Part- Time Research Assistant, Scandinavian Prison Project

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

Job summary

Penn State Beaver is seeking undergraduate student research assistants to administer surveys to incarcerated individuals as part of the Scandinavian Prison Project. Training is required before data collection, and the work involves interacting with prison staff and participants at a state correctional institution.

Data collection runs from Monday, November 30 to Friday, December 4, with possible hours; at least one full day is required.

Qualifications

• Enrolled student at Penn State Beaver or Juniata College.
• Comfort interacting with incarcerated individuals and prison staff.
• Able to commit at least one full data collection day.
• Reliable, punctual, organized, with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Complete required training prior to data collection.
• Distribute paper surveys to incarcerated individuals at a state correctional institution.
• Collect paper surveys from incarcerated individuals.
• Answer questions about the project and questionnaire.
• Adhere to ethical standards and protect participant confidentiality.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Independence

Organizational skills

Reliability

Punctuality

Criminal justice interest

Education

Enrolled student at Penn State Beaver or Juniata College

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

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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