Part Time - Student (Undergraduate) - Public Affairs Research Assistant

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The School of Public Affairs at Penn State Harrisburg is looking for two undergraduate collaborative research assistants. This is an opening to support grant-funded research with Dr. Chris J. Dolan’s undergraduate research grant entitled, “Accuracy and Efficiency in Threat Intelligence in Homeland Security: The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Tools in Threat Detection.”

The hours will predominantly between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. This opening may involve in-person research and analysis and regular meetings with Dr. Dolan in his office once a week. The opening is primarily for help with developing research questions, data collection, testing hypothesis, conducting interviews, and analyzing empirical findings. We will develop a final research paper and build a poster for presentation at a student research event in late April 2025.

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Undergraduate Wage Worker 1: (57.88 hrs @ $16.00/hr)
  • Conduct data collection and analysis, conduct interviews, and develop research questions as well as support the PI in administrative tasks related to the project.
  • This work is crucial for maintaining the project’s momentum and ensuring timely completion of research milestones.
• Undergraduate Wage Worker 2: (57.88 hrs @ $16.00/hr)
  • Empirical and theoretical literature review, conduct interviews, and data entry tasks.
  • This contribution is vital for ensuring accurate data management and facilitating the overall research process through the development of the broader context with the literature review.

• This opening is most suitable for an advanced undergraduate student in homeland security, public policy, criminal justice, and/or political science.
• Ability to commit to 5 to 10 hours per week on a flexible schedule while a project is in progress.
• Ability to follow rigorous research standards and attend regular meetings with the faculty member.
• A demonstrated commitment to quality and ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently in a remote/distributed work environment.
• Develop a professional poster and complete research and writing in a timely manner
• Balance time commitment with this project and courses.

Scheduled Weekly Hours: Approximately 5 to 10 Hours/week

Hourly Rate: $16.00/hour

This opening has the potential to be performed fully remote or as a hybrid of remote and on-site working.

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