Clinical Dietitian IV - Research Dietitian

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 Nutritionist 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 Nutritionist 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.

This is a Clinical Dietitian IV (4) position. In order to qualify for this level, the Registered Dietitian (RD) must have at least 6 years of pediatric or related specialty experience and hold a certification in nutrition-related subject area. If the RD is a new hire and does not hold a current certification, they are expected to obtain one during their first year of employment. If the RD is an existing employee, they must be a participating member of an RD committee and present outcomes of a process improvement project to move up the Clinical Ladder. In order to maintain this level of competence, the RD must present a process improvement project every two years.