Human Research Technologist - Family and Community Medicine

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Department of Family and Community Medicine Research Division at Penn State College of Medicine is seeking a full-time Human Research Technologist (HRT) / Research Assistant. The HRT will assist with recruitment and retention of participants in family and community medicine research to examine and reduce health disparities across vulnerable and underserved urban and rural populations. The role supports a National Institutes of Health research study, the Healthy Brain and Child Development Study, under the direction of Dr.

Aleksandra Zgierska (PI). The study is designed to better understand the impact of different life experiences on early brain and child development.

The HRT will support timely and informed research, including MRI and EEG testing, behavioral assessments, biospecimen collection and processing, and social-emotional development assessments from newborn through early childhood. The candidate will be responsible for conducting informed consent, collecting high‑quality data in a culturally respectful manner, and completing participant recruitment, screening, scheduling, data entry, and biospecimen collection. Strong interpersonal skills are required to engage with participants and team members from diverse backgrounds.

Some local/regional travel may be required, and the applicant must be near the MRI scanner.

Qualified candidates will be detail oriented, produce high‑quality work, communicate clearly and accurately in both verbal and written forms, demonstrate strong planning and organizational skills, and participate in and support team decisions and responsibilities.

• Associate Degree; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education.
• Required
  
  Certifications:
  
  None

This position requires PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Salary range: $38,300.00 – $55,500.00. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, substantial paid time off (holidays, vacation, and sick time), and a generous 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.

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, a culture of belonging, and opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive.