The Laboratory of Developmental Neuroscience , directed by Dr. Suzy Scherf, is seeking a highly organized and team-oriented individual to serve as a full-time Human Research Technologist 1 . The lab conducts research on developmental changes in face processing in typically developing children, adolescents, and young adults, and those with autism using behavioral and neuroimaging (fMRI/sMRI/DTI) methods.

The duties of the Human Research Technologist include (but are not limited to):

• Conduct developmental neuroscience research on human subjects using both behavioral and neuroimaging methods, including programming, testing, organizing, and analyzing data

• Responsible for coordinating all aspects of data collection for the study, including scheduling participant visits, negotiating schedules with the MRI facility and Clinical Research Center, coordinating research staff, and conducting sessions

• Serve as the first point of contact responsible for addressing all questions, concerns, and issues that arise during testing, from study team members and/or participants; responsible for recruitment of study participants to make sure the study is on track to meet enrollment milestones

• Ensure that participants have the best experience in our study as possible

• Work under limited supervision, coordinate undergraduate student research activities, and ensure adherence to safety and ethical regulations related to research with human subjects

• Perform administrative duties such as database management, hardware/software maintenance, website maintenance, equipment maintenance; and provide general faculty support.

Education and Experience: The position typically requires an Associate's degree or higher plus one year of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field, including psychology, neuroscience, or cognitive science, is preferred.

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.

It is preferred that candidates have at least one of the following: Prior research experience with children or adolescents; prior use of fMRI methods, and advanced computer skills (i.e., R, Matlab, E-prime, Qualtrics, etc.). Two years of experience in a research lab (in a developmental or cognitive neuroscience lab) is also highly desirable.

This is a limited-term appointment, funded for one year from date of hire with excellent 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.

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 offers competitive benefits to full-time employees, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans, in addition to tuition discounts, generous vacation time, sick time, and paid holidays. Please visit https://hr.psu.edu/benefits for more detailed information.

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.

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 .

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

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applications without regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, 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.

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