Part-time Research Assistant - Petersen Kitchen

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• Current Penn State employee (faculty, staff, technical service, or student) – please log into Workday to complete the internal application process. Do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• Current Penn State student (not previously employed) – please log into Workday to complete the student application process. Do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• Non‑current employee or student – 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, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

Dr. Kristina Petersen's lab in the Department of Nutritional Sciences is seeking dynamic part‑time research assistants to join our highly productive research kitchen for the summer (May to August 2026). The Kitchen produces tightly controlled meals and diets for research studies conducted at Penn State.

The position involves preparing, cooking, and packing research meals and snacks according to standard protocols and recipes. In addition, the position involves engaging with research participants to provide instructions and assess adherence to the research protocol, research‑related administrative tasks, and data entry. We seek candidates that are proactive, task‑oriented, attentive to detail, and have excellent communication and organizational skills. Prior experiences in customer service or hospitality a plus, but a positive attitude, love of food and a willingness to learn and work as an individual or as part of a team depending on the task is the main requirement.

Applicants must be willing to undertake training in human subjects research (training will be provided). The successful candidate will be available to work for at least 20 hours per week during the summer. This is an in‑person job in State College, Pennsylvania. Applicants must submit a resume/CV and cover letter indicating their interest in the position and availability for the position during the summer.

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

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 .