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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Part-Time Research Assistant
Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Digital Trust Research
The Black School of Business at Penn State Behrend seeks a part-time Research Assistant to support the development and execution of an emerging research program at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, digital literacy, and technology adoption.
This position will contribute to a multidisciplinary initiative exploring how AI-enabled systems can support cybersecurity awareness, decision-making, risk reduction, and technology engagement among diverse populations. The successful candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator to design, develop, evaluate, and disseminate innovative research examining the role of AI in addressing contemporary cybersecurity and digital trust challenges.
This role offers an opportunity to participate in all phases of the research process, including technology development, human-centered design, research methodology, compliance activities, data collection, analysis, publication, and grant development.
Research and Technology Development
The successful candidate will:
- Assist in the design, development, and evaluation of AI-enabled systems intended to support cybersecurity awareness, digital literacy, risk mitigation, or technology engagement
- Explore and evaluate emerging technologies including conversational AI, large language models, voice interfaces, intelligent agents, decision-support systems, and related technologies
- Participate in prototyping, testing, refinement, and documentation of research technologies
- Assist with system architecture documentation, technical reporting, and research reproducibility efforts
- Evaluate the effectiveness and usability of AI-supported interventions through structured research methodologies
Human Subjects Research and Compliance
The successful candidate will:
- Work with the Principal Investigator on research study design and implementation
- Assist in the preparation of Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions and supporting materials
- Support participant recruitment, informed consent processes, data collection protocols, and compliance requirements
- Complete required human subjects research training and maintain compliance with university research standards
- Contribute to research ethics, privacy, and responsible AI practices throughout the project lifecycle
Research Execution and Dissemination
The successful candidate will:
- Assist with literature reviews and environmental scans related to AI, cybersecurity, digital trust, human-computer interaction, and technology adoption
- Support quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis activities
- Prepare technical reports, conference presentations, posters, manuscripts, and research summaries
- Contribute to grant proposal development and identification of external funding opportunities
- Participate in dissemination of research findings through academic and community-facing channels
Project Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement
The successful candidate will:
- Help maintain project documentation, timelines, and research records
- Assist the lead to coordinate with community organizations, technology partners, and university stakeholders as appropriate
- Participate in designated project meetings and presentations
- Assist with the development of partnerships that support research recruitment and outreach activities
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Management Information Systems, Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Digital Media, Business Analytics, or a related field
- Demonstrated technical aptitude in software development, AI applications, data analytics, cybersecurity, or information systems
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
- Interest in interdisciplinary research involving technology and society
- Commitment to ethical research and responsible technology development
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with AI systems, large language models, machine learning tools, or intelligent agents
- Experience with cybersecurity, privacy, digital literacy, human-computer interaction, or technology adoption research
- Familiarity with research design, survey development, qualitative interviewing, or statistical analysis
- Experience contributing to academic research projects, publications, or conference presentations
- Experience with grant writing or proposal development
- Prior experience with IRB processes or human subjects research
- Graduate study or plans to pursue graduate education in a related field are desirable but not required
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
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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