Research Dietitian

POSITION SPECIFICS

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.

• 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.

• 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).

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;
Serv Safe Food Handling Certification – National Restaurant Association.

This position requires 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.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $46,400.00 – $67,300.00.

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.

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.