The Cognition, Affect, and Temperament Laboratory, in the College of the Liberal Arts at the Pennsylvania State University, headed by Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar, is seeking a full-time Research Assistant (Human Research Technologist 1). The position will ideally start as soon as possible.
The Research Assistant will have the opportunity to work on a NIMH-funded study, investigating the association between parent-child synchrony and emotion modeling on anxiety risk in children. In doing so, the lab incorporates a number of techniques, including fNIRS, mobile eye-tracking, direct behavioral observation, and questionnaires.
This work will take advantage of the University’s broad resources, including the Child Study Center and the Social, Life, and Engineering Sciences and Imaging (SLEIC) Center.
This is a two-site study in collaboration with Dr. Susan Perlman at Washington University in St. Louis. As such, study personnel at Penn State will have virtual cross-site training opportunities.
Key responsibilities for the Research Assistant:
- Recruiting, scheduling appointments, and maintaining contact with children and their families (virtually or in-person)
- Collecting, processing, and analyzing behavioral, neural, and/or eye-tracking data
- Aiding in human subject protocols, consent forms, and IRB approval
- General lab management duties (e.g., coordinate with relevant offices regarding lab processes, complete finance and reimbursement forms)
- Overseeing a large and dynamic team of undergraduate students
Benefits for full-time employees at Penn State include (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 typically requires an Associate’s degree or higher (Bachelor’s degree preferred) plus one year of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
A Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, or a related field, along with past experience in a lab that conducts behavioral coding, neuroimaging, and/or eye-tracking studies will be considered a strong plus. Research experience with children is highly desirable.
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:
To apply, please upload a cover letter of interest and a CV. Please highlight relevant skills in your cover letter.
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Additional Information:
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.
Questions regarding the position may be addressed to Dr. Pérez-Edgar at
This is a limited-term appointment, funded for one year from date of hire, with possibility for renewal.
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.
The Research Assistant will frequently use the following software and applications: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Datavyu; MindWare; Brain Vision Analyzer; E-prime; SPSS; and R.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence 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 inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.