OPS Research Assistant

Classification Title:

OPS - Sponsored Projects Non-Clerical

Classification Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and four years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job Description:

Project Overview: UF/IFAS Books and Cooks is focused on improving the literacy and nutrition security of Florida families. The project is a collaboration with the Lastinger Center for Learning’s New Worlds Reading Initiative. 

The Books and Cooks program is responsible for:  

(1) recruiting and enrolling families into the New Worlds Reading Initiative  

(2) developing local partnerships through county-level steering committees to guide New Worlds Reading recruitment and Books & Cooks educational delivery.  

(3) delivering the Books & Cooks educational curriculum to increase family literacy capacities and improve nutrition security status.  

(4) optimizing program quality and assessing the achievement of outcomes through formative and summative evaluation of the Books and Cooks Program.  

Duties may include the following:

Data Management:

Assemble randomized controlled samples as part of a wait-list control research design 

Develop and maintain internal tracking systems to monitor and report on program objectives 

Maintain data integrity and implement quality assurance protocols through the research cycle 

Coordinate logistics for data collection activities, including scheduling and participant communication 

Oversee two annual rounds of data collection across pre-, post-, and three-month follow-up intervals using online survey platforms 

Submit and manage research applications with local school districts 

Project Evaluation:

Develop and implement qualitative and quantitative instrumentation, including surveys, interviews guides, and focus group protocols to support process and outcome 

Develop research briefs and executive summaries to translate findings for partners, funders, and community stakeholders 

Translate findings to support program improvement 

Assist in the writing of abstracts and manuscripts 

Project Improvement:

     • Contribute to grant proposal development to support Books & Cooks programming 

     • Participate in weekly project meetings

Support project sustainability and research dissemination 

     • Complete timely monthly, quarterly, and annual reports  

     • Monitor team progress toward and fulfillment of specific contract or program goals  

     • Ensure integrity, quality and accuracy of programmatic records  

Other duties as assigned by the supervisor, PI, or Co-PIs, provided they are allowed by the rules of the grant.

This is a part-time, 20 hours per week, time-limited position. The position may be housed in local Extension offices or in remote work locations as appropriate and to be determined by Supervisor.

Expected Salary:

$25-32/hour commensurate with education and experience

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and four years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Preferred:

Master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization  

Experience with family literacy, nutrition/food security, and parent-child education programming and/or evaluation 

Ability to contribute to a positive, productive team environment using leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills 

Ability to work collaboratively and engage relevant partners and institutions  

Ability to form and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues throughout the state, as well as Extension colleagues and program partners 

Demonstrate a courteous and helpful manner, and a respect and appreciation for diversity in all its forms 

Ability to maintain working files and revisions of documents 

Proficient with Word, Excel, TEAMS and PowerPoint and able to quickly learn basics of new software 

Ability to maximize tools for productivity, communication, and organization 

A high degree of accuracy and timeliness in all work 

Demonstrate strong work ethic, dependability, and resourcefulness 

Ability to maintain complete and organized records 

Strong analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills 

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

This is a part-time, 20 hours per week, time-limited position. The position may be housed in local Extension offices or in remote work locations as appropriate and to be determined by Supervisor.

Health Assessment Required:
No