Research Assistant - Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Ida One Health Laboratory, led by Dr. Jennifer A. Ida in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences at The Pennsylvania State University, seeks a motivated and detail-oriented part-time research assistant to support qualitative research on antimicrobial stewardship. The team works at the intersection of social science and veterinary medicine to address emerging One Health challenges.

This position provides hands-on experience with scientific writing and qualitative research methods used to examine the context, belief systems, and lived experiences shaping decision-making around antimicrobial stewardship and environmental management practices, with implications for One Health outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Contributing to manuscript writing and literature reviews on topics relevant to antimicrobial stewardship and One Health.
• Supporting participant recruitment for qualitative research studies.
• Participating in fieldwork, including qualitative data collection (interviews, direct and participant observation) on dairy farms.
• Conducting interview transcription and assisting with thematic analysis of qualitative data.
• Assisting with environmental sampling during farm visits.
• Compiling results, maintaining detailed research records, and supporting data organization and analysis.

Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Prior experience with qualitative research methods (e.g., interviewing, transcription, thematic/coding analysis) preferred.
• Interest or background in social science, veterinary medicine, agricultural science, public health, or One Health approaches is desirable.
• Comfort working in agricultural/farm settings and conducting fieldwork.
• Possess a valid U.S. driver's license and be willing to travel for on-farm data collection.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit the following materials in WorkDay:

• A cover letter describing interest and relevant experience.
• A resume or curriculum vitae.
• Names and contact information for three references.
• Applications will be reviewed as received and will continue until the position is filled.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

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