualizations, figures, and other research dissemination materials for conference presentations, grant proposals, manuscripts, and public reports.
• Support the development and production of project podcasts, including transcription, episode preparation, audio asset organization, and dissemination materials.
• Assist with the creation of digital storytelling assets, including story maps, narrative archives, website content, and visual media.
• Format and organize photographs, documents, maps, and multimedia materials for public-facing project websites.
• Conduct literature searches and assist with citation management as needed.
• Participate in research team meetings and contribute to the ongoing development of community-engaged research resources.

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in education, learning sciences, communication, community development, digital humanities, science and technology studies, geography, media studies, or related fields.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce accurate written transcripts.
• Experience with graphic design, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, ArcGIS StoryMaps, website content creation, podcast production, or related digital media tools.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating as part of a research team.

Learning Opportunities

Students will gain experience in:

• Qualitative and community-based research methods.
• Interview and focus-group data management.
• Digital storytelling and public scholarship.
• Podcast production and science communication.
• Visual communication and research dissemination.
• Research on AI, data centers, infrastructure, civic engagement, and community learning.

Expected Deliverables

• Completed interview and working-group transcripts.
• Graphics and figures for research dissemination.
• Podcast production assets.
• StoryMap and website content.
• Organized digital archive of project materials supporting VOICE-DC public-facing resources.

Additional Information

This position will provide students with hands‑on experience in qualitative research, digital storytelling, science communication, podcast production, website development, and public-facing scholarship through participation in the VOICE-DC (Voices, Outlooks, and Information Networks in Civic Engagement around Data Centers) project. The assistant will contribute to the creation of story maps, podcasts, visual resources, research dissemination products, and community‑engaged research materials supporting the AI and Data Infrastructures Learning Lab (AIDILL).

Position Details

• Hourly Rate: $15.00/hour
• Total Hours: 100
• Appointment Period: Fall 2026‑Spring 2027
• Work Schedule: Flexible; coordinated with project milestones and student availability.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

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.

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