Qualitative Research Assistant - Spanish Fluency Required (Part time, 19 hours ​/ week

CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute Seeks a Bilingual Qualitative Research Assistant

The CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute is an academic research-and-action center housed at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy. The Institute advances equitable access to healthy, affordable food through rigorous research, policy analysis, advocacy, and education. It works across sectors to identify and address structural barriers, including food deserts, predatory marketing, and labor inequities, that contribute to nutrition and health disparities in urban communities.

Recent initiatives include data-driven tools such as the Food Environment Equity Dashboard for New York City and studies of employment conditions in school food systems.

We are seeking a bilingual Qualitative Research Assistant (RA) to conduct in-depth interviews in English and Spanish with individuals participating in three current Institute evaluation studies. The RA will also contribute to transcription, coding, and analysis of qualitative data while working closely with Project Coordinator Jacquelyn Sullivan and Katy Tomaino Fraser, Director of Evaluation at the CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute.

Professional fluency in both Spanish and English, qualitative analysis skills, and consistent weekday daytime availability are required for this position.

Applicants must have:

• Full professional fluency in spoken, written, and reading Spanish and English, including the ability to independently conduct in-depth interviews and focus groups in both languages. Spanish proficiency may be assessed during the interview process.
• Consistent availability to work 19 hours each week between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, for the full six-month appointment.
• Experience coding and analyzing qualitative data using thematic analysis methods.
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong written communication and organizational skills.
• The ability to manage multiple tasks and assignments efficiently.

The strongest candidates will have several of the following:

• An advanced degree in public health, nutrition, or a related field, or current enrollment in an advanced-degree program.
• Experience collecting qualitative data, including conducting interviews or focus groups.
• Experience using Dedoose, Qualtrics, Excel, and/or Airtable.

This is a six-month, grant-funded position administered through the CUNY Research Foundation. The Research Assistant will work 19 hours per week at a rate between $30 and $35 per hour, depending on experience.

Some remote work is possible. Preference will be given to candidates who can periodically work in the project office at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy in New York City. The majority of online interviews, focus groups, and other project activities will take place between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

Because the position requires substantial availability during standard business hours, it may be especially well suited to a graduate student, early-career professional, independent consultant, or other qualified candidate with a flexible weekday schedule.

The anticipated start date is September 1, 2026.