Federal Work-Study (FWS) - Undergraduate Student Research Assistant

The Pennsylvania State University

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Penn State University Park Until 8/22/2026 First posted April 20, 2026 Last posted April 20, 2026
Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

 

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

This position requires you to have received a work-study award. To verify if you have received a work-study award, please consult the Financial Aid Award Summary area in your LionPATH account. A Federal Work Study award does not guarantee a job is available. 

 

 

Job duties to include:

  • General lab / office duties including information gathering, archiving, data entry, design work
  • Hands-on work including physical experiments and data collection in broad areas of engineering and the environment
  • Some instrument preparation, setup, and tear-down depending on project(s)
  • May support multi-disciplinary investigations with other student researchers

Requirements, qualifications, and/or competencies:

  • All undergraduates FWS students will be considered

Schedule:

  • Flexible schedule, typically around 10 hours/week depending on FWS award

 

 

The starting hourly rate for this job is $12.00.

 

 

Federal Work Study job performance is evaluated either annually or through ongoing mentorship. Students who received a Federal Work Study award have the opportunity to obtain a job and perform related duties either on campus, or remotely, if possible and at the discretion of the employer.  Students applying for Federal Work Study positions should clarify expectations with their potential employer regarding either on campus/in person or remote work arrangements.

 

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 814-865-1473.

 

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

 

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About this role

Summary

Assist with lab duties, data collection, experiment setup, and project support, 10 hours/week.

Job title

Federal Work-Study (FWS) - Undergraduate Student Research Assistant

Experience level

all undergraduates FWS students

Industry

education

Location requirements

Penn State University Park; remote possible if allowed

Salary

Starting at $12.00 per hour, flexible hours, typically around 10 hours/week.

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

data entry

Preferred skills

None specified

Specializations

engineeringenvironmentdata entrylab workexperiments
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

University Park, State College, PA, USA

Work arrangement unknown City