Research Dietitian Jobs in South Dakota
Research Dietitian jobs in South Dakota are concentrated in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Aberdeen, where large health systems and academic medical centers drive the majority of openings across clinical nutrition research, community health studies, and food science program evaluation. Avera Health, Sanford Health, and Monument Health are among the most established employers in the state with consistent research and clinical nutrition staffing needs. Roles range from entry-level research assistant positions to senior investigator and program director levels. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Careers With Purpose
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland.
Facility: East Patient Building
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
Address: 1305 W 18th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57117, USA
Shift: 8 Hours - Day Shifts
Job Schedule: Full time
Weekly Hours: 40.00
Salary Range: $26.00 - $41.50
Department Details
Come join a dynamic and energized group of Sanford Dietitians! We are hiring for a full time outpatient dietitian. We have a large team of specialized dietitians that are embedded throughout the Sanford Medical Center campus and we are continually expanding our services. If you are interested in learning more, we would love to review your application.
Job Summary
Plans, develops, and provides diet interventions, medical nutrition therapy, nutrition care and preventive counseling to individuals and groups in all areas of primary and specialty patient care, acute care, outpatient, and/or community settings. Provides medical nutrition therapy services and monitors nutritional care of clients/patients/residents of all ages including adolescent, adult and geriatric as assigned. This includes determination of nutritional status through nutritional assessment, individualized care plans, provider order recommendations and implementation of nutrition therapy (including verbal orders, diet modification, nutrition support, oral nutrition supplements), education and counseling for disease and nutrition risk management, and evaluation of outcomes of medical nutrition therapy interventions. Additionally includes optimization of self-management education and skills in the care of clients/patients/residents with chronic conditions. Ability to recognize, evaluates, and provide for nutritional needs based on cultural, ethnic, and religious beliefs. Evaluates treatments or procedures for effectiveness using an evidence-based approach. Works on nutrition care protocols for the assigned area and acts as leader for the health care team in the implementation of the nutrition therapies. Educates on diet according to disease state, medical condition and health risk. Incorporates new trends and techniques as necessary to design care plan and update standards of care educational material. Assists in tailoring clinical education and associated materials for use with clients/patients/residents, families and caregivers. Performs quality control and maintains a high standard in relation to infection control mechanisms for safety. Aware and conscious of individual's insurance coverage and reimbursement circumstances, and participates in clinical performance improvement activities, including research that tests new treatments or procedures for clinical evidence of outcomes.
Qualifications
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in dietetics or food and nutrition through an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited program. *(After January 1, 2024, the ACEND requires anyone taking the registration exam to become a dietitian have a master's degree. Prior to January 1, 2024, individuals qualifying to take the registration exam need to have the minimum of a bachelor's of science degree in dietetics.)
Clinical nutrition experience through an approved coordinated undergraduate program or successful completion of post graduate internship required.
Currently holds Registered Dietitian (RD) license within the applicable state(s).
Registered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) required.
For applicable states, proof of a temporary/limited permit nutritionist license will be considered for registry eligible individuals in the event they are waiting to test for their CDR. Individuals will be allowed two exam attempts within three months of hire into their position.
Benefits
Sanford offers an attractive benefits package for qualifying full-time and part-time employees. Depending on eligibility, a variety of benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, work/life balance benefits, and a generous time off package to maintain a healthy home-work balance. For more information about Total Rewards, visit https://sanfordcareers.com/benefits .
Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-877-673-0854 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org .
Sanford has a Drug Free Workplace Policy. An accepted offer will require a drug screen and pre-employment background screening as a condition of employment.
Req Number: R-0266203
Job Function: Allied Health
Featured: No
See All 26 Research Dietitian Jobs in South Dakota
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Find Research Dietitian JobsResearch Dietitian Jobs by City in South Dakota
Where South Dakota roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Dietitian Job Market in South Dakota
A snapshot from current South Dakota openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services14
- Food & Beverage3
- Non-Profit & Social Services3
- Hospitality & Tourism1
- Consulting & Professional Services1
What South Dakota Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research dietitian jobs across South Dakota.
- Active Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential recognized in South Dakota via CDR registration
- Bachelor's or master's degree in dietetics, nutrition science, or a closely related field
- Experience designing or conducting nutrition-focused research studies or clinical trials
- Proficiency in statistical analysis software such as SPSS, SAS, or R for data interpretation
- Strong written communication skills for preparing grant proposals, reports, and peer publications
- Familiarity with IRB protocols and human subjects research compliance requirements
Research Dietitian Jobs in South Dakota: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research dietitian in South Dakota?
Becoming a research dietitian in South Dakota starts with completing an accredited dietetics or nutrition science program, followed by a supervised dietetic internship and passing the national Commission on Dietetic Registration exam to earn the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential. South Dakota does not require a separate state-issued dietitian license, so CDR registration is the primary credential employers recognize. A master's degree strengthens your competitiveness for research-focused roles at health systems and academic institutions.
Which companies hire research dietitians in South Dakota?
Employers hiring research dietitians in South Dakota right now include Sanford Health, Monument Health, and Sioux Center Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Avera Health and Sanford Health, both headquartered in Sioux Falls, have historically maintained nutrition research programs tied to their clinical and community health initiatives across the state.
Which South Dakota cities have the most research dietitian jobs?
Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Spearfish account for the most research dietitian openings in South Dakota. Sioux Falls leads because Sanford Health and Avera Health, two of the largest regional health systems in the northern plains, are headquartered there and operate major research and clinical nutrition departments, while Rapid City draws openings through Monument Health and its network of affiliated programs.
Are there remote research dietitian jobs in South Dakota?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely desk-based fields, since research dietitian work often involves participant interaction, lab coordination, or on-site data collection. About 0% of research dietitian openings tied to South Dakota are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting a mix of roles across the state. Data analysis, grant writing, and program evaluation components of the role are most likely to be performed remotely.
How can I get hired as a research dietitian in South Dakota with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a dietetic internship or research assistant role at Sanford Health or Avera Health, both of which periodically offer structured programs for candidates early in their careers. Community nutrition coordinator and clinical nutrition associate positions at these systems serve as strong lateral moves that build the research and data skills employers look for. Earning your CDR registration promptly and gaining even volunteer or practicum exposure to study design or institutional food service programs in South Dakota gives your application a concrete edge.
Where can I find and apply to research dietitian jobs in South Dakota?
You can find and apply to research dietitian jobs in South Dakota on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, and across the state. Search the listings, find roles that match your credentials and experience level, and apply directly to whichever ones fit your background.
See All 26 Research Dietitian Jobs in South Dakota
Find roles in South Dakota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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