Clinical Dietitian IV - Research Dietitian

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.

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.

Minimum Education: Bachelor'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: 6 years Experience, 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. Process Improvement: Ability to use quality improvement skills and tools to lead a team in the creation of best practice or process improvement with measurable and reportable outcomes. The effort must show benefit to patient care and outcomes and be of strategic value to CN. The outcomes must be disseminated through publication and/or public presentations. Leadership: annually, must be able to coach, mentor, develop at least one other team member who enters into the clinical ladder

Required Licenses and Certifications: Registered Dietitian: Licensed in the District of Columbia 90 Days (Required) Specialty certification required i.e. CDE, CSR, CSP, CNSC, when applicable. 1 Year (Required)