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Research Dietitian
Epidemiology department aims to foster the highest-quality epidemiological research with the purpose of acquiring new knowledge related to endpoints across the cancer continuum, from risk through survivorship.
The Research Dietitian provides strategic and operational support for nutrition research and controlled dietary interventions executed in the MD Anderson Bionutrition Research Core and Metabolic Kitchen Facility under the Faculty Director and Senior Research Dietitian.
The ideal candidate for the Research Dietitian role has clinical dietitian experience in an oncology setting and demonstrates strong communication, organization, and documentation skills. Preferred qualifications include Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CSO), or Certified Culinary Medicine Specialist or Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) credentials. The ideal candidate is bilingual in English and Spanish with certified translator credentials, is self-driven and team-oriented, and is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment while effectively using Outlook and other standard office tools to support research operations.
Minimum $32.21 – Midpoint $40.14 – Maximum $48.08 per hour based on a 40-hour work week.
Work location: Texas Medical Center, onsite.
Why Us?
This role offers the opportunity to directly support high-impact cancer research while working alongside leading investigators in nutrition science and epidemiology at UT MD Anderson. The Research Dietitian contributes meaningfully to institutional research priorities while benefiting from a supportive environment that values professional development, collaboration, and work-life balance.
• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
Responsibilities
Core Operations
• Collaborate with Bionutrition Research Core leadership and study teams to develop, optimize, and standardize nutrition research protocols, procedures, and recipes
• Serve as a nutrition subject-matter expert ensuring scientific rigor, regulatory compliance, and high-quality data collection across nutrition research studies
• Support controlled feeding trials, nutrition counseling, and dietary assessment projects
• Demonstrate exceptional verbal and written communication while consistently upholding UT MD Anderson core values
• Participate in education, training, and leadership activities to expand expertise in research dietetics and nutritional epidemiology
Culinary Nutrition
• Design and implement research diets, study menus, and standardized recipes aligned with protocol objectives and nutrient parameters
• Prepare and assemble palatable, visually appealing study meals and snacks that meet rigorous safety and quality standards
• Apply protocol-specific and personalized nutrition strategies to address food preferences and treatment-related challenges
• Promote innovation in culinary approaches within clinical research constraints without compromising protocol integrity
• Partner with kitchen and research teams to ensure food safety, consistency, scalability, and quality control
Research & Project Management
• Participate in protocol development, including educational materials, forms, source documents, and data collection tools
• Collaborate with principal investigators to optimize standardized nutrition research procedures
• Establish and follow standard operating procedures to ensure protocol fidelity and regulatory compliance
• Support administrative functions including billing, budgeting, cost recovery, and resource allocation
• Prepare and review study documentation, regulatory materials, progress reports, and research deliverables
• Contribute to grant development, protocol writing, and manuscript preparation
• Evaluate emerging methodologies and technologies to enhance research quality and innovation
EDUCATION
• Required: Bachelor’s Degree and completion of an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics approved dietetic internship or its equivalent
WORK EXPERIENCE
• Required: None
• Preferred: Prior experience as clinical dietitian experience in an oncology setting. Certified translator bilingual in English and Spanish.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Required: Registered Dietitian (RD) credential through the Commission on Dietetic Registration upon hire and Licensed Dietitian (LD) through the Texas State Board of Examiners of Dietitians upon hire
• Preferred: Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition, or Certified Culinary Medicine Specialist or Certified Dietary Manager (CDM)
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
