Part-Time Research Assistant: Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Digital Trust Research

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, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.  JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTSPart-Time Research Assistant Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Digital Trust ResearchThe 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 DevelopmentThe 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 engagementExplore and evaluate emerging technologies including conversational AI, large language models, voice interfaces, intelligent agents, decision-support systems, and related technologiesParticipate in prototyping, testing, refinement, and documentation of research technologiesAssist with system architecture documentation, technical reporting, and research reproducibility effortsEvaluate the effectiveness and usability of AI-supported interventions through structured research methodologiesHuman Subjects Research and ComplianceThe successful candidate will:Work with the Principal Investigator on research study design and implementationAssist in the preparation of Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions and supporting materialsSupport participant recruitment, informed consent processes, data collection protocols, and compliance requirementsComplete required human subjects research training and maintain compliance with university research standardsContribute to research ethics, privacy, and responsible AI practices throughout the project lifecycleResearch Execution and DisseminationThe successful candidate will:Assist with literature reviews and environmental scans related to AI, cybersecurity, digital trust, human-computer interaction, and technology adoptionSupport quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis activitiesPrepare technical reports, conference presentations, posters, manuscripts, and research summariesContribute to grant proposal development and identification of external funding opportunitiesParticipate in dissemination of research findings through academic and community-facing channelsProject Coordination and Stakeholder EngagementThe successful candidate will:Help maintain project documentation, timelines, and research recordsAssist the lead to coordinate with community organizations, technology partners, and university stakeholders as appropriateParticipate in designated project meetings and presentationsAssist with the development of partnerships that support research recruitment and outreach activitiesRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Management Information Systems, Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Digital Media, Business Analytics, or a related fieldDemonstrated technical aptitude in software development, AI applications, data analytics, cybersecurity, or information systemsStrong written and verbal communication skillsAbility to work independently and manage multiple prioritiesInterest in interdisciplinary research involving technology and societyCommitment to ethical research and responsible technology developmentPreferred QualificationsExperience working with AI systems, large language models, machine learning tools, or intelligent agentsExperience with cybersecurity, privacy, digital literacy, human-computer interaction, or technology adoption researchFamiliarity with research design, survey development, qualitative interviewing, or statistical analysisExperience contributing to academic research projects, publications, or conference presentationsExperience with grant writing or proposal developmentPrior experience with IRB processes or human subjects researchGraduate study or plans to pursue graduate education in a related field are desirable but not required BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESEmployment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.   CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICSPursuant 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, t