APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

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• 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.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Sciamanna Lab at Penn State College of Medicine within the Department of Medicine is seeking a Part-time Research Assistant. The Sciamanna Lab has its mission to double the percentage of American adults who are physically active each week, from less than 10% to more than 20%. To accomplish this mission, the Sciamanna Lab designs and tests specific physical activity programs to engineer programs that are effective, have high rates of adherence, and are designed to be scalable to every region of the US. This work is done primarily with funding from grants from the National Institutes of Health, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), as well as other federal, state, and University funders. This position will work in a research support role, working with other faculty and research study staff, as well as exercise instructors working on the research project, funded by Dr. Sciamanna’s research grant.

Responsibilities include: educating research staff in conducting in person measurements of balance using a force plate in older adults with walking difficulty; observing research staff members conducting these in person measurements; conducting these in person measurements yourself; attending meetings with faculty and research study to discuss and revise protocol; and collaborating with research study staff to oversee operations of the active research study and ensure program compliance with University policies; and other functions as assigned by Dr. Sciamanna.

The ideal candidate will have experience with measures of physical function and balance testing in older adults using a force plate. Previous experience in a research environment is preferred. In addition to experience, the candidate will also have the following traits: detail-oriented, enthusiasm for exercise/fitness, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, strong organizational skills; and strong writing skills.

The following clearances must be successfully completed for this position:  

• Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check  
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal Background Check   

 
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