Part Time - Student (Graduate) - AI Research Assistant

The Pennsylvania State University; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 18,000 - 23,000; Part time

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a Graduate Research Assistant to assist with research, data analysis, process improvement, and AI exploration for an academic scheduling project.

You will analyze historical data, review AI tools, and help automate scheduling workflows while collaborating with faculty and campus partners. This position supports grant objectives and requires graduate student enrollment at Penn State.

Qualifications

• Selected applicants must be enrolled as graduate students at Penn State.
• Preference for backgrounds in business analytics, information systems, computer science, engineering, AI, operations management, or data analytics.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with data, databases, or process mapping.
• Familiarity with AI tools, automation technologies, or programming languages is desirable.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating on a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Collect, organize, and analyze historical scheduling data using Excel and other analytical tools.
• Conduct literature reviews on AI applications, scheduling systems, automation and optimization.
• Evaluate AI-enabled technologies for potential scheduling applications.
• Document current workflows and identify automation opportunities.
• Assist with data reconciliation, validation, and dataset preparation for analysis.
• Support development of reports, presentations, and grant deliverables.
• Participate in project meetings with faculty, administrators, and campus partners.
• Perform other research and administrative tasks to support the grant objectives.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Excel proficiency

Data analysis experience

Programming languages (Python, SQL)

Written and verbal communication

Independent yet collaborative

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Power Automate

Copilot

Infosilem

UiPath

Ad Astra

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Graduate Research Assistant will assist with research, data analysis, process improvement, and AI exploration activities that support the development of a more efficient and stable academic scheduling process.

Job Duties Responsibilities may include:

• Collecting, organizing, and analyzing historical scheduling, enrollment, classroom utilization, and related institutional data using Microsoft Excel and other analytical tools.
• Conducting literature reviews and environmental scans on AI applications, higher education scheduling systems, process automation, and scheduling optimization.
• Assisting in the evaluation of AI-enabled technologies (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, Power Automate, Ad Astra, Infosilem, UiPath, and similar platforms) for their potential application to academic scheduling.
• Documenting current scheduling workflows and helping identify opportunities for automation, standardization, and process improvement.
• Assisting with data reconciliation, validation, and preparation of scheduling datasets for analysis.
• Supporting the development of reports, presentations, process documentation, and grant deliverables for project stakeholders.
• Participating in project meetings and collaborating with faculty, administrators, and campus partners throughout the duration of the project.
• Performing other research and administrative tasks as assigned in support of the grant objectives.

Requirements and Qualifications

Selected applicants must be enrolled as graduate students at Penn State. Preference will be given to students with backgrounds or demonstrated interest in business analytics, information systems, computer science, engineering, artificial intelligence, operations management, data analytics, or related fields.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience working with data, databases, or process mapping.
• Familiarity with AI tools, automation technologies, or programming languages (e.g., Python, SQL, Power Automate, Copilot) is desirable but not required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively as part of a multidisciplinary project team.

Compensation: $15.00 per 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.

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