The Research Assistant will support research activities focused on developing and evaluating tools to measure public awareness of household food waste and promote food waste prevention in Oman. The role involves literature review, survey and assessment-tool development, household and stakeholder engagement, data collection and analysis, and support for awareness initiatives that encourage circular economy practices and sustainable consumption.

• Review academic literature and existing measurement tools relating to household food waste, public awareness, circular economy, and sustainable consumption.
• Assist in designing and refining questionnaires, awareness indicators, interview guides, and other data collection instruments.
• Support pilot testing and validation of proposed public awareness and food waste prevention assessment tools.
• Coordinate household surveys and stakeholder consultations, including participant recruitment and ethical data collection.
• Collect, organize, clean, and analyse quantitative and qualitative research data.
• Investigate household food purchasing, storage, consumption, and disposal behaviours relevant to food waste prevention.
• Assist in developing educational materials, outreach activities, and practical recommendations to improve household food waste awareness.
• Support evaluation of awareness interventions and the preparation of evidence-based recommendations for Oman.
• Prepare progress reports, presentations, technical documentation, and contributions to academic publications.
• Maintain accurate research records and ensure confidentiality, research ethics, and timely completion of assigned tasks.
 

• Previous involvement in academic research, field surveys, community outreach, or environmental projects is desirable but not mandatory.
• Experience with questionnaires, interviews, statistical analysis, or awareness campaigns is an advantage.
• Recent graduates with strong academic performance and an interest in applied research are encouraged to apply. 
 

The candidate must have the following skills and attributes: 

• Ability to organize and analyze research data, with good proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Familiarity with SPSS, R, Python, or other analysis tools is desirable.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English; Arabic communication skills are advantageous for household engagement in Oman.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• Commitment to confidentiality, ethical research practice, accuracy, and project deadlines.

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in environmental engineering, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Waste Management, Public Health, Social Sciences, or closely related discipline.
• Basic knowledge of household food waste, sustainable consumption, circular economy principles, or environmental awareness.
• Familiarity with survey design, research methods, or public engagement is desirable.