Summary

Position requires conducting responsible research work and coordinating the day to day activities of research protocols examining behavioral factors contributing to childhood obesity and related outcomes. The research projects involve preschool children and their parents and include: measuring 1) children's screen media use and examining how it relates to children's learning/memory and weight status over time and 2) children's appetite regulation and weight status over time, as well as 3) delivering an online intervention that focuses on healthy cooking, parental feeding practices, and involving children in home food preparation. Main responsibilities include participant recruitment and enrollment; preparation, conduct and close out of study visits; and data management.

This role involves working collaboratively within a team environment, including delegating tasks as appropriate to support efficient study operations. The incumbent will assume a leadership role as needed, particularly when coordinating and conducting subject visits. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, with the ability to effectively engage with young children and their families, as well as research staff, investigators, external collaborators, and community partners.

The position requires adherence to MRU guidelines and completion of all required trainings, including CPR certification, High-Rise Fire Safety, and Food Handling.

This is a non-remote, hourly position requiring approximately 10 hours per week. Some local travel may be required for community-based recruitment of research participants. Work hours may vary and include a combination of weekday mornings, afternoons, evenings, and occasional weekends. This position is part-time and not eligible for benefits.

Job Duties

• Recruits research subjects in the Greater Houston area, including community centers and schools/childcare centers.
• Conducts eligibility screenings of families over the phone/virtually.
• Schedules study visits with families and submits appointments in accordance with MRU guidelines.
• Tracks participation status of families during the study.
• Performs research related procedures as required by the study protocol (e.g., obtains subject informed consent, prepares study visit materials, conducts study visits with families of young children, collects subject data).
• Conducts clinical assessments with families (e.g., body height and weight, memory assessments).
• Delivers online automated intervention material.
• Prepares, measures, and assembles foods for dietary assessment study protocols.
• Conducts interviews with families on dietary consumption.
• Prepares and disseminates study sample retention materials.
• Prepares study material for shipping, as needed.
• Codes video data.
• Assists with management and entry of collected data.
• Provides status updates at research team meetings.
• Collaborates with faculty and research staff from other teams.
• Provides general office support.
• Ensures conduct of assigned studies is in accordance with good clinical practice, federal regulations, and institutional policies.
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.
• Three years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Prefer research experience relevant to the field of psychology, nutrition, human development, education, public health.
• Prefer experience working with young children and families.
• Spanish fluency preferred.
• Proficiency using a computer.