Part- Time Research Assistant, Scandinavian Prison Project

Penn State Lady Lions; Beaver (Beaver County); On-site; USD 14,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training provided

Job summary

Penn State Lady Lions is seeking undergraduate student researchers to assist with survey data collection inside a state correctional facility. The role runs during the week of November 30 to December 4, with possible hours from 8 AM to 8 PM.

Availability for at least one full day and a required training on November 16th are needed. No prior prison or research experience is required; applicants should be comfortable interacting with incarcerated individuals and staff.

Qualifications

• Enrolled student at Penn State Beaver or Juniata College.
• Available for at least one full day of data collection.

Responsibilities

• Complete required training on survey administration.
• Distribute paper surveys to incarcerated individuals at a state correctional institution.
• Collect completed surveys from incarcerated individuals at a state correctional institution.
• Answer questions about the Scandinavian Prison Project and Prison Climate Questionnaire.
• Adhere to ethical standards and protect participant confidentiality.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Reliability

Education

Enrolled student

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Scandinavian Prison Project is hiring undergraduate student research assistants for survey data collection. Working under the supervision of a faculty member and other senior project staff, research assistants will administer surveys to individuals incarcerated at a nearby state correctional institution. Data collection will take place inside the prison, and is expected to run from Monday, November 30th to Friday, December 4th, with possible hours from 8AM to 8PM each day. You do NOT need to be available every day of this week to apply; however, you must be available for at least one full day of data collection in order to be selected. You must also be available for a required training on Monday, November 16th (morning and afternoon options available).

No prior prison or research experience is required of applicants; however, applicants must be comfortable interacting with incarcerated individuals, talking to prison staff, and spending significant time within a prison. Applicants should also be organized, punctual, and attentive to detail. For interested applicants, there may be opportunities for paid data entry, and additional waves of data collection, in the Spring 2027 semester.

Key Responsibilities

• Completing a required training on survey administration prior to data collection
• Distributing paper surveys to incarcerated individuals at a state correctional institution (prison)
• Collecting paper surveys from incarcerated individuals at a state correctional institution (prison)
• Answering questions about the Scandinavian Prison Project and Prison Climate Questionnaire posed by incarcerated individuals
• Adhering to ethical standards of research, including the protection of participant confidentiality

Required Qualifications

• Enrolled student at Penn State Beaver or Juniata College

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including a willingness to interact with incarcerated individuals
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with other research staff on a prison unit
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Reliability and punctuality
• Interest in criminal justice or social science research

Rate: $12/hour

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.

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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