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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At the forefront of medical discovery as it relates to understanding the causes of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia, Pennington Biomedical Research Center is a campus of Louisiana State University and conducts basic, clinical and population research. The Center includes Basic Science, Clinical Research, and Population and Public Health, enabling both focused research and translational science. Research at Pennington Biomedical is supported broadly by multiple NIH Research Centers, and includes approximately 65 faculty and 20 postdoctoral fellows who comprise a network of 44 laboratories and 13 highly specialized core service facilities. Pennington Biomedical is located within state-of-the-art research facilities on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Job Posting Title:
Research Dietitian - Ingestive Behavior, Weight Management and Health Promotion Laboratory
Position Type:
Professional / Unclassified
Department:
LSUPBRC Clinic - Ingestive Behavior - Admin (Corby Kyle Martin (00009390) (Inherited))
Work Location:
LSU - Pennington Biomedical
Pay Grade:
Professional
Job Description:
Pennington Biomedical Research Center, a world-renowned academic research institute of Louisiana State University, is seeking a Research Dietitian in the Ingestive Behavior, Weight Management and Health Promotion Laboratory.
The Research Dietitian will work closely with a small team of researchers and dietitians and will participate in all aspects of clinical research conducted by the Ingestive Behavior Laboratory, including collaboration in the development and execution of research studies, collection management and analysis of study data, development and delivery of dietary & behavioral interventions, and creation and testing of mHealth applications.
Major Responsibilities
- Plans, develops, and implements specialized research diets and controlled feeding protocols in accordance with study requirements and investigator specifications.
- Educates research participants on study diets, meal compliance, food preparation instructions, and protocol requirements to support participant adherence and study integrity.
- Collaborates with principal investigators, study coordinators, nurses, and research staff to support study start-up activities, protocol implementation, and ongoing study operations.
- Monitors participant dietary compliance and documents deviations, adverse events, and study-related nutrition data in accordance with protocol and regulatory requirements.
- Maintains accurate research records, source documentation, nutrient databases, food production logs, and study-related data entry within applicable electronic systems.
- Assists with development of menus, recipes, nutrient calculations, and standardized procedures to support clinical and metabolic research studies.
- Ensures compliance with institutional policies, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), sponsor requirements, and applicable federal, state, and regulatory guidelines.
- Participates in quality assurance activities, audits, monitoring visits, and protocol training sessions related to metabolic research operations.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Dietetics, Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition, or related field from an accredited institution. If you established your exam eligibility prior to December 31, 2023, a bachelor’s degree is required.
- Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) credential through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
- Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist in the State of Louisiana or ability to obtain licensure prior to hire.
- One year of experience in clinical nutrition, metabolic nutrition, research nutrition, clinical trials, which can include internships, academic research, or work in a clinical or research lab setting.
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with research participants and interdisciplinary teams.
- Ability to accurately document, manage data, and maintain compliance with research protocols and regulatory requirements.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center seeks to recruit a highly productive workforce with a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives and will provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and prospective employees. Employment decisions shall be based strictly on merit and without regard to religious or political beliefs, sex, race, or any other non-merit factor.
Additional Job Description:
This position is not eligible for remote work.
Competencies:
None
Special Instructions:
Interested candidates should include a resume and a list of three (3) professional references to the online application. Professional references should be the name, title, company, and contact information from past employers. Professional references should include current or previous supervisors and/or coworkers. Personal references should not be considered for the reference check process. We will respect the request that we not contact a current employer. However, we will need to contact a prior supervisor if such a request is made.
A letter of application/cover letter is recommended but not required. Official transcripts are required prior to hire and are not required at the time of application.
Posting Date:
July 22, 2026
Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):
August 22, 2026
Additional Position Information:
Pennington Biomedical is located within state-of-the-art research facilities on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For more information, visit PBRC.
Questions regarding career opportunities at Pennington Biomedical should be sent to hrm@pbrc.edu.
Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
Benefits - Pennington Biomedical Research Center offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!
Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center/LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Contact Information:
Questions or concerns can be directed to PBRC Human Resources at 225-763-2776 or hrm@pbrc.edu.
About us:
At the forefront of medical discovery as it relates to understanding the causes of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia, Pennington Biomedical Research Center is a campus of Louisiana State University and conducts basic, clinical and population research. The Center includes Basic Science, Clinical Research, and Population and Public Health, enabling both focused research and translational science. Research at Pennington Biomedical is supported broadly by multiple NIH Research Centers, and includes approximately 65 faculty and 20 postdoctoral fellows who comprise a network of 44 laboratories and 13 highly specialized core service facilities. Pennington Biomedical is located within state-of-the-art research facilities on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Job Posting Title:
Research Dietitian - Ingestive Behavior, Weight Management and Health Promotion Laboratory
Position Type:
Professional / Unclassified
Department:
LSUPBRC Clinic - Ingestive Behavior - Admin (Corby Kyle Martin (00009390) (Inherited))
Work Location:
LSU - Pennington Biomedical
Pay Grade:
Professional
Job Description:
Pennington Biomedical Research Center, a world-renowned academic research institute of Louisiana State University, is seeking a Research Dietitian in the Ingestive Behavior, Weight Management and Health Promotion Laboratory.
The Research Dietitian will work closely with a small team of researchers and dietitians and will participate in all aspects of clinical research conducted by the Ingestive Behavior Laboratory, including collaboration in the development and execution of research studies, collection management and analysis of study data, development and delivery of dietary & behavioral interventions, and creation and testing of mHealth applications.
Major Responsibilities
- Plans, develops, and implements specialized research diets and controlled feeding protocols in accordance with study requirements and investigator specifications.
- Educates research participants on study diets, meal compliance, food preparation instructions, and protocol requirements to support participant adherence and study integrity.
- Collaborates with principal investigators, study coordinators, nurses, and research staff to support study start-up activities, protocol implementation, and ongoing study operations.
- Monitors participant dietary compliance and documents deviations, adverse events, and study-related nutrition data in accordance with protocol and regulatory requirements.
- Maintains accurate research records, source documentation, nutrient databases, food production logs, and study-related data entry within applicable electronic systems.
- Assists with development of menus, recipes, nutrient calculations, and standardized procedures to support clinical and metabolic research studies.
- Ensures compliance with institutional policies, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), sponsor requirements, and applicable federal, state, and regulatory guidelines.
- Participates in quality assurance activities, audits, monitoring visits, and protocol training sessions related to metabolic research operations.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Dietetics, Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition, or related field from an accredited institution. If you established your exam eligibility prior to December 31, 2023, a bachelor’s degree is required.
- Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) credential through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
- Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist in the State of Louisiana or ability to obtain licensure prior to hire.
- One year of experience in clinical nutrition, metabolic nutrition, research nutrition, clinical trials, which can include internships, academic research, or work in a clinical or research lab setting.
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with research participants and interdisciplinary teams.
- Ability to accurately document, manage data, and maintain compliance with research protocols and regulatory requirements.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center seeks to recruit a highly productive workforce with a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives and will provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and prospective employees. Employment decisions shall be based strictly on merit and without regard to religious or political beliefs, sex, race, or any other non-merit factor.
Additional Job Description:
This position is not eligible for remote work.
Competencies:
None
Special Instructions:
Interested candidates should include a resume and a list of three (3) professional references to the online application. Professional references should be the name, title, company, and contact information from past employers. Professional references should include current or previous supervisors and/or coworkers. Personal references should not be considered for the reference check process. We will respect the request that we not contact a current employer. However, we will need to contact a prior supervisor if such a request is made.
A letter of application/cover letter is recommended but not required. Official transcripts are required prior to hire and are not required at the time of application.
Posting Date:
July 22, 2026
Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):
August 22, 2026
Additional Position Information:
Pennington Biomedical is located within state-of-the-art research facilities on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For more information, visit PBRC.
Questions regarding career opportunities at Pennington Biomedical should be sent to hrm@pbrc.edu.
Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
Benefits - Pennington Biomedical Research Center offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!
Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center/LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Contact Information:
Questions or concerns can be directed to PBRC Human Resources at 225-763-2776 or hrm@pbrc.edu.
See all 954+ Research Dietitian Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Dietitian roles.
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.