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Posted Jun 6, 2026

OPS Research Assistant

Classification Title: OPS - Sponsored Projects Non-Clerical Classification Minimum Requirements: Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and four years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Job Description: Project Overview: UF/IFAS Books and Cooks is focused on improving the literacy and nutrition security of Florida families. The project is a collaboration with the Lastinger Center for Learning’s New Worlds Reading Initiative.  The Books and Cooks program is responsible for:   (1) recruiting and enrolling families into the New Worlds Reading Initiative   (2) developing local partnerships through county-level steering committees to guide New Worlds Reading recruitment and Books & Cooks educational delivery.   (3) delivering the Books & Cooks educational curriculum to increase family literacy capacities and improve nutrition security status.   (4) optimizing program quality and assessing the achievement of outcomes through formative and summative evaluation of the Books and Cooks Program.   Duties may include the following: Data Management: Assemble randomized controlled samples as part of a wait-list control research design  Develop and maintain internal tracking systems to monitor and report on program objectives  Maintain data integrity and implement quality assurance protocols through the research cycle  Coordinate logistics for data collection activities, including scheduling and participant communication  Oversee two annual rounds of data collection across pre-, post-, and three-month follow-up intervals using online survey platforms  Submit and manage research applications with local school districts  Project Evaluation: Develop and implement qualitative and quantitative instrumentation, including surveys, interviews guides, and focus group protocols to support process and outcome  Develop research briefs and executive summaries to translate findings for partners, funders, and community stakeholders  Translate findings to support program improvement  Assist in the writing of abstracts and manuscripts  Project Improvement:      • Contribute to grant proposal development to support Books & Cooks programming       • Participate in weekly project meetings Support project sustainability and research dissemination       • Complete timely monthly, quarterly, and annual reports        • Monitor team progress toward and fulfillment of specific contract or program goals        • Ensure integrity, quality and accuracy of programmatic records   Other duties as assigned by the supervisor, PI, or Co-PIs, provided they are allowed by the rules of the grant. This is a part-time, 20 hours per week, time-limited position. The position may be housed in local Extension offices or in remote work locations as appropriate and to be determined by Supervisor. Expected Salary: $25-32/hour commensurate with education and experience Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and four years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  Preferred: Master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization   Experience with family literacy, nutrition/food security, and parent-child education programming and/or evaluation  Ability to contribute to a positive, productive team environment using leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills  Ability to work collaboratively and engage relevant partners and institutions   Ability to form and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues throughout the state, as well as Extension colleagues and program partners  Demonstrate a courteous and helpful manner, and a respect and appreciation for diversity in all its forms  Ability to maintain working files and revisions of documents  Proficient with Word, Excel, TEAMS and PowerPoint and able to quickly learn basics of new software  Ability to maximize tools for productivity, communication, and organization  A high degree of accuracy and timeliness in all work  Demonstrate strong work ethic, dependability, and resourcefulness  Ability to maintain complete and organized records  Strong analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills  Special Instructions to Applicants: In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume. Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date. This is a part-time, 20 hours per week, time-limited position. The position may be housed in local Extension offices or in remote work locations as appropriate and to be determined by Supervisor. Health Assessment Required: No