Location:
McNulty Leadership Program, The Wharton School, Dinan Hall
Modality:
Hybrid
Position Length:
Academic Year (Fall - Spring)
Work Hours and Commitment:
8-20 hours/week, depending on availability and programming
Application Deadline:
Pay Rate:
$20.00/hr
Additional Compensation:
None
Overview
People Lab is part of the McNulty Leadership Program at Wharton. People Lab aims to help individuals reach their full potential through innovative assessments, research-driven insights, and meaningful development resources. Some of the individuals we serve include undergraduate students, MBA students, and Executive Education learners.
We focus on:
- Advancing the science of assessment by designing and validating cutting-edge leadership tools.
- Engaging students through interactive and relevant personal development experiences.
- Bridging the gap between self-assessment and action with research-backed strategies for personal and professional growth.
As a People Lab Graduate Assistant within McNulty Leadership at Wharton, you’ll play a critical role in supporting our research agenda by (1) conducting literature reviews, (2) performing statistical analyses, and (3) contributing to the validation of our leadership assessment tools. our work will directly impact the learning and development experiences of thousands of MBA students, executives, and professionals worldwide.
What to Expect
The People Lab team works on a hybrid schedule, which varies based on many factors, including the delivery of our content to the audiences we serve. The expectation for this role is:
- 8-20 hours per week (cadence to be confirmed between the People Lab Director and GA)
- Participate in regular one-on-one meetings with the People Lab Director
- Participate in regular meetings with the Faculty Director
- Produce a portfolio for the completion of the assistantship
- Access to senior-level Wharton faculty and administrators
- Pay is $20-23/hour depending on skills and experience, payment monthly
Supervisor/Contact
Caitlin Satterfield - Director, People Lab
caitsatt@wharton.upenn.edu
Required Duties
Key Responsibilities
Under the guidance of the People Lab Director and Faculty Director, you will:
- Conduct literature reviews to support research and instrument validation
- Use R to run and update scripts for classroom data analyses
- Perform statistical analyses to validate leadership development scales
- Design and manage online studies using Prolific/MTURK
- Maintain and update documentation of research processes
- Present key findings to the People Lab team and faculty
Preferred Qualification and Essential Skills
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking a graduate student who is analytical, organized, and excited about research. You don’t need to be an expert in leadership development—but if you’re curious about how research can drive personal change, this role is a great fit!
Must-Have Skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Experience with statistical analysis (R preferred)
- Ability to organize and synthesize research findings
- Strong literature review experience
- Excellent written communication and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and in a team
- A proactive, action-oriented approach
Bonus Skills (Nice to Have!)
- Familiarity with Stata, SPSS, or Excel
- Experience with survey design and analysis
- Understanding of quantitative & qualitative research methods
- Interest in leadership development, behavioral science, or scale design
Why Join Us?
- Impactful Work – Your research will shape leadership development programs that reach thousands of students and professionals.
- Skill Development – Gain hands-on experience with real-world data analysis, assessment validation, and behavioral research.
- Career Growth – Build expertise in research methodologies and leadership science, strengthening your academic and professional profile.
- Networking – Collaborate with leading faculty, administrators, and peers dedicated to innovation in leadership and personal development.
Application Instructions
How to Apply
Now accepting applications for the 2025-26 academic year (open until filled), open to all Penn GSE MSEd students.
To apply, email Caitlin Satterfield at caitsatt@wharton.upenn.edu with: subject line: “Application for People Lab GA 2025”. Please attach your resume and cover letter.
Interviews will be conducted remotely via Zoom. A work sample or short research exercise may be required.
Questions? Contact Caitlin Satterfield at caitsatt@wharton.upenn.edu.