Qualitative Research Assistant - Spanish Fluency Required (Part time, 19 hour / week)

CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute Seeks a Qualitative Research Assistant

Job Description

CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute

The CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute is an academic research-and-action center housed at the CUNY School of Public Health and Health Policy that advances equitable access to healthy, affordable food through rigorous research, policy analysis, advocacy, and education. The Institute works across sectors to uncover and address structural barriers—such as food deserts, predatory marketing, and labor inequities—that drive nutrition and health disparities in urban communities. Among its recent initiatives are data-driven tools like the Food Environment Equity Dashboard for New York City, and studies of employment conditions in school food systems.

The Position

We are looking to hire a Research Assistants (RA) who will be responsible for conducting in-depth interviews in English and Spanish with individuals participating in four current Institute evaluation studies. They will also contribute to transcription, coding, and analysis of the data, working closely with the Project Coordinator (Jacquelyn Sullivan), and the Director of Evaluation of the CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute (Katy Tomaino Fraser).

Applicant Qualifications

The successful candidate will have a combination of several of the following skills:

●     An advanced degree in public health, nutrition, or a related field (or be near completion)

●     Experience collecting qualitative data, such as conducting interviews or focus groups

●     Experience coding and analyzing qualitative data using thematic analysis methods

●     Ability to handle multiple tasks/assignments efficiently

●     Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills

●     Strong written communication and organizational skills

●     Fluent (speaking, reading and writing) in English and Spanish. Please note we are not able to consider applicants who are fluent in English only.

●     Experience with Dedoose, Qualtrics, Excel and/or AirTable

Project Commitment and Compensation

This is a 6 month grant-funded position managed through the CUNY Research Foundation for 19 hours / week at a rate between $30-$35 per hour, depending on experience. While some remote work is possible, preference will be given to candidates able to work periodically in the project office at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy (New York, NY) as well as conduct the majority of online interviews and focus groups between the working hours of 9am-5pm EST Monday - Friday. This may also involve conducting some interviews during evening hours. The ideal start date for this position is June 29, 2026.

To Apply

Interested individuals who meet a majority of the qualifications listed above are encouraged to apply by sending an email to Jacquelyn Sullivan (jacquelyn.sullivan@sph.cuny.edu) with the following:

1. Detailed cover letter summarizing applicable background/experience and Spanish fluency
2. Resume / CV
3. Information regarding availability for a 30-minute video interview on Monday June 15 or Wednesday June 17.