Research Dietitian Jobs in Iowa
Research Dietitian jobs in Iowa are concentrated in Des Moines, Iowa City, and Cedar Rapids, where major health systems and research institutions drive steady demand for dietitians specializing in clinical trials, community nutrition research, and chronic disease prevention. Employers like UnityPoint Health, University of Iowa Health Care, and Hy-Vee maintain active research nutrition programs and hire at levels from entry-level research assistants to senior investigator roles. Iowa's strong agricultural and public health heritage keeps food systems research and rural nutrition programs among the most consistently funded areas in the state. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Position Title:
Postdoctoral Researcher – Soil and Water Resources
Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at Iowa State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position. The successful candidate will work on a USDA-funded research project evaluating the impacts of land management practices, conservation strategies, and crop improvements on soil and water resources.
The ideal candidate will possess strong verbal and written communication skills and be able to effectively engage with a wide range of stakeholders and audiences. The position is a one-year appointment, with the possibility of extension contingent upon satisfactory performance and continued funding availability.
Required Minimum:
PhD degree in Civil Engineering
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated expertise in water resources and ecohydrological modeling.
- Demonstrated research experience in agronomy or related agricultural sciences.
- Strong record of scholarly achievement, including publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Demonstrated ability to present research findings to scientific and professional audiences.
- Experience or interest in communicating scientific results to stakeholders and the general public.
Department/Program & College Description:
The Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, with programs ranked nationally by U.S. News and World Report, has a proud heritage dating back to the founding of Iowa State Agricultural College (later Iowa State University) as a land grant institution in 1869. We’ve seen extraordinary advancement in research and teaching methods since then. Still, we keep a dedication to excellence that has carried from past to present.
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
- Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
- Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
- Life insurance and long-term disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Various voluntary benefits and discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellbeing program
- Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Proposed Start Date:
July 20, 2026
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
Post Docs
Original Posting Date:
July 8, 2026
Posting Close Date:
July 15, 2026
Job Requisition Number:
R19585
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
Position Title:
Postdoctoral Researcher – Soil and Water Resources
Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at Iowa State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position. The successful candidate will work on a USDA-funded research project evaluating the impacts of land management practices, conservation strategies, and crop improvements on soil and water resources.
The ideal candidate will possess strong verbal and written communication skills and be able to effectively engage with a wide range of stakeholders and audiences. The position is a one-year appointment, with the possibility of extension contingent upon satisfactory performance and continued funding availability.
Required Minimum:
PhD degree in Civil Engineering
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated expertise in water resources and ecohydrological modeling.
- Demonstrated research experience in agronomy or related agricultural sciences.
- Strong record of scholarly achievement, including publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Demonstrated ability to present research findings to scientific and professional audiences.
- Experience or interest in communicating scientific results to stakeholders and the general public.
Department/Program & College Description:
The Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, with programs ranked nationally by U.S. News and World Report, has a proud heritage dating back to the founding of Iowa State Agricultural College (later Iowa State University) as a land grant institution in 1869. We’ve seen extraordinary advancement in research and teaching methods since then. Still, we keep a dedication to excellence that has carried from past to present.
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
- Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
- Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
- Life insurance and long-term disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Various voluntary benefits and discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellbeing program
- Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Proposed Start Date:
July 20, 2026
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
Post Docs
Original Posting Date:
July 8, 2026
Posting Close Date:
July 15, 2026
Job Requisition Number:
R19585
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
See All 38 Research Dietitian Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Dietitian JobsResearch Dietitian Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Dietitian Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services12
- Education4
- Insurance3
- Food & Beverage1
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research dietitian jobs across Iowa.
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential recognized by the Iowa Department of Public Health
- Bachelor's or master's degree in dietetics, nutrition science, or a closely related field
- Experience designing, implementing, or analyzing nutrition-focused research studies
- Proficiency with data management and statistical analysis software such as SPSS or SAS
- Strong written communication skills for preparing grant proposals and research reports
- Ability to recruit, assess, and follow up with research study participants in clinical settings
Research Dietitian Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research dietitian in Iowa?
You become a research dietitian in Iowa by completing an accredited dietetics degree, finishing a supervised practice program, and passing the Commission on Dietetic Registration exam to earn the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential. Iowa does not require a separate state dietitian license, so the RDN credential is the primary requirement employers recognize. From there, most research positions expect graduate-level coursework or hands-on research experience gained through university programs or clinical residencies.
Which companies hire research dietitians in Iowa?
Companies currently hiring research dietitians in Iowa include UnityPoint Health, The University of Iowa, and Trinity Health, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Iowa's combination of large academic medical centers and food industry employers gives research dietitians an unusually broad range of institutional settings to work in across the state.
Which Iowa cities have the most research dietitian jobs?
Iowa City, Des Moines, and Davenport have the most research dietitian openings in Iowa. Des Moines leads because of its large hospital networks and public health agencies, Iowa City draws heavily from the University of Iowa and its affiliated clinical research programs, and Cedar Rapids supports openings tied to both regional health systems and the food manufacturing sector anchored there.
Are there remote research dietitian jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely analytical fields because much of the work involves participant contact, lab coordination, and on-site data collection. About 11% of research dietitian openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting a mix of roles across the state. Data analysis, grant writing, and literature review tasks are the parts of the role most frequently performed remotely.
How can I get hired as a research dietitian in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a research assistant or dietetic intern role within a university or large health system while completing your RDN credential. The University of Iowa and UnityPoint Health both run supervised practice and graduate research programs that place candidates without independent experience into structured research environments. Roles titled nutrition coordinator, community health educator, or clinical dietitian often serve as lateral entry points that build the research exposure employers look for. A strong thesis project, poster presentation, or documented involvement in a faculty-led study gives a new candidate a concrete edge in Iowa applications.
Where can I find and apply to research dietitian jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to research dietitian jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings updated regularly. Search for roles that fit your experience level, specialty focus, and preferred location within the state, then apply directly to the listings that match.
See All 38 Research Dietitian Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Dietitian Jobs