Research Assistant ( Food and Nutrition)

Agency

Department

The Research Assistant will be essential to the success of this project providing expertise in both quantitative and qualitative methods to explore and analyze the dietary habits and food ways in communities. This role will allow for in-depth analysis of research findings while contributing to the development of nutrition education interventions. This position aligns with Prairie View A&M Universitys mission by contributing to high-impact research that addresses public health concerns in communities fostering academic innovation and enhancing the universitys capacity for research excellence. Through this role the research associate will help drive meaningful outcomes in nutrition science while also advancing the universitys mission of educating future leaders in the field.

This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding.

This position may pay more than the salary listed above depending on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with the collection entry and preliminary analysis of qualitative and quantitative data related to food habits and community nutrition. Maintain organized records of research activities data files and project documents in compliance with ethical research practices.

• Coordinate logistics for research activities including scheduling focus groups interviews and community outreach events; attend team meetings and provide input on research progress and operational needs.

• Contribute to the preparation of research reports presentations and publications by compiling data creating figures/tables and assisting with literature reviews; support grant proposal preparation by assembling background documents formatting materials and preparing budgets or justifications under supervision.

• Support the development and implementation of nutrition education interventions by gathering background literature and helping adapt materials based on research findings.

• Collaborate with faculty staff and students to facilitate effective research workflows and communication within the team.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree in nutrition public health or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

• No prior experience required.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of laboratory maintenance and equipment. Knowledge of computers and computer software related to the position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a research setting particularly with nutrition or public health programs.

• Familiarity with Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes and ethical considerations in human subjects research.

• Comfort working independently and collaboratively within a research team.

• Foundational understanding of research methods including qualitative and/or quantitative techniques.

• Experience with basic data collection and analysis tools (e.g. Excel REDCap SPSS or NVivo).

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Excellent attention to detail organizational skills and the ability to manage time across multiple tasks.

• Willingness to work in community settings.

Special Requirements:

• Applicants with equivalent experience in lieu of a Bachelors degree may be considered. One year of the related experience is the equivalent of one college year. Applicants being considered for the equivalency must have four years of related experience to meet the equivalency in lieu of a Bachelors degree plus the minimum required years of experience. Applicants being considered for the equivalency must have a total of four years of experience.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation and employment is contingent upon the institutions verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institutions procedures including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.