Part-Time Research Assistant - Family and Community Medicine

The Pennsylvania State University; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a part-time Research Assistant for community-engaged initiatives in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The role involves delivering SNAP-Ed and Food as Medicine programming to diverse audiences in low-income settings. Responsibilities include conducting nutrition sessions, managing data, and supporting community education.

The ideal candidate will possess strong culinary skills, interpersonal abilities, and a passion for community health. Opportunities for continued work may extend beyond summer months with potential for flexible scheduling.

Qualifications

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and strong oral and written communication abilities.
• Strong culinary skills and foundational nutrition knowledge.
• Passion for community nutrition, SNAP-Ed programming, gardening, and health equity.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team.
• Flexibility and willingness to work in varied community settings.
• Reliable transportation for local travel to partner sites.
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend community events.

Responsibilities

• Deliver SNAP-Ed and Food as Medicine programming in low-income community settings.
• Conduct engaging nutrition education sessions, food tastings, and cooking demonstrations.
• Adapt programming for diverse audiences, including potential digital or social media engagement.
• Support garden-based education and seasonal food programming.
• Collect, manage, and report evaluation data to assess individual- and community-level impact.
• Contribute to continuous quality improvement of programming.

Job description

Job Overview

The Penn State Department of Family and Community Medicine is seeking a part‑time (up to 24 hours/week) Research Assistant to support our community‑engaged, dynamic, fast‑paced Food as Medicine and SNAP‑Ed initiatives during the summer months. This is a summer appointment with the possibility of extension beyond the summer if funding is available. Our team’s goal is to realize a future where everyone can identify, access, prepare, and eat high‑quality, culturally appropriate food to achieve optimal health. We develop, test, and implement evidence‑based nutrition education and culinary medicine programming for diverse populations in community and clinical settings.

Remote and Hybrid Work

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see the Notice to Out of State Applicants.

Responsibilities

• Deliver SNAP‑Ed and Food as Medicine programming in low‑income community settings, including:
  • Community gardens
  • Food pantries
  • Boys & Girls Clubs
  • Senior centers
  • Other community partner sites
• Conduct engaging nutrition education sessions, food tastings, and cooking demonstrations
• Adapt programming for diverse audiences (children, adults, families), including potential digital or social media engagement
• Support garden‑based education and seasonal food programming
• Collect, manage, and report evaluation data to assess individual‑ and community‑level impact
• Contribute to continuous quality improvement of programming

Qualifications

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and strong oral and written communication abilities
• Strong culinary skills and foundational nutrition knowledge
• Passion for community nutrition, SNAP‑Ed programming, gardening, and health equity
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team
• Flexibility and willingness to work in varied community settings
• Reliable transportation for local travel to partner sites
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend community events

Preferred Qualifications

• Fluency in Spanish
• Experience with SNAP‑Ed or other community‑based nutrition education programs
• Experience with gardening or garden‑based education
• Experience with data management and analysis tools (e.g., REDCap, Excel)
• Background in community nutrition, public health, dietetics, or a related field

Clearances Required

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

EEO Statement

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.

Location

Our campus is located in the beautiful town of Hershey, which features a high quality of life including excellent schools, numerous venues for indoor and outdoor activities, and proximity to major metropolitan centers.