Research Assistants

Posted:
1/8/2026, 11:25:13 PM

Location(s):
Ferguson Township, Pennsylvania, United States ⋅ Pennsylvania, United States

Experience Level(s):
Junior ⋅ Mid Level

Field(s):
AI & Machine Learning ⋅ Data & Analytics ⋅ Software Engineering

Workplace Type:
Hybrid

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

 

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 REQUIREMENTS

The Department of Statistics seek to hire undergraduate or master’s students as part-time Research Assistants for the Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025 semesters. The successful candidates will assist in developing large language model (LLM) applications for social science research and data analysis.

Preferred qualifications include:

  • Prior experience developing LLM applications (e.g., prompt engineering, fine-tuning, agent-based frameworks, or evaluation pipelines);
  • Strong programming skills in Python;
  • Familiarity with machine learning libraries or NLP tools (e.g., PyTorch, Transformers, LangChain) is a plus.

Hours, wages, and anticipated periods of employment will vary based on project needs and applicant availability. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as the need arises.

 

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

 

 

 

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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.

 

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