Human Research Technologist - Cognition, Affect and Temperament Laboratory

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Cognition, Affect, and Temperament Laboratory , headed by Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar at Penn State, is seeking a full-time Human Research Technologist to work on the longitudinal NIDA-funded HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) 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 (2024) will also be considered.

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).

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.

The Human Research Technologist will be required to perform weekend and evening work as needed to complete the study’s goals.

Benefits include (visit https://hr.psu.edu/benefits for more detailed information):

• Medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans

• 75% tuition discounts (including for a spouse and dependent children up to the age of 26)

• Generous vacation and sick time

• 15 paid holidays/campus closure days

Education and Experience: This position will be filled as a Human Research Technologist – Social Sciences – Professional, which requires an Associate degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Professional experience working with infants and/or children is highly desirable. The successful candidate will have good interpersonal skills and demonstrate the ability to work well with others. Applicants should have a willingness to learn and develop computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other programs).

In addition, successful candidates must either have demonstrated a commitment to building an inclusive, equitable, and diverse campus community, or describe one or more ways they would envision doing so, given the opportunity.

Additional Information:

To apply, please upload a cover letter of interest, highlighting relevant skills, and a CV. Questions may be addressed to Megan Zinobile at [email protected] or Dr. Pérez-Edgar at [email protected] .

This is a limited-term appointment, funded for one year from date of hire with possibility for renewal. HBCD is a multi-year funded study.

This position requires the following clearances: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. 

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.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

The pay range for this position, including all possible grades is:

$31,600.00 - $45,800.00

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure. 

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 .

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, affirmative action 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.

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