Spring 2026 Undergraduate Research Internship: Community-Based Coaching & Health Interventions

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 22,730 - 32,373; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship from experienced researchers

Hands-on experience in real-world settings

Job summary

A major research university is seeking motivated undergraduate students for a paid research internship in the Lion Health Lab focused on coaching and community-based health research. Interns will assist in delivering fitness programs and support research data collection from January 24 to May 15, 2026. Ideal candidates are enthusiastic about community engagement and possess strong communication skills. This role offers valuable experience in applied research and mentorship from experienced researchers.

Qualifications

• Enrolled undergraduate student majoring in kinesiology, health, psychology, or related fields.
• Interest in coaching and community-based research.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with coaching and program delivery in community or gym-based settings.
• Support implementation of research protocols during live programs.
• Help with participant check-in and equipment setup.

Skills

Coaching

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student

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 REQUIREMENTS

The Lion Health Lab is seeking motivated undergraduate students for a paid research internship focused on coaching, program delivery, and community-based health research. This position is ideal for students interested in working directly with youth, families, and community partners while gaining hands‑on experience running real‑world experiments and health interventions.

Interns will play an active role in delivering sport- and fitness-based programs (often in CrossFit or similar community settings), supporting data collection, and helping implement research protocols tied to physical activity, mental health, and family-based health promotion.

Pay: $20/hour
Commitment: 2-6 hours per week
Dates: January 24, 2026 - May 15, 2026

Project Description

Interns will support ongoing Lion Health Lab projects examining how structured physical activity and coaching environments influence physical, mental, and cognitive health across the lifespan. Much of the work occurs in community and gym-based settings, where interns help run programs, interact with participants, and support research data collection.

This internship emphasizes applied research, not desk‑only work. Interns will gain experience in coaching‑based intervention delivery, participant engagement, and translating health science into practice. Students will work closely with Dr. Janette Watkins (PI) and graduate student mentors throughout the semester.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with coaching and program delivery in community or gym‑based settings
• Support implementation of research protocols during live programs
• Help with participant check‑in, equipment setup, and session logistics
• Assist with data collection (e.g., surveys, observational measures, wearables)
• Maintain accurate records and follow human subjects research procedures
• Participate in lab meetings and training sessions
• Contribute to project documentation and brief reports
• Represent the Lion Health Lab professionally in community settings

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student (any major related to kinesiology, health, psychology, neuroscience, or similar fields encouraged)
• Interest in coaching, health promotion, or community‑based research
• Comfortable working with people in active, real‑world settings
• Reliable, professional, and able to follow research protocols
• Strong communication and teamwork skills

Preferred Qualifications

• CrossFit Level 1 certification or higher (strongly preferred)
• Experience coaching, teaching, or leading physical activity programs
• Interest in public health, behavioral science, or intervention research
• Familiarity with youth or family‑based programs
• Self‑motivated with strong time management skills

Mentorship & Training

Interns receive direct mentorship from Dr. Janette Watkins and graduate student researchers. Training will include:

• Human subjects research procedures
• Program delivery and coaching expectations
• Community engagement and professional conduct
• Exposure to intervention science and applied research careers

This is an excellent opportunity for students considering graduate school, coaching careers, public health, or clinical research.

Duration and Commitment

• Spring 2026: January 24 - May 15, 2026
• 2-6 hours per week, depending on program schedules

To Apply

Please submit:

A resume and a short statement of interest (1-2 paragraphs) describing:

• Your experience with coaching, fitness, or community programs
• Why you are interested in applied health research with the Lion Health Lab

Background Checks/Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

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.

The Pennsylvania State University 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.