Registered Dietitian

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PSLF opportunity

Tuition benefit program

Flexible spending accounts

Comprehensive retirement plans

Job summary

University of Minnesota is seeking a full-time Registered Dietitian to deliver evidence-based behavioral lifestyle counseling for pediatric obesity research. The role focuses on in-person and virtual sessions, strict protocol adherence, and curriculum standardization within CPOM.

Ideal candidates hold an RD/RDN, a BA/BS with relevant experience, and strong skills in motivational interviewing, family-based approaches, and documentation. Evening/weekend availability may be required.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree plus at least two years of relevant experience, or a combination equaling six years.
• Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) credential required.
• Demonstrated experience in weight management, pediatric nutrition, or behavior change counseling.
• Demonstrated experience working with children and young adults.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Deliver virtual and in-person behavioral lifestyle interventions according to study protocol.
• Contribute to development, refinement, and standardization of HBLT curriculum.
• Complete timely and accurate documentation of sessions and participant interactions.
• Adhere to research protocols, regulatory requirements, and data collection procedures.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary staff to support study activities and participant retention.

Skills

Behavioral counseling

Motivational interviewing

Family-based approaches

Documentation

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Independent & collaborative work

Education

BA/BS degree

RD/RDN credential

Experience in weight management / pediatric nutrition

Tools

Telehealth platforms

GCPs/IRB familiarity

EDC systems

Job description

About the Job

Be part of a nationally recognized, multidisciplinary team advancing evidence-based treatment for pediatric obesity. The Center for Pediatric Obesity Medicine (CPOM), in the Department of Pediatrics seeks a full time Registered Dietitian to provide behavioral lifestyle counseling for research studies evaluating anti-obesity medications and behavioral weight management interventions.

This is a full-time, onsite position responsible for delivering Health Behavioral Lifestyle Treatment (HBLT) through both in-person and virtual sessions. This role requires strong skills in behavioral counseling, protocol adherence, and documentation, as well as an interest in contributing to evidence-based approaches to weight management.

Position Summary

The Registered Dietitian delivers evidence-based behavioral lifestyle interventions within a research setting and contributes to the development and refinement of HBLT curriculum. This role focuses on standardized program delivery, participant engagement, and protocol adherence in support of clinical research.

Key Responsibilities

Intervention Delivery (60%)

• Deliver virtual and in-person behavioral lifestyle interventions according to study protocol.
• Apply evidence-based nutrition and behavior change strategies, including motivational interviewing and family-based approaches.
• Engage participants and families to support adherence, retention, and behavior change.
• Identify and proactively address barriers to participation and behavior change.

Curriculum Development (20%)

• Contribute to the development, refinement, and standardization of HBLT curriculum.
• Develop and maintain intervention materials to ensure sessions are engaging, consistent, and age‑appropriate.
• Ensure fidelity to HBLT intervention protocols across all sessions and participants.
• Solicit and incorporate feedback to continuously improve curriculum while maintaining protocol integrity.

Research Operations (20%)

• Complete timely and accurate documentation of sessions and participant interactions.
• Adhere to all research protocols, regulatory requirements and data collection procedures.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary research staff to support study activities and participant retention.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to ongoing improvement of workflows and intervention delivery.

Essential Employee

The successful candidate will be designated as an Essential Employee. Essential Employees are expected to report to campus during a University State of Emergency (reduced operations or campus closure) unless specifically directed by the Department not to report or if directed by civil emergency or medical authorities not to report for health and safety reasons. As an Essential Employee, you must report to campus even if the closure is less than three days.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree plus at least two years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least six years.
• Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) credential required.
• Demonstrated experience in weight management, pediatric nutrition, or behavior change counseling.
• Demonstrated experience working with children and young adults.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated attention to detail with strong organizational and problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively, with changing priorities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or a related field.
• Experience delivering interventions in a research setting.
• Familiarity with anti‑obesity medications.
• Experience with telehealth platforms.
• Experience with Good Clinical Practices (GCPs), Institutional Review Boards (IRB), and other regulatory requirements.
• Experience with clinical research Electronic Data Capture (EDC) systems.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $55,000 - $85,000/year; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer‑paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.