Part Time - Student (Graduate) - AI Research Assistant

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a Graduate Research Assistant to assist with research, data analysis, process improvement, and AI exploration supporting scheduling optimization.

Responsibilities include collecting historical data, conducting literature reviews on AI applications, and assisting with automation and reporting for project stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled as a graduate student at Penn State.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and MS Office applications.
• Familiarity with data analysis, AI tools, automation technologies or programming is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Collect, organize, and analyze historical scheduling, enrollment, classroom utilization and related data using Excel and analytical tools.
• Perform literature reviews and environmental scans on AI applications for scheduling systems.
• Evaluate AI-enabled technologies for potential use in academic scheduling workflows.
• Document current scheduling processes and identify automation opportunities.
• Support data reconciliation, validation and preparation of datasets for analysis.
• Assist in developing reports, presentations, and grant deliverables for stakeholders.
• Participate in project meetings with faculty, administrators, and partners.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Microsoft Excel

Communication

Education

Graduate student status at Penn State

Tools

Power Automate

Copilot

Python

SQL

Microsoft Office

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .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 .JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTSThe 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 DutiesResponsibilities 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 QualificationsSelected 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/CLEARANCESEmployment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICSPursuant 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 LAWPenn 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.Penn State PoliciesCopyright InformationHotlines