Part-time Research Assistant - Petersen Kitchen

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

A prominent university in State College, Pennsylvania is seeking part-time research assistants for the summer. The role involves preparing and cooking research meals, engaging with participants, and performing administrative tasks. Candidates must possess strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and be proactive. Training will be provided. Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter indicating their availability during the summer.

Qualifications

• Proactive and task-oriented individuals are preferred.
• Experience in customer service or hospitality is a plus.
• Willingness to learn and work as part of a team or individually.
• Submit a resume/CV and a cover letter indicating interest and summer availability.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and pack research meals and snacks according to protocols.
• Engage with research participants and assess adherence to protocols.
• Handle research-related administrative tasks and data entry.
• Show initiative, be detail-oriented, and work well independently or in a team.

Skills

Attention to detail

Excellent communication

Organizational skills

Customer service experience

Teamwork

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• Current Penn State employee (faculty, staff, technical service, or student) – please log into Workday to complete the internal application process. Do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• Current Penn State student (not previously employed) – please log into Workday to complete the student application process. Do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• Non‑current employee or student – click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

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

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‑oriented, 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.

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.