Research Assistant Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Selected applicants must be enrolled as graduate students at Penn State.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience working with data, databases, or process mapping.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively as part of a multidisciplinary project team.

Nice To Haves

• Preference will be given to students with backgrounds or demonstrated interest in business analytics, information systems, computer science, engineering, artificial intelligence, operations management, data analytics, or related fields.
• Familiarity with AI tools, automation technologies, or programming languages (e.g., Python, SQL, Power Automate, Copilot) is desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

• Collecting, organizing, and analyzing historical scheduling, enrollment, classroom utilization, and related institutional data using Microsoft Excel and other analytical tools.
• Conducting literature reviews and environmental scans on AI applications, higher education scheduling systems, process automation, and scheduling optimization.
• Assisting in the evaluation of AI-enabled technologies (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, Power Automate, Ad Astra, Infosilem, UiPath, and similar platforms) for their potential application to academic scheduling.
• Documenting current scheduling workflows and helping identify opportunities for automation, standardization, and process improvement.
• Assisting with data reconciliation, validation, and preparation of scheduling datasets for analysis.
• Supporting the development of reports, presentations, process documentation, and grant deliverables for project stakeholders.
• Participating in project meetings and collaborating with faculty, administrators, and campus partners throughout the duration of the project.
• Performing other research and administrative tasks as assigned in support of the grant objectives.

Benefits

• Compensation: $15.00 per hour.