New

Spring 2026 Undergraduate Research Internship: Community-Based Coaching & Health Interventions

The Pennsylvania State University
remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Jan 21, 2026
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, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS TheLion Health Labis seeking motivated undergraduate students for a paid research internship focused oncoaching, program delivery, and community-based health research. This position is ideal for students interested in working directly with youth, families, and community partners while gaining hands-on experience running real-world experiments and health interventions. Interns will play an active role in delivering sport- and fitness-based programs (often in CrossFit or similar community settings), supporting data collection, and helping implement research protocols tied to physical activity, mental health, and family-based health promotion. Pay:$20/hour Commitment:2-6 hours per week Dates:January 24, 2026 - May 15, 2026 Project Description Interns will support ongoingLion Health Labprojects examining how structured physical activity and coaching environments influence physical, mental, and cognitive health across the lifespan. Much of the work occurs incommunity and gym-based settings, where interns help run programs, interact with participants, and support research data collection. This internship emphasizesapplied research, not desk-only work. Interns will gain experience in coaching-based intervention delivery, participant engagement, and translating health science into practice. Students will work closely withDr. Janette Watkins (PI)and graduate student mentors throughout the semester. Key Responsibilities Assist withcoaching and program deliveryin community or gym-based settings Support implementation ofresearch protocolsduring live programs Help with participant check-in, equipment setup, and session logistics Assist withdata collection(e.g., surveys, observational measures, wearables) Maintain accurate records and follow human subjects research procedures Participate in lab meetings and training sessions Contribute to project documentation and brief reports Represent the Lion Health Lab professionally in community settings Required Qualifications Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student (any major related to kinesiology, health, psychology, neuroscience, or similar fields encouraged) Interest incoaching, health promotion, or community-based research Comfortable working with people in active, real-world settings Reliable, professional, and able to follow research protocols Strong communication and teamwork skills Preferred Qualifications CrossFit Level 1 certification or higher(strongly preferred) Experience coaching, teaching, or leading physical activity programs Interest in public health, behavioral science, or intervention research Familiarity with youth or family-based programs Self-motivated with strong time management skills Mentorship & Training Interns receive direct mentorship fromDr. Janette Watkinsand graduate student researchers. Training will include: Human subjects research procedures Program delivery and coaching expectations Community engagement and professional conduct Exposure to intervention science and applied research careers This is an excellent opportunity for students consideringgraduate school, coaching careers, public health, or clinical research. Duration and Commitment Spring 2026:January 24 - May 15, 2026 2-6 hours per week, depending on program schedules To Apply Please submit: A resume and a short statement of interest (1-2 paragraphs) describing: Your experience with coaching, fitness, or community programs Why you are interested in applied health research with the Lion Health Lab 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. 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