Human Research Technologist - Cognition, Affect and Temperament Laboratory

Position Overview

The Cognition, Affect, and Temperament Laboratory in the College of the Liberal Arts at Penn State seeks a full‑time Human Research Technologist to participate in an NIMH‑funded study on parent‑child synchrony and emotion modeling and anxiety risk. The role includes working with fNIRS, eye‑tracking, behavioral observation, and questionnaires, and collaborating with a two‑site study at Washington University in St.Louis.

• Recruit, schedule, and maintain contact with children and families (virtually or in person).
• Guide participants through consent and data collection.
• Collect, process, and analyze behavioral, neural, and eye‑tracking data.
• Coordinate day‑to‑day lab activities, including IRB liaison.
• Submit data to national archives.
• Collaborate with a dynamic research team.
• Train and supervise undergraduate research assistants.

• Associate degree (no prior relevant work experience required; prior relevant work experience acceptable).
• Preferred:
  Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, or related field.
• Experience in a lab with behavioral coding, neuroimaging, or eye‑tracking studies.
• Experience working with children.
• Required certifications:
  None.
• Strong communication skills, flexible schedule (evenings/weekends).

• Applicants must upload a cover letter of interest and a CV/resume.
• Background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, Federal FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.; no visa sponsorship.
• Position funded for one year; continuation may be based on need, performance, and funding.

Salary range: $31,600.00 – $45,800.00.

Penn State offers medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, generous tuition discount (75% for employees and eligible family), and other comprehensive benefits.

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.