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 position is part of a pilot study housed in the Biobehavioral Health Department at Penn State University. A key responsibility is conducting in-person intake and follow-up interviews at the BBH and HHD buildings; therefore, applicants must be physically located in State College and able to work on-site at the University Park campus. Availability during the week of January 5 is especially valuable.
The study evaluates a novel mind-body intervention that incorporates guided writing activities, brief resistance exercises (air squats), and slow-paced breathing. Participants complete 30-minute Zoom sessions five days per week over a four-week period. The research assistant will lead these Zoom-based sessions, which require consistent availability for 2–3-hour time blocks each weekday (e.g., 5:00–8:00 p.m., Monday–Friday) and occasional weekend availability for participant scheduling needs.
SAMPLE WORK ACTIVITIES:
· Deliver live, protocol-guided intervention sessions to participants via Zoom, including writing prompts, 2-minute air squats, and breathing exercises
· Recruit, screen, and schedule participants according to IRB-approved procedures
· Describe study goals, procedures, and privacy protections to participants; obtain informed consent as needed
· Collect self-report survey data and manage wearable data (e.g., fitness tracker output)
· Enter, clean, and organize participant data using REDCap or similar platforms
· Monitor intervention fidelity and participant adherence; maintain detailed records
· Attend weekly team meetings and contribute to study operations and troubleshooting
· Assist with IRB documentation and compliance tracking
· Perform other research-related activities as assigned by the Principal Investigator
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
· Interest in behavioral medicine and psychophysiology
· Strong interpersonal skills, particularly in virtual/Zoom-based communication
· Prior experience with participant-facing roles or data collection is preferred
· Reliability, professionalism, and attention to detail are essential
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.