Research Coordinator - Food is Medicine Institute

The Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University is a national leader in Food is Medicine research focused on nutrition security, chronic disease prevention, and equitable food systems. Our work bridges public health, clinical research, and community practice to generate evidence that informs real-world solutions.

The Research Coordinator will play a central role in the NOURISH Study (Nutrition intervention Optimization to better Utilize Resources and Support Health) - a multi-year NIH-funded research study testing innovative, culturally responsive nutrition interventions delivered through the charitable food system. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about public health, community-based research, and improving access to nutritious food.

This is a grant-funded and 3 year limited-term position, eligible for renewal based upon performance and continued funding. This position is located in Dallas, Texas.

Under the close supervision of the Principal Investigator (Dr. Kelseanna Hollis-Hansen) and project leadership, the Research Coordinator supports the day-to-day implementation of a large, community-based human subjects research study. The Research Coordinator conducts participant-facing research activities, ensures accurate and ethical data collection, supports study logistics, and collaborates closely with community partners.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working directly with participants, values research rigor, and thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven research environment.

• Conduct participant recruitment, eligibility screening, scheduling, and enrollment in Dallas, Texas. This includes explaining study procedures and obtain informed consent in accordance with human subjects protections.
• Collect quantitative and qualitative study data, including Administering questionnaires and dietary assessments; Measuring height and weight using standardized protocols; Assisting with rapid clinical data collection (e.g., HbA1c, blood pressure) following training.
• This includes reading, understanding, and consistently following IRB-approved study protocols and procedures and providing participant support during in-person study visits, ensuring a respectful, culturally responsive, and welcoming experience.
• Carefully records study data for each participant and enters information into research database (e.g., REDCap)
• Assists with recruitment strategies and community outreach to increase participation in study
• Assist with participant compensation, retention activities, and follow-up scheduling
• Support preparation, translation, and distribution of study materials in English and Spanish
• Maintain organized research records and contribute to data quality assurance activities
• Participate in regular study team meetings and trainings
• Perform other research-related duties as assigned to support study goals

Basic Requirements:

Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:

• 1-2-years' experience in community organization and/or research setting.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to build rapport with diverse participants
• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Attention to detail and commitment to accurate data collection
• Ability to follow protocols and work within regulatory and ethical research frameworks
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office and collaboration tools, including, but not limited to PowerPoint, Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Teams, to support research operations.
• Experience with or willingness to learn data systems such as REDCap
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Comfortable working in community settings (e.g., food pantries, schools, places of worship, parks, etc.)
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary research team

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in public health, nutrition, social sciences, health sciences, or related field preferred
• Experience with human subjects research and data collection
• Experience with customer-facing or customer service role

Special Work Schedule Requirements:

This is a hybrid position expected to be on-site 4 days per weekin DALLAS, TEXAS at our community partner locations (4500 S Cockrell Hill Rd, Dallas, TX 75236; 3662 W Camp Wisdom Rd, Dallas, TX 75237; 14040 Rolling Hills Ln, Dallas, TX 75240).