Part Time - Student - State and Regional Affairs Research Specialist
PennState • United States of America, Penn State Harrisburg,
Posted: May 18, 2026
Job Description
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
The Institute of State and Regional Affairs (ISRA) at Penn State is seeking students interested in gaining applied research experience in a part-time Research Assistant role. ISRA is a research support unit at Penn State Harrisburg, and includes the Pennsylvania State Data Center and the Center for Survey Research.
Background
Annually, ISRA secures over $3 million in sponsored research funding from a variety of sources, including state, federal, philanthropic, and private funders, allowing it to advance its mission of conducting research that impacts Pennsylvanians and beyond.
As a Research Assistant, you will have the opportunity to support these research projects. This role is ideal for students who wish to apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges.
Learning Opportunities
ISRA offers a wide range of learning opportunities. Here are some examples of areas where interns can gain valuable experience:
- Data Analysis and Visualization: Gain experience in interpreting data sets and presenting data in compelling visual formats via Tableau, Microsoft Office 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud.
- Secondary Data Collection: Explore extensive databases like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics to support research.
- Report Writing: Learn how to articulate findings clearly and effectively. Assist research teams with data briefs and results reports.
- Analytical Tools: Enhance your proficiency in Excel, R/Python, SPSS, Microsoft SQL Server and more for powerful data analysis.
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.
Additional Content
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
The Institute of State and Regional Affairs (ISRA) at Penn State is seeking students interested in gaining applied research experience in a part-time Research Assistant role. ISRA is a research support unit at Penn State Harrisburg, and includes the Pennsylvania State Data Center and the Center for Survey Research.
Background
Annually, ISRA secures over $3 million in sponsored research funding from a variety of sources, including state, federal, philanthropic, and private funders, allowing it to advance its mission of conducting research that impacts Pennsylvanians and beyond.
As a Research Assistant, you will have the opportunity to support these research projects. This role is ideal for students who wish to apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges.
Learning Opportunities
ISRA offers a wide range of learning opportunities. Here are some examples of areas where interns can gain valuable experience:
- Data Analysis and Visualization: Gain experience in interpreting data sets and presenting data in compelling visual formats via Tableau, Microsoft Office 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud.
- Secondary Data Collection: Explore extensive databases like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics to support research.
- Report Writing: Learn how to articulate findings clearly and effectively. Assist research teams with data briefs and results reports.
- Analytical Tools: Enhance your proficiency in Excel, R/Python, SPSS, Microsoft SQL Server and more for powerful data analysis.
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.