Research Assistant - Cancer Institute

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 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

The Penn State College of Medicine, Cancer Institute is seeking a Research Assistant in Hershey, PA.

Position Summary

The Research Assistant provides intermediate-level support for clinical and translational research projects within the Penn State Cancer Institute, with a primary focus on Genitourinary (GU) Oncology research. This position supports non-treatment interventional and observational studies through study coordination, protocol development, participant consent and enrollment, data management and analysis, regulatory compliance, scientific writing, and research administration. The role works closely with investigators, collaborators, and research staff to advance the GU research portfolio and ensure the successful execution of research initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Research Study Support

• Assist in the design, development, and implementation of GU research studies under the guidance of faculty investigators, including Dr. Joshi.
• Develop study protocols and supporting research documentation.
• Support the conduct of observational and non-treatment interventional studies, including participant recruitment, informed consent, enrollment, and follow-up.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of an NGS data biobank to support GU research initiatives.

Data Management and Analysis

• Collect, organize, manage, and analyze research data to support ongoing studies.
• Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and reproducibility of research data and study records.
• Prepare figures, tables, reports, and summaries of research findings.
• Maintain electronic and paper research records and databases.
• Support manuscript preparation, scientific reporting, and data presentation.

Regulatory and Project Coordination

• Maintain study documentation and ensure compliance with institutional, IRB, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate day-to-day research operations, project timelines, and study logistics.
• Schedule meetings and serve as a liaison among investigators, collaborators, sponsors, and laboratory partners.
• Track study milestones and support timely completion of research objectives.

Research Administration

• Assist with grant proposal development and submission.
• Support preparation of progress reports, abstracts, presentations, and scientific communications.
• Process purchase requests, reimbursements, invoices, payroll documentation, and budget tracking.
• Maintain certifications, protocols, regulatory files, and administrative records.

Collaboration and Process Improvement

• Evaluate research workflows, troubleshoot issues, and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency and data quality.
• Participate in GU research meetings, presenting project updates and contributing to scientific discussions.
• Collaborate with faculty, research staff, students, and trainees by providing technical support, assisting with onboarding and training, and fostering a collaborative research environment.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS)
2+ years of relevant experience; Relevant education accepted in lieu of experience
Required Certifications:
None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: 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 & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $40,608.00 - $58,836.00.

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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