School of Hospitality Management Part-Time Research Assistant

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Job Title

School of Hospitality Management Part-Time Research Assistant

Job Description

The School of Hospitality Management is seeking a part-time research assistant to support a faculty-led research pilot project Servi Robot Support for Tray-C.

Overview

Café Laura serves as a living laboratory for HM 330 and HM 430, applying management principles to real-world foodservice operations. We are piloting a service robot, “Tray-C,” to explore innovative approaches to bussing, efficiency, and customer service. The Service Robot Support Research Assistant will assist with the operation, optimization, and evaluation of Tray-C in Café Laura’s daily service environment.

Responsibilities

Support consistent setup, operation, and storage of Tray-C during service hours of the two courses, HM 330 and HM 430.

Troubleshoot navigation and maneuvering issues as they arise.

Assist with Tray-C’s bussing duties, ensuring smooth service for customers.

Help establish and test an additional bussing station near the dirty dishes trolly for bulk operations.

Explore and propose additional potential uses for Tray-C in Café Laura’s operations.

Identify student training needs to seamlessly integrate a service robot in Café Laura operations.

Collaborate with faculty on evaluating and optimizing bussing schedules and workflows.

Collaborate with faculty on collecting and analyzing feedback from customers and student employees regarding Tray-C’s effectiveness.

Support research studies pertaining to Tray-C and Café Laura.

Submit a report, and a practically oriented research paper of the activities conducted during the assistantship.

Qualifications

Majoring in a SHM program.

Interest in foodservice innovation, robotics, and applied operations management.

Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills.

Learning Outcomes

Gain hands-on experience integrating service robotics into a live foodservice environment.

Apply management principles (planning, organizing, controlling, staffing, leading) to emerging technologies.

Contribute to research and practice on technology adoption in hospitality.

Work Schedule

Approximately 12 hours per week

Position is fully in person with no option for remote work

Appointment starts August 17th, 2026 and ends December 11th, 2026.

Compensation

$22 per hour

Number of Positions

1

Supervisor

Dr. Amit Sharma, Edward Friedman and Stuart Mann Professor of Hospitality Management. Associate Director & Professor-In-Charge of Undergraduate Programs. Director, Food Decisions Research Laboratory

School of Hospitality Management, Penn State University

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

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