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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Job Title
School of Hospitality Management Part-Time Research Assistant
Job Description
The School of Hospitality Management is seeking a part-time research assistant to support a faculty-led research pilot project Servi Robot Support for Tray-C.
Overview
Café Laura serves as a living laboratory for HM 330 and HM 430, applying management principles to real-world foodservice operations. We are piloting a service robot, “Tray-C,” to explore innovative approaches to bussing, efficiency, and customer service. The Service Robot Support Research Assistant will assist with the operation, optimization, and evaluation of Tray-C in Café Laura’s daily service environment.
Responsibilities
- Support consistent setup, operation, and storage of Tray-C during service hours of the two courses, HM 330 and HM 430.
- Troubleshoot navigation and maneuvering issues as they arise.
- Assist with Tray-C’s bussing duties, ensuring smooth service for customers.
- Help establish and test an additional bussing station near the dirty dishes trolly for bulk operations.
- Explore and propose additional potential uses for Tray-C in Café Laura’s operations.
- Identify student training needs to seamlessly integrate a service robot in Café Laura operations.
- Collaborate with faculty on evaluating and optimizing bussing schedules and workflows.
- Collaborate with faculty on collecting and analyzing feedback from customers and student employees regarding Tray-C’s effectiveness.
- Support research studies pertaining to Tray-C and Café Laura.
- Submit a report, and a practically oriented research paper of the activities conducted during the assistantship.
Qualifications
- Majoring in a SHM program.
- Interest in foodservice innovation, robotics, and applied operations management.
- Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills.
Learning Outcomes
- Gain hands-on experience integrating service robotics into a live foodservice environment.
- Apply management principles (planning, organizing, controlling, staffing, leading) to emerging technologies.
- Contribute to research and practice on technology adoption in hospitality.
Work Schedule
- Approximately 12 hours per week
- Position is fully in person with no option for remote work
- Appointment starts August 17th, 2026 and ends December 11th, 2026.
Compensation
Number of Positions
Supervisor
- Dr. Amit Sharma, Edward Friedman and Stuart Mann Professor of Hospitality Management. Associate Director & Professor-In-Charge of Undergraduate Programs. Director, Food Decisions Research Laboratory
School of Hospitality Management, Penn State University
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
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