Part-time Research Assistant - Petersen Kitchen

Penn State University; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Pennsylvania seeks part-time research assistants for summer 2026 to assist in a research kitchen. Responsibilities include preparing and packing controlled meals, engaging with participants, and performing administrative tasks. Ideal candidates should be proactive, organized, and possess strong communication skills, with a willingness to learn and work in a team. Applicants must be available for at least 20 hours per week during the summer and submit a resume and cover letter expressing their interest.

Qualifications

• Proactive and task-oriented individual.
• Experience in customer service or hospitality is a plus.
• Must be willing to undertake training in human subjects research.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and pack research meals according to protocols.
• Engage with research participants and assess adherence to protocols.
• Conduct research-related administrative tasks and data entry.

Skills

Excellent communication

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Customer service experience

Willingness to learn

Job description

Part-time Research Assistant - Petersen Kitchen page is loaded## Part-time Research Assistant - Petersen Kitchenlocations: Penn State University Parktime type: Part timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: REQ\_0000075167# **APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:*** ## CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please to complete the. 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 to complete the Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.* ## If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete . **Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see .** **JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS**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- orientated, attentive to detail, and have excellent communication and organizational skills. Prior experiences in customer service or hospitality a plus, but 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. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.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.