Research Dietitian

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 49,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University seeks a Research Dietitian to support the Penn State Research Kitchen and the Diet Assessment Center, collaborating with investigators, staff, and participants to ensure high-quality protocol execution.

The role involves preparing research-grade foods, conducting diet assessments with NDSR and ASA-24, supervising students, and contributing to data management and quality assurance across nutrition research projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in nutrition or related field required.
• Familiarity with nutrition research and diet assessment methods.
• Experience with NDSR and ASA-24 preferred.

Responsibilities

• Produce and provide research-grade food for clinical trials per protocols.
• Conduct diet assessments using NDSR/ASA-24.
• Engage with participants to provide instructions and monitor adherence.
• Supervise undergraduate and graduate research assistants.
• Ensure data quality and document study activities.
• Generate reports and other research-related records.

Skills

Nutrition research

Dietary assessment

Communication with participants

Education

Bachelor's degree in nutrition

Tools

NDSR

ASA-24

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Department of Nutritional Sciences, in the College of Health and Human Development at Penn State, is seeking candidates for a Research Dietitian position. The successful candidate will support both the Penn State Research Kitchen and Diet Assessment Center (DAC). The Penn State Research Kitchen is a metabolic kitchen dedicated to the production of foods, meals, and complete diets for clinical trials. The Diet Assessment Center conducts diet assessment, such as 24-hour recalls through NDSR and ASA-24, for nutrition-related research.

The Research Dietitian will collaborate with investigators, research staff, students, and study participants to ensure the successful implementation of research protocols while maintaining high standards of quality, accuracy, and participant service.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Produce and provide research-grade food for clinical trials, ranging from formulation and procurement to meal preparation, cooking, and packing for off-site consumption in accordance with study protocols and food safety standards.
• Conduct diet assessments with research participants using established dietary assessment methodologies and research tools, including NDSR and ASA-24.
• Engage with research participants to provide study-related instructions, answer questions, assess adherence to research protocols, and complete research-related administrative activities.
• Supervise, train, and support undergraduate and graduate student research assistants.
• Conduct quality assurance activities related to dietary assessment data, research kitchen operations, study documentation, and protocol implementation to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance.
• Generate diet assessment reports, invoices, study documentation, and other research-related records in support of ongoing projects.
• Assist with data management activities, record maintenance, and preparation of materials required for research studies, audits, and regulatory reviews.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of standard operating procedures related to dietary assessment, food preparation, participant services, and quality assurance.
• Collaborate with faculty investigators, research coordinators, and study personnel to support the successful execution of nutrition and clinical research projects.
• Other research activities as appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree or higher in nutrition or a related field is required.

Familiarity and/or experience with nutrition research.

Familiarity and/or experience in diet assessment, especially using Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR).

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.
• Registered Dietitian - Commission on Dietetic Registration.
• ServSafe Food Handling Certification - National Restaurant Association.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $49,188.00 - $71,340.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure.

• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR).

The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters.

The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive.

We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

VALUES

Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community.

We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.