Research Dietitian Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Research Dietitians qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship as specialty occupation professionals requiring specialized nutrition science knowledge. Universities, research institutions, and healthcare systems regularly sponsor these roles. Your master's degree in dietetics, nutrition science, or related field typically satisfies the specialty occupation requirement for visa approval. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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PURPOSE AND SCOPE:
A Registered Dietitian in training with less than the one year of clinical experience will work directly with a qualified dietitian. With direct supervision of a qualified renal dietitian, this position will provide nutritional services for the facilities in-center patients in order to gain the experience required by CMS until year of clinical experience is completed to become a qualified dietitian.
Actively participates in process improvements activities to enhance the likelihood that patients will achieve their individualized patient-specific goals as determined by the patient’s physician. The Dietitian in training would not be qualified to complete patient assessments, develop plans of care, or take responsibility for QAPI program review. Under direct supervision of a company Registered Dietitian (employee with a minimum of 3 years’ experience as a renal dietitian). Adheres to the FMCNA Compliance Program, including following all regulatory and FMS policy requirements. Supports the FMCNA commitment to the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP). Supports FMCNA’s mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Responsible for driving the company culture through values and customer service standards.
- Accountable for outstanding customer service to all external and internal customers.
- Develops and maintains effective relationships through effective and timely communication.
- Take initiative and action to respond, resolve and follow up regarding customer service issues with all customers in a timely manner.
- Calculates diet prescription according to standards of practice.
- Evaluates patient’s knowledge of diet and kidney disease.
- Completion of Nutrition History forms with patients to be used by CMS-qualified dietitian to complete assessments.
- Provides patient specific education to patient/family/caregiver regarding nutritional status, adequacy measures and results, fluid status, and all nutrition related lab parameters pertaining to their disease process, keeping in mind the learning style and preferences of the patient.
- Reviews nutrition related lab results:
- Counsels patient and/or caregiver and formulates appropriate action to assist patient in achieving and sustaining an effective nutritional status.
- Communicates lab results and recommended treatment changes to the interdisciplinary team as appropriate.
- Communicates with physician and/or facility staff regarding lab results as appropriate.
- Communicates lab results and recommended treatment changes to providers of patient care in nursing facilities (i.e. hospitals, short term and long-term care facilities).
- Monitors adherence and response to nutrition therapy. Addresses issues impacting the patient’s ability to achieve the goals.
- Reviews each patient’s albumin level and body weight at least monthly. Identifies malnourished patients as well as patients at risk for malnutrition and works collaboratively with interdisciplinary team to identify appropriate interventions, resources or solutions. Involves patient/family/caregiver in improvement goals.
- When appropriate, identifies candidates to refer to physician for nutritional supplements as per disease management agreements.
- Assist with fluid and volume management of patients.
- Provides fluid and sodium education, as appropriate.
- Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team on management and recommendations for mineral metabolism and renal bone disease, anemia and iron status, nutritional status, psychosocial status, vascular access, modality, rehabilitation status and sodium/volume control.
- Participates in Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement and Plan of Care meetings with a CMS-qualified dietitian.
- Attends all other pertinent staff meetings as applicable.
- Collaborates with interdisciplinary team, ensuring that all work areas are safe and clean.
- Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team in pharmacy-related responsibilities including setup, enrollment, and management.
- Participates in lobby days.
- Educates patients in emergency preparedness as it relates to food and nutrition.
- Conducts staff in-services as needed or requested.
- Adheres to FMCNA algorithm and medical record policies.
- Maintains and improves knowledge and skills for a competent and innovative practice.
- Maintains dietetic registration and continuing education hours as specified by American Dietetic Association and state licensure regulations where applicable.
- Other Nutrition services duties as assigned.
- Escalates issues to supervisor for resolution, as deemed necessary.
- Assist with various projects as assigned by direct supervisor.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- The work environment is characteristic of a health care facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels. May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases/materials.
- Day to day work includes desk and personal computer work and interaction with patients, facility staff and physicians.
- The position may require travel between assigned facilities and various locations within the community. Travel to training clinics as well as regional, Business Unit and Corporate meetings may be required.
SUPERVISION:
None
EDUCATION AND REQUIRED CREDENTIALS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition or directly related field, Master’s degree preferred.
- Registered Dietitian as per Commission on Dietetic Registration.
- Current State licensure if applicable.
EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:
Less than 1 year’s clinical experience.
Fresenius Medical Care maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
EOE, disability/veterans
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Research Dietitian Jobs
Target research-focused employers
Universities, medical centers, and government agencies like NIH or CDC frequently sponsor Research Dietitians. These institutions understand the specialty occupation requirements and have established immigration processes for researchers.
Highlight your specialized research expertise
Emphasize clinical nutrition research, metabolic studies, or food science specializations. USCIS looks for roles requiring specific dietetic knowledge that can't be performed by general health professionals.
Document your advanced education credentials
Your master's in nutrition science, dietetics, or food science directly supports the specialty occupation argument. Include any research methodology training, biostatistics coursework, or specialized certifications like CDE.
Consider academic medical centers first
Teaching hospitals and university medical centers commonly sponsor dietitian researchers for clinical studies. They typically have stronger immigration support systems than private practice or community hospitals.
Prepare for detailed job descriptions
Immigration attorneys need comprehensive job duties showing research methodology, data analysis, and specialized nutrition knowledge. Generic clinical duties won't support the specialty occupation requirement for visa approval.
Explore government research opportunities
Federal agencies and national laboratories often sponsor foreign researchers. These positions may qualify for cap-exempt H-1B status, avoiding the lottery system entirely while conducting nutrition or food safety research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Research Dietitians qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship?
Yes, Research Dietitians typically qualify for H-1B sponsorship as specialty occupation professionals. USCIS recognizes that nutrition research requires specialized knowledge in dietetics, biochemistry, and research methodology that goes beyond general healthcare training. Your master's degree in nutrition science or dietetics usually satisfies the educational requirement.
What degree do I need for H-1B sponsorship as a Research Dietitian?
You need at least a bachelor's degree in dietetics, nutrition science, food science, or closely related field. Most Research Dietitian positions prefer a master's degree, which strengthens your H-1B case. The degree must be from an accredited institution, and foreign degrees may need credential evaluation through organizations like WES.
How to find Research Dietitian jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Research Dietitian positions with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international professionals with sponsored opportunities. Focus your search on universities, medical research centers, pharmaceutical companies, and government health agencies that commonly hire research dietitians and offer H-1B, O-1 visa, or EB-2 visas for specialized nutrition research roles.
Which employers are most likely to sponsor Research Dietitians?
Universities, academic medical centers, government agencies like NIH or USDA, and large healthcare systems are most likely to sponsor. These institutions regularly conduct nutrition research and understand immigration processes. Private research companies in food science or pharmaceuticals also sponsor, though less frequently than academic employers.
Can I get cap-exempt H-1B sponsorship as a Research Dietitian?
Yes, if you work for qualifying nonprofit research institutions, universities, or government entities. Academic medical centers affiliated with universities often qualify for cap-exempt status, letting you avoid the H-1B lottery. However, private hospitals and for-profit research companies typically require regular cap-subject H-1B petitions.
What if my dietetics degree is from outside the U.S.?
Foreign dietetics degrees are acceptable for H-1B sponsorship, but you'll need a credential evaluation from organizations like WES or ECE to verify U.S. equivalency. Some employers may require additional coursework if your degree lacks specific nutrition science components. Consider getting your credentials evaluated early in your job search process.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Research Dietitian jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.