Part-Time Research Assistant

The Pennsylvania State University
remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Aug 08, 2025
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. 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, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS Penn State's interdisciplinary smart amphibious residential building project seeks motivated undergraduate or graduatestudent researchers to support the development of flood-resilient, community-centric housing solutions in the Appalachian region. You will work alongside faculty, graduate students, and community partners to advance designs, prototypes, and field studies that integrate adaptive foundations, smart sensing, and recovery-focused programming. Responsibilities Conduct literature reviews on amphibious foundations, modular construction, and smart home technologies Develop and refine computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D models (Revit, SolidWorks) for prototype housing units Assist with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and wave-tank testing in CITEL Support sensor calibration, data collection, and preliminary digital-twin development Help plan and facilitate community workshops in Charleston, WV, alongside Fahe and RCCR partners Compile and analyze qualitative and quantitative data on design performance, cost-benefit, and user feedback Prepare summary reports, presentations, and draft figures for team meetings and external dissemination Qualifications Enrolled at Penn State (Engineering, Architecture, Environmental Science, Sociology, or related fields) Experience with CAD software (Revit and/or SolidWorks) and basic CFD concepts Basic coding or data-analysis skills (Python, MATLAB, or equivalent) Strong written and verbal communication skills, with interest in community engagement Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and travel occasionally to Charleston, WV Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 Employment Details Position Title: Research Assistant (Smart Amphibious Housing) Wage: $16-18 per hour, commensurate with experience Hours: 10-15 hours per week during the academic year Duration: Academic year (with potential renewal based on performance and funding) Location: University Park campus (with scheduled field visits to Charleston, WV) How to Apply Please upload the following materials in WorkDay by August 15, 2025: Current resume with relevant coursework and technical skills Cover letter describing your interest in flood resilience, smart homes, and community recovery Unofficial transcript (Penn State students only) Contact information for two references (faculty or professional) 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. The Pennsylvania State University 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. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines