Research Assistant

Job Description

This position will encompass two projects:

1. Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Local Food Procurement Data Analysis & Reporting (75% of time)
2. Evaluation of the Americorps funded SEED community engagement evaluation and peer recovery specialist training (25% of time)

VDOE project: Leads data entry, cleaning, analysis, and reporting from local food procurement data obtained from two datasets (“Virginia Local Food Tracking Tools” and DoD Fresh data from Keany Produce). Includes weekly meetings with the VDOE and the VT Center for Public Health Practice & Research team, separately.

SEED: Help analyze data, write manuscript and final report, lead data analysis (qual and quant) for the peer recovery specialist supervised experience evaluation.

Required Qualifications

Master’s degree or equivalent experience in community health, public health, or related field
Ability to make decisions, organize and prioritize work, and perform multiple tasks simultaneously
Excellent communication (written and verbal), interpersonal, organizational, facilitation and administrative skills.
Ability to prioritize responsibilities, pay attention to detail, work independently and with initiative, and meet deadlines.
Comprehensive computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite and data management.

Preferred Qualifications

MPH degree
Experience in program evaluation
Experience in data management and analysis

Pay Band

3; Wage

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Wage; commensurate with experience 

Hours per week

20-30

Review Date

May 20, 2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.