Pennington Biomedical Research Center · 19 hours ago
Research Specialist - Metabolic Kitchen
LSU - Pennington Biomedical
Full-time
Onsite
New Grad, Entry, Mid Level
0+ years expPennington Biomedical Research Center is a world-renowned academic research institute of Louisiana State University, seeking a Research Specialist in the Metabolic Kitchen. The role involves supporting nutritional research by designing, preparing, and serving meals that meet study-specific criteria, while also collecting and managing food intake data.
Research
Responsibilities
Prepare and serve the research-designated diets that are precisely planned by dietitians to meet the requirements of each study protocol
Use and maintain electronic balances and food service equipment, with absence of error, to ensure quality control for standardized diets. Maintain sanitary standards and cleanliness of work areas while performing these duties
Supervise study-specific food preparation, tray assembly, and packed meal assembly. Documents food production quality assurances
Prepare composite food samples for laboratory analysis using correct measuring procedures and recording of information. Pack composite samples for shipping or for transfer to the food analysis laboratory
Requisition daily food supplies to maintain perpetual inventory of food supplies needed for the feeding protocol. Procure foods not available through vendors
Meet with volunteers as needed to explain procedures, checks and encourages compliance, identifies and reports any dietary-related problems to the research dietitian
Assist with screening study participants for inclusion in feeding studies
Other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in dietetics, nutrition or related field
Research Specialist 1 - Up to three (3) years of food service or relatable experience
Research Specialist 2 - Three (3) to five (5) years of food service or relatable experience
Nutrient analysis and understanding of food composition databases
Ability to prepare precise meals based on strict dietary requirements, sometimes down to specific grams of macronutrients
Strong organizational and record-keeping skills for tracking food intake, meal compliance, and participant data
Ability to work with interdisciplinary research teams, including dietitians, physicians, and laboratory staff
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow strict research protocols
Ability to handle food preparation in a controlled setting and work in a structured environment
Ability to stand for long hours, lift food trays, and maintain kitchen cleanliness
Preferred
Experience working in a metabolic kitchen, clinical research setting, hospital, or food service environment
Experience with controlled feeding studies, dietary assessments, or food preparation in a research environment
Knowledge of controlled diets and metabolic studies, including weighed food intake and menu planning for specific macronutrient and micronutrient requirements
Experience with food safety regulations and research protocols
Benefits
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!
Company
Pennington Biomedical Research Center
Pennington Biomedical Research Center, a campus of Louisiana State University, is a world-renowned leader at the forefront of medical discoveries as it relates to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and dementia.
201-500 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Pennington Biomedical Research Center has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (4)
2024 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageRecent News
2023-07-07
Company data provided by crunchbase