Part-Time Research Assistant – Smeal Research Intelligence (SRI)

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Penn State University Park invites applications for a part-time research assistant to support a team led by Professor Aydin Alptekinoglu. The role involves building an automated data pipeline for Smeal faculty papers and developing search tools, with up to 15 hours per week during the academic semester.

The position emphasizes Python scripting, API usage, data cleaning, and experience with LLM APIs. Remote work is not guaranteed and a background check may be required.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled Penn State student
• Strong Python skills with maintainable scripts and APIs
• Experience collecting and cleaning data programmatically (scraping, Crossref, Semantic Scholar, SSRN, PDFs)
• Familiar with large language model APIs (OpenAI, Anthropic, or similar) and prompt design
• Basic understanding of embeddings, vector search, and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG)
• Comfort with Git and basic software testing practices
• Ability to work independently and document code clearly

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain an automated pipeline that collects Smeal faculty publications and working papers
• Develop and test search and discovery tools over the repository
• Support development of synthesis and translation features for faculty, research centers, marketing, and development
• Test the system with a small pilot collection, then scale to the full collection

Skills

Python

APIs

Data collection

LLM APIs

Embeddings

Git

Documentation

Independent work

Tools

Streamlit

Flask

Job description

Job Description And Position Requirements

The Department of Supply Chain and Information Systems at Penn State University Park invites applications for one part-time research assistant with an anticipated start date in October 2026. The successful candidate will assist a team of Smeal faculty lead by Professor Aydin Alptekinoglu for up to 15 hours per week during the academic semester.

Job Duties

• Build and maintain an automated pipeline that collects Smeal faculty publications and working papers
• Develop and test search and discovery tools over the repository
• Support development of synthesis and "translation" features for faculty, research centers, marketing, and development
• Test the system with a small pilot collection, then scale to the full collection

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled Penn State student
• Strong Python skills, including writing maintainable scripts and working with application programming interfaces (APIs)
• Experience collecting and cleaning data programmatically (e.g., scraping, working with publisher/scholarly APIs such as Crossref, Semantic Scholar, or SSRN, handling PDFs and metadata)
• Familiarity with large language model (LLM) APIs (OpenAI, Anthropic, or similar) and prompt design
• Basic understanding of embeddings, vector search, and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG)
• Comfort with Git and basic software testing practices
• Ability to work independently and document code and processes clearly

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building a simple web app or dashboard (e.g., Streamlit, Flask, or similar) for search interfaces
• Familiarity with academic publishing and how faculty research is organized (journals, working papers, citation metadata)
• Experience with Digital Measures or similar faculty-activity systems
• Awareness of copyright/paywall and data-privacy considerations when handling publications

Compensation

Starting rate for this position is $16.00 per hour.

Candidates with questions may contact the department assistant, Autumn Knepp, at [e-mail].

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

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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