Part-Time Research Assistant – 3PL Warehouse Industry Impact Study

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

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About The Position

The Center for Supply Chain Research at Penn State University Park is hiring one part-time research assistant to start in November 2026. The assistant will work with Dr. Saurabh Bansal and Dr. Donna Palumbo for up to 10 hours per week for approximately six weeks. The role supports a 3PL warehouse industry impact study by collecting, preparing, and analyzing supply chain data from web sources, industry reports and organizations, and public data sources. The assistant will identify trends and insights and communicate findings through visualizations, reports, and presentation materials.

Requirements

• Ensure high-quality data collection, data integrity, and readiness for analysis.
• Strong command of data management and experience working with datasets of varying sizes.
• Ability to analyze complex datasets and derive meaningful insights through quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Meticulous attention to data accuracy and ability to handle data exceptions or anomalies.
• Ability to translate data into readable, accessible formats, including Excel spreadsheets and datasets.
• Ability to develop data tables and visualizations.
• Ability to develop innovative solutions to technical challenges in data collection and information preparation.
• Ability to prepare professional reports and presentations suitable for publication.
• Ability to work independently with little guidance and provide regular project updates.

Responsibilities

• Seek out and collect structured and unstructured data.
• Cleanse, process, and organize supply chain datasets from web sources, industry reports, industry organizations, and public data sources.
• Prepare data for analysis by ensuring accuracy and consistency and handling exceptions or anomalies.
• Analyze data to identify trends, patterns, and insights, and provide recommendations for further research or action.
• Develop data tables and visualizations, such as heat maps, charts, and infographics, to illustrate findings.
• Present findings in professional report and presentation formats suitable for publication.
• Work independently, provide regular updates to project leadership, and participate in regular virtual calls or meetings.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed