Part-time Research Assistant - Petersen Kitchen

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA is seeking dynamic, part-time research assistants for the summer (May to August 2026) in the Nutritional Sciences lab. The role involves preparing, cooking, and packing research meals, engaging with participants, and data entry.

Strong communication and organizational skills are essential; prior customer service or hospitality experience is a plus. Training in human subjects research will be provided.

Qualifications

• Willing to undertake training in human subjects research.
• Available to work at least 20 hours per week during the summer.
• In-person job in State College, Pennsylvania.
• Submit resume/CV and cover letter indicating interest and summer availability.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and pack research meals according to standard protocols and recipes.
• Engage with research participants to provide instructions and assess adherence to the research protocol.
• Handle research-related administrative tasks and data entry.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Organizational skills

Proactive

Teamwork

Job description

Job Description

Dr. Kristina Petersen's lab in the Department of Nutritional Sciences is seeking dynamic part time research assistants to join our highly productive research kitchen for the summer (May to August 2026). The kitchen produces tightly controlled meals and diets for research studies conducted at Penn State. The position involves preparing, cooking, and packing research meals and snacks according to standard protocols and recipes. In addition, the position involves engaging with research participants to provide instructions and assess adherence to the research protocol, research related administrative tasks, and data entry. We seek candidates that are proactive, task oriented, attentive to detail, and have excellent communication and organizational skills. Prior experience in customer service or hospitality is a plus; however a positive attitude, love of food and a willingness to learn and work as an individual or as part of a team depending on the task is the main requirement.

Applicants must be willing to undertake training in human subjects research (training will be provided). The successful candidate will be available to work for at least 20 hours per week during the summer. This is an in person job in State College, Pennsylvania. Applicants must submit a resume/CV and cover letter indicating their interest in the position and availability for the position during the summer.

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.

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. The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.