Research Dietitian Jobs in Minnesota
Research Dietitian jobs in Minnesota are concentrated in academic medical centers, large integrated health systems, and food and nutrition science research, with demand at levels from entry-level research assistant to senior investigator and principal researcher. Most hiring is in the Twin Cities metro, with Rochester and Duluth also active, driven by employers such as Mayo Clinic, Allina Health, and the University of Minnesota. Clinical nutrition research, pediatric dietetics research, and chronic disease dietary intervention are among the most consistently sought specializations. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
Please include a cover letter and resume with your application materials. All required qualifications must be clearly documented within these materials.
Position Summary:
The Registered Dietitian delivers evidence-based behavioral lifestyle interventions within a research setting and contributes to the development and refinement of HBLT curriculum. This role focuses on standardized program delivery, participant engagement, and protocol adherence in support of clinical research.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Key Responsibilities:
Intervention Delivery (60%)
- Deliver virtual and in-person behavioral lifestyle interventions according to study protocol.
- Apply evidence-based nutrition and behavior change strategies, including motivational interviewing and family-based approaches.
- Engage participants and families to support adherence, retention, and behavior change.
- Identify and proactively address barriers to participation and behavior change.
Curriculum Development (20%)
- Contribute to the development, refinement, and standardization of HBLT curriculum.
- Develop and maintain intervention materials to ensure sessions are engaging, consistent, and age-appropriate.
- Ensure fidelity to HBLT intervention protocols across all sessions and participants.
- Solicit and incorporate feedback to continuously improve curriculum while maintaining protocol integrity.
Research Operations (20%)
- Complete timely and accurate documentation of sessions and participant interactions.
- Adhere to all research protocols, regulatory requirements and data collection procedures.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary research staff to support study activities and participant retention.
- Participate in team meetings and contribute to ongoing improvement of workflows and intervention delivery.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- BA/BS degree plus at least two years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least six years.
- Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) credential required.
- Demonstrated experience in weight management, pediatric nutrition, or behavior change counseling.
- Demonstrated experience working with children and young adults.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated attention to detail with strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively, with changing priorities.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s Degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or a related field.
- Experience delivering interventions in a research setting.
- Familiarity with anti-obesity medications.
- Experience with telehealth platforms.
- Experience with Good Clinical Practices (GCPs), Institutional Review Boards (IRB), and other regulatory requirements.
- Experience with clinical research Electronic Data Capture (EDC) systems.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
ESSENTIAL EMPLOYEES:
The successful candidate will be designated as an Essential Employee. Essential Employees are expected to report to campus during a University State of Emergency (reduced operations or campus closure) unless specifically directed by the Department not to report or if directed by civil emergency or medical authorities not to report for health and safety reasons. As an Essential Employee, you must report to campus even if the closure is less than 3 days.
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
LOCATION:
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).
THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MEDICAL SCHOOL
Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.
The mission of the regional campus located in Duluth is to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. In partnership with CentraCare, the regional campus in St. Cloud offers a wide range of patient experiences throughout students’ education in Greater Minnesota and prepares them to become exceptional clinicians and leaders for rural and immigrant populations.
Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Medical School has three campuses. A four-year MD program and the MD/PhD program are located on the Twin Cities campus in addition to MD programs at regional campuses in Duluth and St. Cloud.
See All 58 Research Dietitian Jobs in Minnesota
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Find Research Dietitian JobsResearch Dietitian Jobs by City in Minnesota
Where Minnesota roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Dietitian Job Market in Minnesota
A snapshot from current Minnesota openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services12
- Education8
- Retail3
- Non-Profit & Social Services2
- Sports & Recreation1
What Minnesota Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research dietitian jobs across Minnesota.
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential recognized by the Minnesota Board of Dietetics and Nutrition
- Bachelor's or master's degree in dietetics, nutrition science, or a closely related field
- Experience designing or coordinating clinical or community-based nutrition research studies
- Proficiency with research data collection tools, statistical software, and IRB protocols
- Strong written communication skills for grant writing, manuscripts, and regulatory documentation
- Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary clinical and academic research teams
Research Dietitian Jobs in Minnesota: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research dietitian in Minnesota?
To work as a research dietitian in Minnesota, you must hold the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential and register with the Minnesota Board of Dietetics and Nutrition, which requires completing an accredited dietetics program, a supervised practice internship, and passing the national Commission on Dietetic Registration exam. Most research-focused roles also expect a master's degree in nutrition science, public health, or a related discipline, and some senior positions require doctoral-level training.
Which companies hire research dietitians in Minnesota?
Companies currently hiring research dietitians in Minnesota include Allina Health, Mayo Clinic, and University of Minnesota, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Minnesota's concentration of academic health systems and large integrated networks means research dietitian roles often sit within hospital-based research departments or university-affiliated clinical trial teams.
Which Minnesota cities have the most research dietitian jobs?
Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and Rochester have the most research dietitian openings in Minnesota. The Twin Cities metro anchors the market through the University of Minnesota, Allina Health, and a cluster of food science and biomedical research organizations, while Rochester's volume is driven almost entirely by Mayo Clinic's extensive clinical research enterprise.
Are there remote research dietitian jobs in Minnesota?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields because research dietitian work often requires on-site data collection, patient contact, or laboratory access. About 36% of research dietitian openings tied to Minnesota are remote or hybrid as of July 2026. The parts of the role most likely to be remote are data analysis, manuscript preparation, grant writing, and protocol coordination.
How can I get hired as a research dietitian in Minnesota with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for research coordinator or clinical research assistant roles at large Minnesota academic medical centers, where you work directly under a principal investigator before transitioning into a dietitian-specific research position. Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota both run structured research training and new-graduate programs that accept candidates with a completed dietetics internship and RDN credential. Completing a graduate-level research methods course and volunteering on an IRB-approved nutrition study strengthens your application significantly for these entry pathways.
Where can I find and apply to research dietitian jobs in Minnesota?
You can find and apply to research dietitian jobs in Minnesota on Migrate Mate, which lists current Minnesota openings updated regularly. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 58 Research Dietitian Jobs in Minnesota
Find roles in Minnesota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Dietitian Jobs