REQ_0000053759 Research Assistant, Emotion Development Laboratory
A full-time Research Assistant is sought to work on NIMH- and Penn State-funded studies investigating anxiety and digital media use in adolescents, with a focus on emotion regulation and neurophysiological mechanisms.
This work will be done alongside Dr. Sarah Myruski at Penn State’s Emotion Development Laboratory: https://emotiondev.la.psu.edu/.
The start date for this position is as soon as possible, but those who will not be available until early summer 2024 will also be considered.
The Research Assistant will be responsible for the data collection of studies in the lab, which will involve:
- Conducting participant intake meetings and clinical interviews
- Conducting EEG/eye-tracking visits with participants
- Assisting with survey data collection, including ecological momentary assessments
- Ensuring data is scored and entered correctly
Other key duties of the Research Assistant include:
- Collecting, processing, and analyzing behavioral, neural, and/or eye-tracking data
- Coordinating mailings
- Aiding in human subject protocols and consent forms
- General lab management duties (e.g., organize lab materials, troubleshoot for technical problems)
This work will take advantage of the University’s broad resources, including the Child Study Center (https://csc.la.psu.edu/).
Benefits (visit https://hr.psu.edu/benefits for more detailed information):
- Medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans
- 75% tuition discounts (including for a spouse and dependent children up to the age of 26)
- Generous vacation and sick time
- 15 paid holidays/campus closure days
Education and Experience:
This position will be filled as a Human Research Technologist – Social Sciences – Professional, which requires an Associate degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or related field is preferred. Research or professional experience with children is highly desirable.
Applicants must have excellent organizational skills; proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint; and a willingness to learn and develop additional computer skills related to data management and preparation of data for analysis.
In addition, successful candidates must either have demonstrated a commitment to building an inclusive, equitable, and diverse campus community, or describe one or more ways they would envision doing so, given the opportunity.
Application Instructions:
Please highlight relevant skills in your cover letter.
To apply, please visit https://psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/PSU_Staff/job/Penn-State-University-Park/Research-Assistant–Emotion-Development-Laboratory_REQ_0000053759-2
Those interested may also feel free to email Dr. Sarah Myruski at with any questions.
Additional Information:
This is a limited-term appointment, funded for one year from date of hire with a possibility of re-funding.
This position requires the following clearances: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the job is filled.
The College of the Liberal Arts is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.
More information on our commitments and initiatives to diversity, equity, and inclusion can be found at:
- Penn State (http://equity.psu.edu)
- The College of Liberal Arts (https://la.psu.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion-belonging/)
- The Department of Psychology (https://psych.la.psu.edu/diversity)
To review the Annual Security Report which contains information about crime statistics and other safety and security matters and policies, please go to https://www.police.psu.edu/annual-security-reports, which will also explain how to request a paper copy of the Annual Security Report.
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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.