Research Assistant - Friedman School of Nutrition

The Food is Medicine Institute is a cross-university collaborative effort at Tufts, bringing together faculty from the Friedman School, Tufts University School of Medicine, Tufts Medicine, and other local and national partners to advance research, training, patient care, and community engagement around food is medicine (FIM). FIM is a set of food-based nutrition programs and interventions integrated into the health care system to advance specific health needs and health equity in different populations.

Tufts is already the leading academic institution globally for advancing FIM. Check out recent FIM activities here. This new, first-of-its-kind Institute will lead the nation in collaborative, high impact efforts to transform healthcare by integrating high-value food-based nutritional interventions and related programs as therapeutic and preventive interventions. The Institute's activities will include research and translation, clinical care pathways and implementation, education and training, and community outreach and policy development around FIM. Through these activities, the Institute will serve as a catalyst to drive change, improve health, reduce health disparities, and create a more equitable and resilient healthcare system that recognizes the power of food as medicine.

This is a 1-year limited term position, with renewal depending on team needs, funding availability, and performance.

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to join the Food is Medicine Institute. As a Research Assistant, you will play a crucial role in supporting our research and communication efforts by helping in data collection, analysis, and project coordination. Some of the duties you will handle are:

• Assist in the collection and organization of research data through literature reviews, surveys, interviews, observations, and experiments. Maintain accurate, well-organized, and up-to-date records.
• Clean, manage, and analyze large datasets (e.g., dietary intake, nutrient databases, branded food databases, food purchase data, health outcomes).
• Conduct qualitative interviews with FIM participants. Transcribe audio scripts and digitally edit video recordings as needed.
• Draft sections of peer-reviewed manuscripts (e.g., Methods, Results) and contribute to consumer- and patient-facing nutrition education materials.
• Support coordination of research activities, including tracking project timelines and deliverables, and maintaining effective communication across teams and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with research team members, including investigators, analysts, and project leads, to advance study objectives and improve research processes.

Basic Requirements:

• Knowledge and skills as typically acquired by a Master's degree (preferably in science, nutrition/dietetics)
• Excellent writing and communication abilities
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills and data collection
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with statistical programming software, such as SAS, SPSS, or STATA

Special Work Schedule Requirements:

This is a hybrid position expected to be on campus at least 3 days per week. Required days in office are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.