Postdoctoral Research Associate

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Job Description

The Postdoctoral Research Associate is responsible for coordinating and conducting research activities as part of the Texas MyPlate Food Ambassadors Changing Environments and Systems (TX MyPlate Faces) grant. The major activities of TX MyPlate FACES are to train high school-aged students on MyPlate nutrition curricula, which they will use to provide education to younger students or to guide students to create environmental changes within their school. This position will also work with community partners to provide five regional training courses that enhance school districts’ local wellness policies, provide technical assistance to schools working with ambassadors, and hold tastings of cultural foods.

Primary responsibilities will include supporting all facets of research projects including IRB submissions, participant recruitment and enrollment, data collection, data synthesis, and preparation of research reports. The successful candidate will have the relevant experience to support the development and implementation of local, state, and national health interventions and evaluation plans.

Who We Are:

Texas A&M AgriLife is a diverse organization that supports healthy living for all Texans, through the research of targeted agricultural practices that yield nutritious food sources, outreach programs that train community members on growing their own food, and preservation of natural resources via eco-friendly means, all while following practices that lead to a stronger Texas economy. Overseen by the Office of the Vice Chancellor and Dean for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M AgriLife includes the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at Texas A&M University, Texas A&M Forest Service, and Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory.

Texas 4-H Youth Development is a youth organization which provides educational opportunities for youth in kindergarten through twelfth grade. 4-H Youth Development programs and activities improve knowledge and critical decision-making skills related to agriculture, health, leadership, technology, and natural resources. Specifically, community and school-based health education with Texas 4-H Youth Development builds foundational knowledge which results in youth engaging in positive health behaviors now and in the future.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Center in Dallas houses scientific research, public outreach, and education programs. The Center is a regional hub for all Texas A&M AgriLife activity. It is one of 13 AgriLife Centers across the state – each focusing on issues specific to their region. Initiatives at Dallas hinge on healthy living, urban agriculture and forestry, and water and land resource management. Healthy living programs at Center implement, evaluate, and disseminate scientific solutions, applicable to all Texans, for improved public health. We aim to understand the means of building communities around healthy living and facilitating the delivery of current, accurate, evidence-based programs, guidelines, and information that supports healthier living for Texans.

Additional Responsibilities

• Works closely with Program Managers to coordinate and support efforts related to our portfolio of community-engaged research studies and projects.

• Provides professional development and support for Extension professionals, school professionals, and volunteers.

• Develops online tools, including Qualtrics and/or REDCap survey tools, to collect qualitative and quantitative data.

• Collaborates with community partners to ensure successful implementation of research projects.

• Composes research articles for publication.

• Develops state and national grants for funding.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. in related field (e.g., public health, nutrition, clinical research, or other related fields).

• Candidates with ABD or all requirements met but diploma pending may be considered.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Experience conducting human subjects’ research.

• Experience with community-engaged research and evaluation projects, specifically data collection and/or experience with behavioral implementation of intervention studies.

• Experience developing and utilizing online survey tools and software (Qualtrics, REDCap).

• Experience supporting and delivering interventions and related research studies in the following areas: populations; health; food systems; community-based health behavior interventions; and/or the integration of technology into community outreach and research.

• Experience working with individuals and communities.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to work independently and manage priorities and tasks as assigned.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Desire and ability to work collaboratively and help maintain a fun and supportive team environment that is focused on advancing our work to effectively address health disparities for populations.

• Highly organized and detail oriented.

• Professional demeanor.

• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Other Requirements:

• Occasional travel.

• Ability to lift moderately heavy objects. Ability to exert heavy force. Work beyond normal business hours and/or work on weekends.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.