Nutrition Research Assistant

University of Minnesota; Austin (MN); On-site; USD 20,457 - 29,136; Part time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Minnesota seeks undergraduate students for a Research Assistant role in human nutrition. Responsibilities include conducting dietary recalls via phone, supporting digital nutrition studies, and assisting with data entry. Candidates should have organizational skills, experience in nutrition interventions, and be comfortable with verbal communication over platforms like Zoom. This position offers flexibility in work location and is crucial for students aiming to gain real-world experience in public health nutrition.

Qualifications

• Experience implementing or supporting nutrition interventions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Strong verbal communication skills, especially over the phone or Zoom.

Responsibilities

• Conduct dietary recalls via phone based on participants' availability.
• Support the launch and implementation of digital nutrition studies.
• Assist with study documentation and data entry.

Skills

Nutrition intervention implementation

Organizational skills

Remote teamwork

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Professionalism

Food preparation experience

Education

Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program

Tools

Dietary assessment tools

Job description

About the Job

The Hormel Institute is seeking to work with undergraduate students who are interested in conducting human nutrition research. This role provides students with the opportunity to conduct diet interviews over the phone and/or work with researchers to investigate associations between nutrition and health. The research assistant can work remotely. This opportunity offers direct involvement in participant-facing activities. Students will gain hands-on training in dietary recall methods and applied public health nutrition strategies. It is strongly encouraged that successful candidates continue in this role for a minimum of two semesters. Flexibility in scheduling is essential, as dietary recalls must align with participant availability. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Focus of Job Responsibilities

• Participate in virtual training sessions on conducting 24-hour dietary recalls remotely (5%)
• Conduct dietary recalls via phone based on the participant's availability (40%)
• Support the launch and implementation of digital nutrition studies, including participant engagement (40%)
• Assist with study documentation, data entry, and organization of participant materials (10%)
• Participate in weekly research team meetings and discussion sessions (5%)

Flexible Work Profile

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and The Hormel Institute endorses a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote. Because we are a land-grant institution that serves the state, the University will continue to— in most cases—expect employees to live in Minnesota.

This position has been designated as eligible for Flexible Work Profile Four.

Flexible Work Profile 4, Fully Remote - Only occasionally visiting the office. Typically spends 4 or less days per month working in the office/lab on average. Your dedicated office space will be in your remote work location. The Hormel Institute management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Required Qualifications

• Previous experience implementing or supporting nutrition interventions.
• Demonstrated ability to stay organized and manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Able to collaborate effectively in a remote team environment and respond to shifting priorities as needed.
• Strong verbal communication skills, especially over the phone or Zoom.
• Comfortable interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience handling sensitive information with professionalism and empathy.
• Has experience with food preparation and exposure to different cuisines.
• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with dietary assessment tools.
• Has worked in a customer-service position.
• Coursework in nutrition, dietetics, public health, or related fields.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Able to interview participants for 30 to 60 minutes.
• Has access to a computer and high-speed Internet.
• Has access to a private area with no one around to conduct diet recalls.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $18.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Please visit the Office of Student Health Benefits website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

Student workers are eligible to participate in the Student Health Benefit Plan, if they maintain 6 or more eligible course credits within a given semester. The same applies for Undergraduate Students, Graduate Assistants, Residents, Fellows and Interns.

Diversity

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu