Research Dietitian

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 59,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin's Dell Medical School is seeking a Research Dietitian to support clinical and translational nutrition research across inpatient, outpatient, ambulatory, and remote environments.

You will design and implement nutrition protocols, conduct protocol-defined assessments, and manage data using remote tools while ensuring regulatory compliance and collaboration with investigators and study staff.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition or related field and 4 years of relevant experience.
• Bilingual English/Spanish required.
• Knowledge of IRB, GCP, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Designs and implements protocol-driven nutrition interventions aligned with study aims; does not prescribe individualized MNT.
• Performs protocol-defined nutrition assessments and data collection.
• Ensures compliance with IRB, FDA, and GCP requirements; prepares IRB submissions.
• Collects and manages dietary and outcome data via remote data capture systems; supports data interpretation.

Skills

Nutrition science

Bilingual English/Spanish

IRB/GCP knowledge

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition

Master's Degree (preferred)

Tools

EDC systems

Remote data capture tools

Job description

General Notes

Dell Medical School is seeking a Research Dietitian. This position has an end date of 12/31/30 but may be renewable based upon availability of funding, work performance, and progress toward goals.

Job Summary

The Research Dietitian supports clinical and translational research studies by designing, implementing, and evaluating nutrition‑related research activities across inpatient, outpatient, ambulatory, and remote research environments. This role applies nutrition science principles to research protocols, dietary interventions, and outcome measurement, without providing independent or individualized medical nutrition therapy (MNT). The Research Dietitian collaborates closely with principal investigators, physicians, advanced practice providers, research coordinators, biostatisticians, and IRB staff to ensure study feasibility, regulatory compliance, data integrity, and participant safety. Core responsibilities include protocol development, participant assessments as defined by research design, education, remote data collection, and documentation in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Designs and Implements Research Nutrition Protocols

• Develops standardized, protocol‑driven nutrition interventions aligned with study aims and approved research protocols; does not independently prescribe individualized medical nutrition therapy.
• Translates research objectives into feasible dietary methodologies.
• Reviews protocols for nutritional accuracy, safety, and regulatory alignment.
• Modifies interventions in accordance with approved study protocols, amendments, and investigator direction; does not independently alter interventions at the individual participant level outside of approved study parameters.

Conducts Participant Nutrition Assessments and Interventions

• Conducts protocol‑defined nutrition assessments and data collection as specified within approved research protocols.
• Conducts nutrition assessments and study‑specific education via secure telehealth platforms when permitted by study design and regulation.
• Provides protocol‑specific participant education related to study requirements without providing individualized medical nutrition therapy.

Supports Regulatory and Compliance Activities

• Ensures compliance with IRB, FDA, and GCP requirements.
• Prepares nutrition‑related sections of IRB submissions and amendments.
• Maintains accurate source documentation and audit‑ready files.
• Participates in study monitoring visits and regulatory audits.

Collects, Analyzes, and Manages Research Data

• Collects and manages dietary and outcome data using remote research tools and electronic data capture systems.
• Ensures data accuracy, consistency, and protocol adherence.
• Assists with data interpretation related to nutrition outcomes.

Collaborates with Research and Clinical Stakeholders

• Participates in virtual study meetings, investigator consultations, and interdisciplinary reviews.
• Communicates protocol requirements to interdisciplinary teams.
• Provides subject‑matter expertise in nutrition science.

Educates Participants and Research Staff

• Delivers education and training through virtual platforms, webinars, and electronic materials.
• Trains research staff on nutrition protocols and data collection.

Contributes to Research Dissemination and Quality Improvement

• Assists with manuscript preparation and research presentations.
• Supports grant writing and protocol development efforts.
• Identifies opportunities to improve nutrition research processes.

Other Job Duties May Apply As Assigned

• Supports decentralized or virtual clinical trial models, including remote monitoring of nutrition interventions.
• Participates in professional development, conferences, or continuing education.
• Contributes to institutional research committees or workgroups.
• Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Functional/Technical Skills

• Possesses and applies the technical knowledge and skills required to perform role‑specific tasks effectively.
• Applies advanced nutrition science to research protocols.
• Interprets clinical and dietary research data accurately.
• Maintains current knowledge of evidence‑based nutrition practices.

Process Management

• Designs, manages, and improves work processes to achieve efficient and consistent outcomes.
• Follows structured research protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Anticipates workflow bottlenecks and resolves issues proactively.
• Ensures consistency and accuracy in data collection processes.

Attention to Detail

• Accomplishes tasks with precision and minimizes errors through careful review.
• Ensures dietary data accuracy and completeness.
• Reviews documentation for regulatory compliance.
• Identifies discrepancies in nutrition‑related research records.

Intellectual Horsepower

• Deals with concepts and complexity comfortably; applies intellectual rigor.
• Synthesizes complex research findings into practical actions.
• Understands multifactorial influences on nutrition outcomes.
• Adapts to novel study designs and methodologies.

Collaborates

• Builds effective working relationships across organizational boundaries.
• Partners with investigators and research staff respectfully.
• Contributes constructively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Communicates nutrition concepts clearly to non‑specialists.

Customer Focus

• Anticipates and meets the needs of internal and external customers.
• Addresses participant concerns related to dietary interventions.
• Adjusts communication style to broad populations.
• Balances research rigor with participant‑centered care.

Education & Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition, Nutritional Sciences, Clinical Research, Public Health, Epidemiology, or a closely related field. Preference given to Nutrition or Nutritional Sciences education.
• 4 years of relevant experience in human subjects research, nutrition research, clinical research, or healthcare research and including general professional experience in healthcare, research, or academic environments.
• Demonstrated knowledge of nutrition science, research methodologies, and regulatory requirements (IRB, GCP).
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Nutrition, Nutritional Sciences, Clinical Research, Public Health, Epidemiology, or a related field with a research concentration, thesis, or capstone project.
• 4 years of experience in supporting human subjects research, including clinical, translational, or population‑based studies. Experience working in an academic medical center, large integrated healthcare system, or research institute.
• Demonstrated experience supporting NIH‑, foundation‑, or industry‑sponsored research.
• Experience with decentralized, hybrid, or virtual clinical trials, including remote data collection or participant engagement.
• Familiarity with electronic data capture (EDC) systems, nutrition research databases, and remote research tools.

Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications

Required

None

Preferred

• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
• Licensed Dietitian (LD) or Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN), as required by Texas law.
• Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification.
• Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP).

Salary Range

$59,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Environment and Equipment

• Standard office equipment and environment
• Repetitive use of a keyboard
• For healthcare jobs, may be exposed to such occupational hazards as communicable diseases, blood‑borne pathogens, ionizing and non‑ionizing radiation, hazardous medications and disoriented or combative patients, or others.

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University‑Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I‑9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E‑Verify

The University of Texas at Austin uses E‑Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E‑Verify is 854197. For more information about E‑Verify, you may refer to the following:

• E‑Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP‑3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.