Part-Time Digital Storytelling & Research Assistant (VOICE-DC Project)

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 REQUIREMENTS

Project: Voices, Outlooks, and Information Networks in Civic Engagement around Data Centers (VOICE-DC)

Position Summary

The AI 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.

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