Dietetic Technician - CRC

Must be able to work a flexible work schedule as needed, including early morning and some Saturday hours (weekends occasionally).

The UNC Nutrition Research Institute (NRI) is a world-renowned center and a global leader in precision nutrition research. Our on-site facilities include multiple wet labs and clinical facilities as well as a vivarium and a metabolic chamber. Approximately two hours from UNC-Chapel Hill, the NRI is located on the beautiful North Carolina Research Campus (NCRC) in Kannapolis, NC, a mid-size city with a small-town feel. The institute is within walking distance of the city center which includes shops, restaurants, a minor-league ballpark, theater, and music hall of fame. We are also a short drive to Charlotte and Winston-Salem/Greensboro. The NRI offers programs that support a healthy work/life balance. We also offer professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development, and lifelong learning.

Learning how people can eat uniquely!

The UNC Nutrition Research Institute ( NRI) is an internationally recognized center conducting innovative basic and translational science to establish how individual differences in nutrient requirements and responses to diet affect our nutritional needs. Our research contributes to the prevention and mitigation of chronic disease across the lifespan from periconception through aging.

Our Mission is to lead precision nutrition research through understanding how genetics and environment affect an individual's requirements for and responses to nutrients.

NRI principal investigators hold faculty appointments in the departments of Nutrition and Psychology at UNC Chapel Hill. Their research interrogates nutrient roles in disease prevention, disease risk factors, and the impact of gene-environment and gene-nutrient interactions.

The NRI promotes excellence in nutrition knowledge, teaching, and research. We seek and encourage a diversity of experiences and ideas and provide the tools and flexibility for all employees to achieve success and excellence within their chosen occupations and aspirations.

We are committed to open dialogue, careful listening, becoming educated about the systems that hinder or prevent success, and taking action to ensure that all are equally acknowledged for their contributions and equally reap the benefits of being part of our community.

Our Vision is to use scientific discovery to ensure optimal health through individualized nutrition.

Everyone who works at the NRI supports this hopeful vision. Working at the NRI means doing good for the world. Join us!

The NRI and this position are in Kannapolis, NC, in the Charlotte region.

NOTE: This position is located in Kannapolis, NC, appx. 2 hours from UNC's main campus. Applicants will be considered for both positions.

We are seeking two (2) individuals for this dietetic technician role. These positions will be working as a part of the Clinical Research Core ( CRC) at the UNC Nutrition Research Institute ( NRI) located in Kannapolis, NC. The CRC provides clinical and dietary support to research studies conducted by researchers at the NRI as well as contracted external researchers. The metabolic kitchen component of the CRC offers precision dietary preparation and distribution.

Dietetic Technicians will work independently and under the general supervision of the Research Project Managers and Coordinators, playing a key role in research dietary interventions. Dietetic Technicians will assist with the procurement, production, and distribution of food products for the Nutrition for Precision Health Study ( NPH) as well as any additional new studies according to strict protocol, food safety, and sanitation guidelines. This includes detailed control of ingredients and precise and accurate measurement. It is also critical to the integrity of study data to practice the utmost precision in the calculation, labeling, recordkeeping, computer data entry, and accuracy of research foods while following stringent research protocols. Quality control will be a significant aspect of the positions with duplicate checks of systems and food preparation required. Additional duties may include some participant interactions including food distribution and computer documentation. Shifting priorities and flexible job assignments will often be required. Excellent attention to detail and mental concentration skills are required.

Our goal is to work together with clinical research teams as a cohesive unit to ensure successful implementation of detailed study protocols.

Additional benefits associated with this position include the opportunity to join a research team that highly values professional development. We will work with the selected candidate to help build the skills and experiences desired to further their individual career goals.

High school diploma or equivalency and one year of experience in food service with special emphasis on health care dietetics or related health care work, or equivalent combination of training and experience.

* Prior experience in nutritional science, culinary trades, clinical research or a related field with an understanding of food safety, food preparation and food composition.
* Knowledge of clinical research and understanding of importance of following protocol and reporting any formulation changes or errors immediately as it relates to study integrity.
* ServSafe Certification
* CITI training certification
* Bilingual (Spanish) candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

* Must be comfortable using industrial kitchen appliances and tools.
* Ability to move or lift objects weighing up to 50 lbs. with or without reasonable accommodation.
* Ability to stand for extended periods of time; bend, stoop, and pull to complete work.
* Must have strong hand-eye coordination and work with detailed precision while maintaining quality assurance expectations.
* Visual attention, mental concentration, and manipulative skills are critical when assessing materials, calculating units of measurement, and recording data.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.