Research Dietitian

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 49,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State University’s Department of Nutritional Sciences, in the College of Health and Human Development, seeks a Research Dietitian to support the Penn State Research Kitchen and the Diet Assessment Center (DAC).

You will collaborate with investigators, research staff, students, and participants to implement protocols with high quality, accuracy, and service, including diet assessments using NDSR and ASA-24. This is a 1-year funded position, with continuation based on need and performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in nutrition or related field is required.
• Familiarity with nutrition research and diet assessment.
• Experience using Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR).

Responsibilities

• Produce research-grade food for clinical trials per study protocols.
• Conduct diet assessments using established methodologies and tools.
• Engage with participants to provide instructions and ensure adherence.
• Supervise and train undergraduate and graduate student researchers.
• Generate diet assessment reports and related study documentation.
• Assist with data management and materials for research audits.

Skills

Nutrition research experience

Diet assessment (NDSR)

Diet assessment tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in nutrition or related field

Registered Dietitian - CDR

ServSafe Food Handling Certification

Tools

NDSR

ASA-24

Job description

This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Department of Nutritional Sciences , in the College of Health and Human Development at Penn State, is seeking candidates for a Research Dieti t ian 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 , su ch 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 ASA24.
• 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
• Required Certifications:
• Registered Dietitian - Commission on Dietetic Registration
• ServSafe Food Handling Certification - National Restaurant Association

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

• PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. 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

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
• 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.