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Part-Time Digital Storytelling & Research Assistant (VOICE-DC Project)
Job Location:
Job Location:
University Park, IL - USA
Hourly Salary:
USD 15 - 15
Hourly Salary:
Posted:
29 September 2026 (Yesterday)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
27 December 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
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 additional information on remote work at Penn State seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Project:Voices Outlooks and Information Networks in Civic Engagement around Data Centers (VOICE-DC)
Position Summary
TheAI and Data Infrastructures Learning Lab (AIDILL)in the Department of Learning and Performance Systems seeks an Undergraduate Research Assistant to support the VOICE-DC project a community-engaged research study examining civic engagement storytelling and learning related to AI data center development and governance. The undergraduate assistant will work closely with faculty and graduate researchers to support qualitative research digital storytelling and public-facing dissemination efforts. The project investigates how community members use stories narratives and other forms of civic participation to understand and shape decisions about emerging technology infrastructure.
Responsibilities
The Undergraduate Research Assistant will:
- Produce high-quality manual transcriptions of audio and video recordings from interviews working groups and community engagement activities.
- Assist with qualitative data organization file management and preparation of research materials for analysis.
- Create graphics visualizations figures and other research dissemination materials for conference presentations grant proposals manuscripts and public reports.
- Support the development and production of project podcasts including transcription episode preparation audio asset organization and dissemination materials.
- Assist with the creation of digital storytelling assets including story maps narrative archives website content and visual media.
- Format and organize photographs documents maps and multimedia materials for public-facing project websites.
- Conduct literature searches and assist with citation management as needed.
- Participate in research team meetings and contribute to the ongoing development of community-engaged research resources.
Preferred Qualifications
- Interest in education learning sciences communication community development digital humanities science and technology studies geography media studies or related fields.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to produce accurate written transcripts.
- Experience with graphic design Canva Adobe Creative Suite ArcGIS StoryMaps website content creation podcast production or related digital media tools.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating as part of a research team.
Learning Opportunities
Students will gain experience in:
- Qualitative and community-based research methods.
- Interview and focus-group data management.
- Digital storytelling and public scholarship.
- Podcast production and science communication.
- Visual communication and research dissemination.
- Research on AI data centers infrastructure civic engagement and community learning.
Expected Deliverables
- Completed interview and working-group transcripts.
- Graphics and figures for research dissemination.
- Podcast production assets.
- StoryMap and website content.
- Organized digital archive of project materials supporting VOICE-DC public-facing resources.
Application Instructions
Interested applicants should submit the following materials through Workday:
Resume or CV
- Include relevant coursework research experience employment history technical skills and any experience with qualitative research graphic design website development podcast production or digital storytelling.
Brief Statement of Interest (1 page maximum)
- Describe your interest in the position and any relevant experience related to:
- Qualitative research
- Audio transcription
- Graphic design or visual communication
- Podcast production
- Website development or digital media
- Community-engaged research
- AI technology education civic engagement or related topics
List of references (2-3 including name and contact information)
Sample of Relevant Work (Optional but Encouraged)
- Applicants may submit one example demonstrating relevant skills such as:
- A graphic infographic or design project
- Website or digital media content
- Podcast or audio project
- Research paper
- StoryMap or digital storytelling project
- Other examples relevant to the position
Selection Criteria
Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate:
- Strong written communication and attention to detail.
- Ability to accurately transcribe audio recordings.
- Experience creating graphics figures or other visual communication products.
- Familiarity with digital media tools (e.g. Canva Adobe Creative Suite ArcGIS StoryMaps website platforms audio editing software).
- Interest in community-engaged qualitative or educational research.
- Willingness to complete and maintain all required human subjects research and IRB training and to adhere to approved research protocols throughout the appointment.
Additional Information
This position will provide students with hands-on experience in qualitative research digital storytelling science communication podcast production website development and public-facing scholarship through participation in the VOICE-DC (Voices Outlooks and Information Networks in Civic Engagement around Data Centers) project. The assistant will contribute to the creation of story maps podcasts visual resources research dissemination products and community-engaged research materials supporting the AI and Data Infrastructures Learning Lab (AIDILL).
Position Details
- Hourly Rate: $15.00/hour
- Total Hours: 100
- Appointment Period: Fall 2026-Spring 2027
- Work Schedule: Flexible; coordinated with project milestones and student availability.
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:
Junior IC
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