Job Title
Research Assistant ( Food and Nutrition)
Agency
Prairie View A&M University
Department
CAHS | Agriculture, Nutrition and Human Ecology
Proposed Minimum Salary
$2,092.35 monthly
Job Location
Prairie View, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
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 University’s mission by contributing to high-impact research that addresses public health concerns in communities, fostering academic innovation, and enhancing the university’s capacity for research excellence. Through this role, the research associate will help drive meaningful outcomes in nutrition science while also advancing the university’s 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:

• Bachelor’s 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 Bachelor’s 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 Bachelor’s degree plus the minimum required years of experience. Applicants being considered for the equivalency must have a total of four years of experience.

Job Posting Close Date:

• 07/21/2025

Required Attachments:

Please attach all required documents listed below in the attachment box labeled as either “Resume/CV or Resume/Cover Letter” on the application. Multiple attachments may be included in the “Resume/CV” or Resume/Cover Letter” attachment box. Any additional attachments provided outside of the required documents listed below are considered optional.

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter

Application Submission Guidelines:
All applicants are required to apply via our Career Site on or before the closing date indicated on the job posting. Applicant inquiries received via email and websites such as Indeed, HigherEdJobs, etc. will not be considered unless the individual has applied to the available position via the PVAMU Career site.
The required documents listed in the above “Required Attachments” section must be attached to the application prior to the job closing date indicated to ensure full consideration for the application submitted. Please contact the Office of Human Resource on or before the closing date indicated above at 936-261-1730 or jobs@pvamu.edu should you need assistance with the online application process.
Background Check Requirements:
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer

• 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