Nutrition Research Assistant

About the Job

The Hormel Institute is seeking to work with undergraduate students who are interested in conducting human nutrition research. This role provides students with the opportunity to conduct diet interviews over the phone and/or work with researchers to investigate associations between nutrition and health. The research assistant can work remotely. This opportunity offers direct involvement in participant‑facing activities. Students will gain hands‑on training in dietary recall methods and applied public health nutrition strategies.

It is strongly encouraged that successful candidates continue in this role for a minimum of two semesters. Flexibility in scheduling is essential, as dietary recalls must align with participant availability. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

• Participate in virtual training sessions on conducting 24‑hour dietary recalls remotely (5%)
• Conduct dietary recalls via phone based on the participant's availability (40%)
• Support the launch and implementation of digital nutrition studies, including participant engagement (40%)
• Assist with study documentation, data entry, and organization of participant materials (10%)
• Participate in weekly research team meetings and discussion sessions (5%)

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and The Hormel Institute endorses a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on‑site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote.

Because we are a land‑grant institution that serves the state, the University will continue to— in most cases— expect employees to live in Minnesota. This position has been designated as eligible for Flexible Work Profile Four. Flexible Work Profile Four, Fully Remote — Only occasionally visiting the office. Typically spends 4 or less days per month working in the office/lab on average.

Your dedicated office space will be in your remote work location. The Hormel Institute management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Required Qualifications

• Previous experience implementing or supporting nutrition interventions.
• Demonstrated ability to stay organized and manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Able to collaborate effectively in a remote team environment and respond to shifting priorities as needed.
• Strong verbal communication skills, especially over the phone or Zoom.
• Comfortable interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience handling sensitive information with professionalism and empathy.
• Has experience with food preparation and exposure to different cuisines.
• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with dietary assessment tools.
• Has worked in a customer‑service position.
• Coursework in nutrition, dietetics, public health, or related fields.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Able to interview participants for 30 to 60 minutes.
• Has access to a computer and high‑speed Internet.
• Has access to a private area with no one around to conduct diet recalls.

The Hormel Institute is an independent biomedical research institution within the University of Minnesota's Research and Innovation Office. Established in 1942, our mission is to conduct research and provide education in the biological sciences with applications in medicine and agriculture, specifically by understanding, treating, and controlling cancer and other chronic diseases. The Hormel Institute serves as a center of technical and educational expertise for the benefit of the local community, the State of Minnesota, and beyond.

We are located in the uniquely diverse rural community of Austin, MN, conveniently only 35 miles from Rochester, MN, and 100 miles (1.5 hours) south of Minneapolis/St. Paul. The Hormel Institute is committed…