Part-Time Research Support - NourishNET Lab

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 20,664 - 30,307; Part time

Job summary

The Nourishing Networks and Environments to Thrive (NourishNET) Lab at Penn State is hiring a part-time Undergraduate Research Assistant to support nutrition-related research focused on early childhood nutrition, food parenting, and community health. The role offers training and will involve data collection, literature reviews, and writing support.

This position bridges hands-on research with project coordination, working alongside staff and graduate researchers.

Qualifications

• Strong work ethic and attention to detail.
• Willingness to learn.
• Proactiveness and ability to work independently across varied tasks.
• Comfort managing multiple tasks or deadlines at once.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with data collection, including translation/transcription
• Applying and/or supporting qualitative and quantitative analysis
• Contributing to systematic review processes
• Conducting literature reviews and providing writing support
• Supporting development of research materials
• Assisting with light project coordination tasks, such as tracking deadlines, organizing files and supporting communication across research activities
• Supporting logistics for pilot studies and community engagement efforts, as needed

Skills

Bilingual Spanish

Education

Undergraduate student

Job description

Job Description

The Nourishing Networks and Environments to Thrive (NourishNET) Lab in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at Penn State is hiring a part‑time Undergraduate Research Assistant to support research projects related to early childhood nutrition, food parenting practices, and community health. Research projects will primarily focus on how social relationships, information sources, and parent’s everyday interactions influence decisions they make around child feeding, eating, and nutrition. Our lab is interdisciplinary, and we are committed to addressing diet‑related disparities to promote optimal thriving potential and well‑being.

This is great for someone looking to gain research experience in public health nutrition while also developing project coordination skills within an academic research setting. This position bridges hands‑on research support, working alongside research staff and graduate student researchers. Training will be provided, and responsibilities can include:

Responsibilities

• Assisting with data collection, including translation/transcription
• Applying and/or supporting qualitative and quantitative analysis
• Contributing to systematic review processes
• Conducting literature reviews and providing writing support
• Supporting development of research materials
• Assisting with light project coordination tasks, such as tracking deadlines, organizing files and supporting communication across research activities
• Supporting logistics for pilot studies and community engagement efforts, as needed

Qualifications

The expected commitment for this role is 6-10 hours per week. Desirable qualities in the ideal candidate include:

• Strong work ethic and attention to detail
• Willingness to learn
• Proactiveness and ability to work independently across varied tasks
• Comfort managing multiple tasks or deadlines at once

Bilingual in Spanish is highly desirable. Please direct your questions to Dr. Ligia Reyes, [e-mail].

Background Checks / Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Equal Opportunity Employment 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. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State 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.