Human Research Technologist (Coping and Regulation of Environment Stress Lab)

Penn State University • University Park, IL

19h

About The Position

The Coping and Regulation of Environment Stress (CaRES) Lab, directed by Dr. Martha Wadsworth, invites applications for a Human Research Technologist to serve as its assessment coordinator. The Human Research Technologist will have the opportunity to work on a NIMH-funded study, investigating the efficacy of the Building a Strong Identity and Coping Skills (BaSICS) program, which is a group-based, team-building coping and empowerment intervention developed specifically to meet the needs of youth growing up in poverty. This position will mainly be responsible for coordinating assessments with families in the State College, Pennsylvania, area and will work directly with participants and their families through phone and virtual calls, email exchanges, and face-to-face interactions.

Requirements

• Experience with social science research or professional experience working with children and families
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Outstanding organizational skills; ability to manage multiple tasks and various schedules efficiently and accurately
• Ability to take on leadership for assigned work-related tasks, both independently and as part of a team
• Associate Degree
• 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Nice To Haves

• Due to the demographic of participating families, being bilingual in English and Spanish will be considered a plus.

Responsibilities

• Schedule, supervise, and conduct study assessments with parents and youth
• Monitor and upload datasets; maintain detailed documentation of data collection
• Prepare research protocols and materials (e.g., participant forms and questionnaires)
• Inventory materials; order and purchase supplies
• Provide updates and solicit feedback/advice from other team members on the study’s progress and/or challenges
• Train and oversee several lab team members
• Perform administrative tasks related to the study (e.g., complete family payment documentation, update participant records)
• Assist with recruitment and retention of participants, attend recruitment events to enroll new families, and maintain regular contact with already enrolled families

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree