Summer Research Assistant - Part Time

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State is seeking a Research Assistant with strong communication and organizational skills and a background in humanities or social sciences. The role involves literature reviews, coordinating interviews, transcribing findings, and assisting in data analysis.

Training in human subjects is required prior to employment. The candidate will support project milestones, maintain research records, and assist with writing tasks, under the supervision of the research team.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's in Humanities or Social Science within past 2 years.
• Experience: Literature reviews using academic databases (e.g., Google Scholar, PubMed, JSTOR).
• Strong verbal and written communication; professional interaction with research participants and team.
• Excellent time management and ability to handle multiple tasks to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in MS Office and Zoom for coordination and meetings.

Responsibilities

• Literature Reviews: Identify relevant literature and synthesize findings.
• Interview Coordination & Execution: Schedule, conduct or moderate interviews, transcribe or summarize findings.
• Data Management: Ensure confidentiality and proper storage of interview materials.
• Project Support: Attend meetings, maintain organized research files, and perform related duties.

Skills

Literature reviews

Interview coordination

Data management

Communication

Organization

MS Office

Zoom

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Humanities or Social Science fields

Tools

Google Scholar

PubMed

JSTOR

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate will be a recent graduate who has demonstrated strong communication and organizational skills, attention to detail and the ability to work independently and as a team, manage time and meet deadlines, with some background in humanities and/or the social sciences.

The Research Assistant will communicate with potential study respondents, conduct comprehensive literature reviews (without the use of AI in the writing process or written documents), prepare, moderate, and transcribe interviews, and may be asked to assist in analyzing data.

The Research Assistant is required to complete Human Subjects training prior to employment.

The Research Assistant will play a critical role in ensuring project milestones are met and research recordkeeping, and submitted written work is accurate.

Key Responsibilities

• Literature Reviews: Conduct thorough searches of academic journals, databases, and publications to identify relevant literature, synthesize findings, and highlight key themes.
• Interview Coordination & Execution: Coordinate participant schedules, conduct or moderate interviews, and accurately transcribe or summarize findings.
• Data Management: Maintain confidentiality of interview materials and storage of documents as directed.
• Project Support: Attend project meetings, maintain organized research files, and perform other research-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Humanities or Social Science fields within past 2 years.
• Research Skills: Demonstrated experience in conducting literature reviews and utilizing academic search databases (e.g., Google Scholar, PubMed, JSTOR).
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; ability to interact professionally with diverse research participants and team members.
• Organization: Strong time management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and adhere to strict project deadlines.
• Software: Proficiency in MS Office, Zoom.

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.

VALUES

Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.

EMPLOYMENT CONTACT

Interested candidates should submit their resume/CV, a brief cover letter, and a non AI generated writing sample or list of references to Professor Sinfree Makoni, [e-mail] by June 8, 2026.