Clinical Dietitian I - Research Dietitian
Children's National HospitalAbout the role
Description
The Research Dietitian for the Heart and Lung Center is responsible for the design, implementation, and execution of nutrition-focused research protocols involving patients with congenital and acquired heart disease and children with chronic pediatric conditions affecting cardiopulmonary fitness. The populations served span the lifespan from pregnancies with fetuses affected by congenital heart disease through young adulthood.
This role provides subject-matter expertise in food-as-medicine approaches, dietary and behavioral interventions, and nutrition methodology within clinical and translational research protocols. Core responsibilities include nutrition-related data collection and analysis, anthropometric and physiological assessments, meal-based studies, menu development, nutrition education, and consultation with investigators. As required by protocol, the Research Dietitian conducts comprehensive nutrition assessments, including body composition, medical history, and evaluation of physical, biochemical, dietary, and other data influencing energy and nutrient requirements.
The Research Dietitian coordinates nutrition-related research activities, works directly with patients and research participants to deliver education and interventions, and collaborates closely with principal investigators and multidisciplinary teams. The position may function as a co‑investigator on research studies, communicate research findings, work with a high degree of independence, and provide supervision or training to other research staff as needed.
Qualifications
Minimum EducationBachelor's Degree Public Health Nutrition, Nutrition Science, Nutrition, Dietetics, or nutrition related field (Required) Or
Master's Degree Master's Degree in nutrition or clinical specialty for new graduates starting after 2024 (Required)
Minimum Work Experience
1 year Experience and/or completed internship, preferably in the area of maternal and child health. (Required)
Required Skills/Knowledge
Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of medical staff, healthcare professionals, managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra.
Computer Skills: Possesses necessary skills to effectively operate the hospital’s electronic medical record system. Ability to operate a standard computer, including basic use of MS applications such as Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret a variety of technical instructions and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Required Licenses and Certifications
Registered Dietitian: Licensed in the District of Columbia. 90 Days (Required) Credentialed as a Registered Dietitian through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) 90 Days (Required)
Functional Accountabilities
- Assesses the nutritional status of neonates/ infants, pediatric, adolescent, adult and/or geriatric patient through documentation in the medical record. Uses parameters such as anthropometric measurements, nutrition-focused physical assessment and interpretation of laboratory values.
- Develops, revises and individualizes nutrition care plan based on information from the patient, medical record, family and health care team members.
- Incorporates current evidence-based research into practice.
- Utilizes physician/referring practitioner-driven protocols or other facility-specific processes to implement, initiate or modify order for diet or nutrition-related actions (e.g. nutrition supplements, dietary supplements, diet modifications, diet texture modifica
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