Part Time Research Assistant

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

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 Penn State Department of Family and Community Medicine is seeking a part-time Research Coordinator (Human Research Technologist) to join our fast-paced, mission-driven Food as Medicine and preventive health research team. Our team is working to realize a future where everyone can identify, access, prepare, and eat high-quality, culturally appropriate food to achieve optimal health. We design and conduct rigorous clinical and community-based research, including NIH-funded randomized controlled trials to improve dietary intake and health outcomes among individuals with chronic disease.

This role is ideal for a highly organized, detail-oriented research professional who thrives in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment and is eager to contribute to high-impact clinical research.

Primary Responsibilities

• Coordinate NIH-funded randomized controlled trials and related preventive health studies
• Assist with IRB submissions, modifications, continuing reviews, and regulatory documentation
• Recruit, consent, and retain research participants
• Operationalize and maintain study protocols with high fidelity
• Collect study data, including biomarkers (e.g., blood, urine, blood pressure, weight, saliva)
• Manage datasets, conduct data quality checks, and prepare reports
• Contribute to study documentation, progress reports, and dissemination efforts

Required Qualifications

• Human subjects quantitative research experience
• Demonstrated experience in data management, reporting, and basic statistical analysis
• Experience operationalizing and implementing human subjects research protocols
• Willingness to collect clinical biomarkers
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Exceptional interpersonal and written/oral communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities professionally and efficiently
• Flexibility to work in-person and remotely, including occasional evenings or weekends
• Reliable transportation

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with clinical trials in humans
• Experience with community-based research
• At least one year of experience working directly with human research participants

Candidates should be able to work independently and have excellent organizational, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills, the ability to work in a team environment, and the ability to contribute to the Penn State College of Medicine and FCM’s missions. 

To apply, candidates should upload a cover letter with a summary of relevant skills, statement of research interests and goals, current curriculum vitae, and contact information (name, position title, institution, e-mail address) for at least two professional references. The successful candidate must pass a background check. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is closed. This is a fixed-term appointment funded for one year from date of hire with excellent possibility of re-funding.

The FCM Research Division has a dynamic team of researchers involved in diverse, collaborative, primary care-based research, including cancer prevention and survivorship, healthy lifestyles, disease prevention, mental health, pain, substance use, health disparities, and more. Our campus is located in the beautiful town of Hershey, which features a high quality of life including excellent schools, numerous venues for indoor and outdoor activities, and proximity to major metropolitan centers.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

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.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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