Child Health Research Center - Human Research Technologist; Data Collector

Human Research Technologist

The Child Health Research Center within the College of Health and Human Development seeks a Human Research Technologist to support a growing portfolio of community-based, clinical, behavioral, and population health research projects focused on improving child and family health outcomes. This position plays a critical role in the implementation of funded research studies through participant recruitment, data collection, data management, and coordination of study activities across multiple grants and research initiatives.

The Human Research Technologist will work closely with faculty investigators, project managers, research staff, community partners, and study participants to ensure the successful execution of research protocols. Responsibilities include conducting in-person and remote data collection activities; coordinating participant scheduling; administering surveys, interviews, and assessments; maintaining research records and databases; and supporting regulatory and compliance requirements. The position may participate in study planning, protocol implementation, quality assurance procedures, and dissemination activities.

As the Center continues to expand its research portfolio, the Human Research Technologist will support multiple concurrent projects involving children, adolescents, families, schools, healthcare systems, and community organizations. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, excellent interpersonal and communication abilities, and the capacity to work effectively with diverse populations.

This position requires regular travel throughout central Pennsylvania and surrounding communities to conduct research activities, engage participants, and support community-based data collection efforts. This position requires a flexible schedule to include working some evenings and weekends, primarily to accommodate the availability of participating families. This position is based at Penn State's University Park campus in State College, PA, and follows a hybrid work arrangement that includes regular weekly on-campus presence, with some opportunities for remote work.

Key responsibilities include conducting participant recruitment, enrollment, retention, and data collection activities for human subjects research studies; coordinating in-person and remote research visits, including travel to community, school, healthcare, and participant sites; maintaining study records, databases, regulatory documentation, and data quality standards; supporting study implementation, compliance activities, and progress reporting across multiple research projects; and collaborating with research teams, participants, and community partners to ensure successful study execution and achievement of project goals.

Qualifications/skills include experience supporting human subjects, clinical, community-based, or behavioral research, including participant recruitment, data collection, and study coordination; knowledge of human subjects protections, informed consent procedures, and IRB requirements; proficiency with Microsoft Office, research databases, and electronic data collection systems; strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively with diverse populations; and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-based research environment while maintaining high standards of data quality and accuracy.

Minimum education, work experience, and required certifications vary based on the position grade. For Human Research Technologist
- Health and Medicine
- Advanced Professional, a Bachelor's Degree and 3+ years of relevant experience are required. For Human Research Technologist
- Health and Medicine
- Intermediate Professional, an Associate Degree and 2+ years of relevant experience are required. No required certifications are needed for either position.

Application materials should include a resume and cover letter. This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check, and the National Sex Offender Registry Clearance (NSOR). Additional clearances may be necessary if you resided outside of Pennsylvania in the past five years.

A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

The salary range for this position is $44,628.00 - $71,340.00. 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%…