Research Assistant – Diet Technician, Metabolic Research Kitchen

Details

Open Date 08/21/2026

Requisition Number PRN17391N

Job Title Hourly Research Assistants

Working Title Research Assistant – Diet Technician, Metabolic Research Kitchen

Career Progression Track S00

Track Level S3 - Skilled, S2 - Intermediate, S1 - Entry Level Support

FLSA Code Nonexempt

Patient Sensitive Job Code? No

Type Non Benefited Staff / Student

Temporary? No

Standard Hours per Week up to 19 hours

Full Time or Part Time? Part Time

Shift Day

Work Schedule Summary

Is this a work study job? No

VP Area U of U Health - Academics

Department 00200 - Nutrition & Integrative Physio

Location Campus

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range $17-$25 depending on experience

Close Date 10/21/2026

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)

Job Summary

Performs research support and dietary production activities in support of clinical and metabolic research studies conducted through the Metabolic Research Kitchen. Serves as the primary individual responsible for the day-to-day preparation and production of research meals and dietary interventions according to study protocols, standardized recipes, individualized dietary requirements, and established food safety procedures. Performs food preparation, cooking, weighing, measuring, portioning, packaging, labeling, and storage of research meals and maintains accurate records of meal production.

Responsible for procurement of food and kitchen supplies as directed, including identifying needed ingredients and supplies, maintaining inventory levels, placing or coordinating orders, receiving deliveries, and properly storing food and supplies. Responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, organization, and sanitation of the Metabolic Research Kitchen, including routine cleaning and sanitation of kitchen equipment, work surfaces, utensils, storage areas, and other areas of the kitchen. Ensures proper food handling, storage, temperature monitoring, and sanitation practices are consistently followed.

Supports controlled feeding and metabolic research studies by preparing participant meals according to study-specific dietary requirements and production schedules. Accurately portions and packages meals, verifies labels and dietary specifications, maintains required study and production documentation, and coordinates meal distribution, storage, and collection as applicable. Communicates with research staff regarding meal production needs, study schedules, dietary requirements, and supply needs. May assist with data entry, creation and organization of study materials, and other research support activities.

The candidate must have and maintain a Dietetic Technician, Registered ( DTR ) credential and a Current Food Handler Permit during employment.

Responsibilities

Performs research support and dietary production activities in support of clinical and metabolic research studies conducted through the Metabolic Research Kitchen. Serves as the primary individual responsible for the day-to-day preparation and production of research meals and dietary interventions according to study protocols, standardized recipes, individualized dietary requirements, and established food safety procedures. Performs food preparation, cooking, weighing, measuring, portioning, packaging, labeling, and storage of research meals and maintains accurate records of meal production.

Responsible for procurement of food and kitchen supplies as directed, including identifying needed ingredients and supplies, maintaining inventory levels, placing or coordinating orders, receiving deliveries, and properly storing food and supplies. Responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, organization, and sanitation of the Metabolic Research Kitchen, including routine cleaning and sanitation of kitchen equipment, work surfaces, utensils, storage areas, and other areas of the kitchen. Ensures proper food handling, storage, temperature monitoring, and sanitation practices are consistently followed.

Supports controlled feeding and metabolic research studies by preparing participant meals according to study-specific dietary requirements and production schedules. Accurately portions and packages meals, verifies labels and dietary specifications, maintains required study and production documentation, and coordinates meal distribution, storage, and collection as applicable. Communicates with research staff regarding meal production needs, study schedules, dietary requirements, and supply needs. May assist with data entry, creation and organization of study materials, and other research support activities.

The candidate must have and maintain a Dietetic Technician, Registered ( DTR ) credential and a Current Food Handler Permit during employment.

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT : 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:

Research Assistant, I: Requires little to no related experience.

Research Assistant, II : Requires at least 1 year of related experience.

Research Assistant, III : Requires 3+ years of related experience.

Preferences

• Dietetic Technician, Registered ( DTR ) credential.

• Current Food Handler Permit.

Special Instructions Summary

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the:University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.

Online reports may be submitted athttps://oeo.utah.edu

**https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/**This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.