Spring 2026 Undergraduate Research Internship Community-Based Coaching & Health Interventions
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Job Location:
University Park, IL - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
Yesterday
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
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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 additional information on remote work at Penn State seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
TheLion Health Labis seeking motivated undergraduate students for a paid research internship focused oncoaching program delivery and community-based health research. This position is ideal for students interested in working directly with youth families and community partners while gaining hands-on experience running real-world experiments and health interventions.
Interns will play an active role in delivering sport- and fitness-based programs (often in CrossFit or similar community settings) supporting data collection and helping implement research protocols tied to physical activity mental health and family-based health promotion.
Pay:$20/hour
Commitment:26 hours per week
Dates:January 24 2026 May 15 2026
Project Description
Interns will support ongoingLion Health Labprojects examining how structured physical activity and coaching environments influence physical mental and cognitive health across the lifespan. Much of the work occurs incommunity and gym-based settings where interns help run programs interact with participants and support research data collection.
This internship emphasizesapplied research not desk-only work. Interns will gain experience in coaching-based intervention delivery participant engagement and translating health science into practice. Students will work closely withDr. Janette Watkins (PI)and graduate student mentors throughout the semester.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist withcoaching and program deliveryin community or gym-based settings
- Support implementation ofresearch protocolsduring live programs
- Help with participant check-in equipment setup and session logistics
- Assist withdata collection(e.g. surveys observational measures wearables)
- Maintain accurate records and follow human subjects research procedures
- Participate in lab meetings and training sessions
- Contribute to project documentation and brief reports
- Represent the Lion Health Lab professionally in community settings
Required Qualifications
- Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student (any major related to kinesiology health psychology neuroscience or similar fields encouraged)
- Interest incoaching health promotion or community-based research
- Comfortable working with people in active real-world settings
- Reliable professional and able to follow research protocols
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
Preferred Qualifications
- CrossFit Level 1 certification or higher(strongly preferred)
- Experience coaching teaching or leading physical activity programs
- Interest in public health behavioral science or intervention research
- Familiarity with youth or family-based programs
- Self-motivated with strong time management skills
Mentorship & Training
Interns receive direct mentorship fromDr. Janette Watkinsand graduate student researchers. Training will include:
- Human subjects research procedures
- Program delivery and coaching expectations
- Community engagement and professional conduct
- Exposure to intervention science and applied research careers
This is an excellent opportunity for students consideringgraduate school coaching careers public health or clinical research.
Duration and Commitment
- Spring 2026:January 24 May 15 2026
- 26 hours per week depending on program schedules
To Apply
Please submit:
A resume and a short statement of interest (12 paragraphs) describing:
- Your experience with coaching fitness or community programs
- Why you are interested in applied health research with the Lion Health Lab
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 .
Required Experience:
Intern
Key Skills
- Fashion Retail
- Illustration
- Access Control System
- Attorney At Law
- Maintenance
- Data Analysis
About Company
Penn State is a major, public, research-I university serving Pennsylvania and the global community. Learn more about our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs.
