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• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process (https://pennstateoffice365.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/KnowledgeBaseArticlesSharing/EfiwgKReZ4VAjprFZPKWUm0Bq_sU3KzTmERfpryq0esPKQ) . 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. (https://pennstateoffice365.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/KnowledgeBaseArticlesSharing/Eeys15Xva4hFokHVtbP1eGIB5i1WFLc-J3k9KHgrFYZ7mg) 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 (https://hr.psu.edu/sites/hr/files/Application_Process_for_External_Applications_Non-Penn_State_Employees_.pdf) .

  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 (https://hr.psu.edu/current-employee/flexible-work-arrangements/out-of-state-notice?utm_source=workday&utm_medium=req&utm_campaign=Oct23&utm_id=out-of-state) .

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Science & Technology Policy Program (COPA-STEP), part of the Law, Policy and Engineering Initiative (LPE) in the College of Engineering, seeks up to four part-time Civic SciTech Trainees to work collaboratively on a research project with the city of Allentown, Pennsylvania. Civic SciTech Trainees will work approximately 5 hours per week for six months starting fall 2024.

The city of Allentown, the third largest city in Pennsylvania, is a diverse, and deeply historic city, with roots stretching back to the early 18th century. The impacts of climate change including more extreme weather events, increased high heat events and poor air quality, are already impacting Allentown residents. High heat events are often worse in urban environments due to the urban heat island effect, where urbanized areas experience higher temperatures than outlying areas. High heat is a greater risk for older adults, young children, and those with chronic conditions. Exposure to air pollutants can contribute to increased respiratory and cardiovascular disease such as asthma, heart attacks, and strokes. The Lehigh Valley has the 4th most polluted air in Pennsylvania and has been named the #1 most challenging place to have asthma in 2023 by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Allentown’s current mayor is passionate about community engagement and wants to invest in new models for engaging the public. Civic SciTech Trainees will help inform these efforts by answering the following research question: How might Allentown use citizen science tools to improve air quality and/or reduce heat related illnesses? Specifically, Civic SciTech Trainees will complete two landscape analyses to understand how other cities of comparable size use citizen science to measure:

1. Shade and heat and/or the effect of tree canopy on heat mitigation; and

2. Air quality and the relationship between air quality and asthma

Outputs from the landscape analysis include a report summarizing: A) citizen science tools for tree canopy/heat mitigation used in other cities and recommendations for what might work in Allentown and B) citizen science efforts related to air quality & asthma employed in other cities and recommendations for what might work in Allentown.

The Civic SciTech Trainees will work up to twenty hours a month (around 5 hours per week) in a remote setting and participate in weekly 30-minute meetings. Preferred candidates will have a demonstrated interest in environmental science, sustainability, public health, or a related field. Interest in furthering equitable health outcomes and innovative public engagement techniques is also a plus. Graduate students are preferred; however, upper-level undergraduate applicants will be considered. Candidates should have exceptional communication skills, be able to work independently and in a team environment.

To apply, candidates should provide a cover letter summarizing their background, relevant skills, interests, and goals, interest in the position, and their contact information; a current resume; and names and contact information for up to three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

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 (https://police.psu.edu/annual-security-reports) .

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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.

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