Research Coordinator: School & Procurement Analysis (0.5 FTE)

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

1d•$70,008 - $94,992•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Coordinator: School & Procurement Analysis (0.5 FTE) to join their team. This is a part-time, 50% FTE position. Additional FTE (up to 100%) may be available based on evolving program needs Location: Seattle or hybrid, with statewide travel to partner sites, as needed. Project Overview: This project is a transdisciplinary effort connecting plant breeding, soil health, food product development, and implementation science to develop and commercialize nutritious, climate‑friendly whole‑grain and legume varieties and foods, with a major translation pathway into school meal programs across Washington. Our team will be leading implementation activities and these will include evidence syntheses, policy and budget analyses of school food procurement, qualitative research with producers/processors and school food personnel, and network mapping and value chain analysis to bridge gaps from grain harvest to healthy products in schools and markets. Position Summary: The Research Coordinator will lead partnerships, data collection, analytic, and educational components of implementation science work with schools including: a scoping review; policy, menu, and budget analyses of school procurement; in‑depth interviews and user journey mapping with school personnel and producers/processors; and planning and leading a 5-week study away educational program.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Food Systems, Public Health, Nutrition, Implementation Science, Agricultural/Environmental Sciences, or related field.
Minimum 4 years of experience with research methods such as evidence syntheses, implementation research, or qualitative research.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
Experience with stakeholder-engaged and interdisciplinary research (e.g., coordinating school-based or community food systems programs).
Familiarity with human subjects research and IRB procedures; strong project management and communication skills.
Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Nice To Haves

Graduate degree (MPH/MS/MA) or PhD in Food Systems, Public Health, Nutrition, Implementation Science, Agricultural/Environmental Sciences, or related field.
Experience working with school food (e.g., knowledge of school food procurement standards and budget constraints, experience with OSPI/WSDA Farm to School or district food service).
Experience with stakeholder-engaged and interdisciplinary research.
Proficiency with mixed-methods and implementation science research methods such as evidence synthesis (e.g., scoping reviews), policy analysis, budget analysis, and qualitative research (e.g., in-depth interviews, user journey mapping).
Experience with scientific writing (including peer-reviewed publications) and writing for public audiences.
Proficiency with research software including Zoom, Qualtrics/REDCap, Dedoose, and data visualization software.

Responsibilities

Study Development (10%): Collaborate with PI/co‑PIs to plan and design school‑focused implementation activities aligned with project goals. Develop protocols and timelines for stakeholder engagement and data collection and analysis.
Study Coordination (20%): Serve as primary liaison to school food stakeholders (e.g., OSPI, WSDA Farm to School, and others) to (a) schedule and facilitate meetings and data collection efforts and (b) coordinate and track school efforts to integrate whole grains/legumes. Work with the team to coordinate sourcing of whole grains/legumes with local farmers/processors and assess how these align with school menu cycles and procurement requirements. Draft and submit IRB materials; maintain compliance, renewals, and modifications for any human‑subjects activities with school personnel. Manage project calendars, action items, secure file sharing, and stakeholder communications; prepare graphics for stakeholder audiences.
Data Collection (20%): Collect implementation data with schools based on study protocols, including (a) scoping review data, (b) school procurement policy, budget, and menu planning data (c) in-depth interviews and journey mapping.
Analysis & Dissemination (30%): Analyze implementation data, including (a) scoping review data, (b) school procurement policy, budget and menu data and (c) qualitative data from in-depth interviews and journey mapping with school personnel. Contribute to progress reports, deliverables, and toolkits for school implementation; co‑author manuscripts and practice briefs.
Study Away Program (15%): Assist with planning and logistics for the 5-week study away program (in ~June every summer for three summers), including scheduling site visits, coordinating with farmers, processors, and school districts, and helping develop educational materials and activities for students, ensuring integration of research insights (e.g., producer/processor/school insights and experiences, value chain mapping, journey maps). Direct or co-direct the study away program, which may include being on-site with students.
Administration & Operations (5%): Track deliverables to funders and partners; support budget monitoring and subaward communications and coordination related to school implementation activities.