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.
This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Cognition, Affect, and Temperament Laboratory, headed by Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar at Penn State, is seeking a Human Research Technologist to work on the longitudinal, multi-year NIDA-funded HEALthy Brain and Child Development study.
This study focuses on pregnant people and their children in the areas of neurodevelopment, behavior, learning, environmental factors, substance exposure, and cognitive functioning.
The start date for the Human Research Technologist is as soon as possible, but those who will not be available until early this summer (2026) will also be considered.
The majority of the Human Research Technologist’s time will be spent working directly with participants and their families through phone calls, email exchanges, and/or face-to-face interactions.
Key Responsibilities:
Recruitment of participants
Coordination of visit scheduling and consent form completion
Collect and process data from participants
Prepare and process materials needed for each research visit
Attend lab meetings, team meetings, and trainings
Serve on designated committees within the study when appropriate
Data collection will focus on behavioral assessments of infant and early childhood development, as well as electroencephalograms (EEG) with infants and young children. Other data collection components include biological sample collection and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The Human Research Technologist will be required to perform weekend and evening work as needed to complete the study’s goals.
This work will take advantage of the University’s broad resources, including the Child Study Center and the SLEIC Center. This is a two-site study in collaboration with Dr. Aleksandra Zgierska at Penn State’s College of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania. As such, study personnel will have cross-site, virtual training opportunities.
Qualifications :
Good interpersonal skills
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with others
Willingness to learn and develop computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other programs).
Professional experience working with infants and/or children is highly desirable.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Associate Degree No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education. Required Certifications: None
Application Information: Applicants must upload a cover letter of interest, highlighting relevant skills, and a CV/resume.
Questions may be addressed to the leaders of the study, Megan Zinobile at muz144@psu.edu or Dr. Pérez-Edgar at kxp24@psu.edu.
The College of the Liberal Arts is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $31,600.00 - $45,800.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
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.