Part-Time Research Assistant - Medicine

About the position

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

• 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.
• Collaborating with research study staff to oversee operations of the active research study and ensure program compliance with University policies.
• Other functions as assigned by Dr. Sciamanna.

Requirements

• Experience with measures of physical function and balance testing in older adults using a force plate.
• Previous experience in a research environment is preferred.
• Detail-oriented.
• Enthusiasm for exercise/fitness.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong writing skills.