Human Research Technologist - Concepts, Imagery, and Simulation in Cognition Lab

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.

This position is funded for 12 months; continuation past 12 months will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

TheConcepts, Imagery, and Simulation in Cognition Lab, headed by Dr. Emiko Muraki, is seeking a full-time Human Research Technologist.

The Human Research Technologist will have the opportunity to work on studies investigating how the mind grounds and simulates concept meaning, bridging perception, action, imagery, and language in adults.

In doing so, the lab incorporates several techniques, including EEG, fMRI, behavioral research methods, and quantitative statistical analysis.

This work will take advantage of the University’s broad resources, including the Center for Language Science and the Social, Life, and Engineering Sciences and Imaging (SLEIC) Center.

Important Note: This position requires a flexible schedule to include working some evenings and weekends, primarily to accommodate the availability of research participants.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Recruit and schedule study participants, manage recruitment platform signups, and maintain participant records

• Assist with behavioral, EEG, and fMRI study design, programming, and data collection
• Process, clean, and analyze behavioral and/or neural data using quantitative statistical analysis
• Prepare and maintain study materials, data, and analysis code for sharing on open science repositories
• Support the training and coordination of undergraduate research assistants; may assist in the interviewing, training, and scheduling of these students
• Coordinate the day-to-day activities in the lab, such as coordinating with the Institutional Review Board and documenting lab procedures and protocols

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Associate Degree
No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education.
Required Certifications:
None

Preferred Qualifications (one or more):

• A Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, or a related field
• Experience in a lab that conducts behavioral or neuroimaging studies
• Experience with EEG or fMRI
• Research experience with Python, R, or Matlab

Important Application Instructions:

Applicants must upload a cover letter of interest, highlighting relevant skills, and a CV/resume.

Additional Information:

Questions regarding the position may be addressed to Dr. Emiko Muraki at [email protected]

The Department of Psychology in the College of the Liberal Arts at Penn State is home to the Concepts, Imagery, and Simulation in Cognition Lab.

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.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.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 & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $33,504.00 - $48,552.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

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% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

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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