New

School of Hospitality Management Part-Time Research Assistant

The Pennsylvania State University
remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Feb 05, 2026
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. 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 login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please 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, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS Job Title Wage-Based Undergraduate Research Assistant Job Description The School of Hospitality Management is seeking two undergraduate research assistants to support a faculty-led research project examining Penn State's reusable container program. This position is supported by an HHD Sustainability Research Grant. The research assistants will work closely with the faculty supervisor and assist with study design, data collection, intervention preparation, and field and experimental research activities. Duties and Responsibilities Conduct interviews with undergraduate students and/or frontline employees to gather feedback on the reusable container program Assist with the preparation and implementation of research interventions, field studies, and experimental studies (online and/or in person) Support research-related tasks such as participant recruitment, scheduling, and materials preparation Participate in weekly meetings and provide regular progress updates to the faculty supervisor Assist with research presentations and may travel with the faculty supervisor to meetings, events, or conferences, as needed Required Qualifications Current Penn State undergraduate student in good academic standing Demonstrated experience in hospitality, foodservice, or customer-facing roles (e.g., dining operations, events, hotels, catering, or related settings) Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage professionally with students, staff, or frontline employees in interview or field settings Prior experience or training with qualitative research activities, such as interviews, participant recruitment, or data organization Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet weekly research deadlines Completion of IRB CITI training Preferred Qualifications Experience in foodservice operations, dining services, or event management within large-scale or institutional environments Leadership experience (e.g., crew leader, team captain, student organization officer) demonstrating responsibility and coordination skills Interest in sustainability, food systems, or behavioral research, demonstrated through coursework, work experience, or extracurricular involvement Work Schedule Approximately 5 hours per week Total of 60 hours for the position Compensation $20 per hour Number of Positions 2 Supervisor Anni Ding, Assistant Professor, School of Hospitality Management 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 here. 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. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines