Student Research Assistant

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

Posted Job Title

Student Research Assistant

Job Profile Title

Temporary Employee - Co-op Worker

Job Description Summary

The Center for Neuromodulation in Depression and Stress (CNDS) is devoted to investigating the mechanisms underlying individual treatment response across mood disorders including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Examined broadly, we determine how various treatments produce changes in brain activity and connectivity in order to improve treatment outcomes.
Dr. Sheline is currently conducting fMRI studies of emotional dysregulation in depression. Studies investigating Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in Bipolar disorder and depression as well as Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) as a treatment for Bipolar disorder as well as studies to see if GLP-1 drugs can keep depression in remission in both Bipilar disorder and Major Depressive Disorder

Job Description

The temp worker’s responsibilities will include:

Getting Level 1 MRI trained and attend MRI scans with coordinators and will eventually get level 2 MRI trained so that they can assist the CRCs and run the scanner.

Participant/patient liaison: meet participants and escort to testing and MRI scanning sites, relay visit reminders, return calls as needed.  As skills grow, students may become more involved with the participant visits, including consenting procedures and administration of study assessments.

Recruitment: Assist with advertisement creation and distribution.

Data Entry: Enter data into RedCap and/or Excel; do data quality assurance checks.

Student responsibilities may change as additional projects begin.  Students who demonstrate a high level of skill and maturity, may gain additional responsibilities that will serve the lab and contribute to their academic and research growth such as having the opportunity to learn how to administer TMS.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

$7.25 - $13.50 Hourly Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements 
A background check may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health and Life: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare.
• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

Please note that benefit eligibility is determined/based on ACA guidelines.