Research Dietitians participate in the development and implementation of the nutritional aspects of medical research studies. Incumbents formulate subject diets in accordance with study requirements and establish systems for record¬ing and maintaining research data.

Perform a variety of nutritional research support tasks including formulating and implementing diets, obtaining and evaluating data, and providing training to other staff and students.

First-level class of series. Under general supervision, coordinate nutrition¬al aspects of medical research studies. Formulate and implement diets, and evaluate nutritional research data such as weight, nutrient intake, and laboratory results.

Interview subject to determine diet history food preferences, and nutritional status including caloric intake and nutrient composition; review laboratory results as necessary; utilize computer assisted nutrient analysis;

Assist in developing nutrition protocols; formulate diets in accordance with research protocol and subject nutritional needs; develop alternative diets based on subject preference, nutrient requirements, or medical conditions such as allergies;
Instruct subject on nutritional aspects of study and evaluate compliance with protocol;

Collect and evaluate data such as amount of food consumed and weight gain or loss, to maintain quality control and to detect changes induced by diet; assist in data analysis, writing of results for publication, and preparation of funding requests;

Document nutrition care in patients' charts;

Assist in training of students and research fellows in nutrition research and in the design and implementation of nutrition protocols;

Prepare educational materials such as pamphlets or handouts; make presenta¬tions to groups in nutrition or nutrition research;

May lead support staff;

May estimate costs of nutrition protocol for research grants;

Perform related duties as required.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Bachelors degree in dietetics or food and nutrition, completion of American Dietetic Association approved dietetic education program, and two years experience in clinical dietetics or equivalent. A Master's degree in diete¬tics or foods and nutrition may be substituted for one year of experience as a clinical dietician.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

New Class: 1-3-73
Revise Title and Class 10-24-83
Revise MQ: 7-2-90
New class code, formerly 4857, effective July 1 ,2007.