About this Research Dietitian role at Penn State University
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
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 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 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
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.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.
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.
