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The purpose of this position is to procure and prepare food products for research investigators according to protocol and food safety and sanitation guidelines. This includes strict control of ingredients and precise and accurate measurement of critical ingredients. This position will assist in recipe development striving for quality, taste, texture, appearance and overall acceptance in the population of interest.
It is also critical to integrity of the study data to practice the utmost precision in calculation, accuracy and sanitation in the handling and distribution of research foods.
1. Prepares and distributes research food formulations precisely according to protocol procedures to meet research study specifications. 2. Weighs ingredients as per production sheets and study recipes within 1/10th of a gram ensuring the scientific integrity of the experimental study. 3.
Documents production sheets and research meal delivery with date and signature. Records any further data as specified by protocol. 4. Labels all formulations according to protocol to ensure food safety and maintain blinding of study staff and research participants as per protocol.
Maintains blinding as required by protocol in all communications. 5. Carefully prepares oral food challenges for Allergy Clinic protocols by weighing active and placebo powders, mixing according to procedure with specified vehicle, labels according to protocol to maintain blinding, completes all documentation accurately and timely and delivers challenge on time. 6. Reports any errors in food production that may compromise the research data and therefore threaten the viability of the experimental study.
Reports any changes if food products including vendor or ingredient changes to the Manager. Participates in root cause analysis. 7. Prepares research foods in a timely manner in order to meet study timelines and research participant schedule.
Delivers research meals according to time and event flowsheet. 8. Tracks inventory and assists in production planning. Notifies manager when research food supplies are running low and assists in placing food orders. 9.
Retrieves orders from UNC Hospital and various outside food vendors as needed. Stores food appropriately. 10. Works closely with the Clinical Manger and Administrative Coordinator to assist in recipe development for research protocols.
Tasks include gathering recipe ideas, preparing recipes, tasting recipes, providing feedback and documenting the process. 11. Tastes final food products to help ensure that research participants receive quality products and that no errors have been made in preparation to affect the taste, texture or appearance of the product. 12. Demonstrates proper use of food preparation equipment.
Cleans and maintains equipment appropriately to prolong the life of the equipment. 13. Ability to work a flexible work schedule as needed. 14. Communicates clearly and respectfully with Nutrition and Food Service Department staff, nurses, research participants and study staff. 15.
Uses mathematical calculations to adjust ordered recipe volumes. 16. Monitors food storage, refrigerator and freezers for temperature standards. 17. Participates in continuing efforts to improve the efficiency, safety and quality of work in the Metabolic Nutrition Research Core.
These efforts consist of identifying problems and making recommendations for improving daily operations. 18. Trains new personnel 19. Ensures all policy and regulatory standards are met including health regulations and TJC standards.
Maintains patient confidentiality, supports all principles of HIPPA and UNC Hospitals Code of Conduct. 20. Demonstrates flexibility and professionalism at all times. 21. Able to handle multiple and often rapidly shifting priorities. 22.
Complete all assigned LMS trainings as well as CITI good clinical practice. 23. Demonstrates considerable mental concentration skills with precise attention to detail. 24. Effectively uses computer software to navigate to MNRC drives, print production sheets, communicate via email, document in Microsoft OneNote and record data in Microsoft Excel.
Engage in training for other specialized nutrition software such as ProNutra, Food Processor and Computrition. Other Information Other information: Education
• Associate's degree from a program approved by the American Dietetics Association for Dietetic Technicians or equivalent combination of education, training and experience. • Preferred Bachelor’s degree in nutritional science, culinary trades, clinical research. Licensure/Certification
• No licensure or certification required. Professional Experience
- With an Associate's in a related program, no prior experience required.
- With a High School diploma or GED: Four (4) years of related prior experience.
- Preferred experience in nutritional science, culinary trades, clinical research or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities
- Nutrition or food service experience preferred with a understanding of food safety, food preparation and food composition.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established policies and procedures precisely.
- 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.
- Strong computer skills, technical skills, critical thinking, basic math skills, acute vision, ability to work independently, organize and prioritize work with multiple requests at the same time; ability to communicate politely and effectively over the phone and in person and the ability to make decisions consist with the department and hospital policies. Job Details Legal Employer: STATE Entity: UNC Medical Center Organization Unit: Metabolic Nutrition Rsrch Core Work Type: Per Diem Standard Hours Per Week: 10.00 Salary Range: $19.12 - $27.17 per hour (Hiring Range) Pay offers are determined by experience and internal equity Work Assignment Type: Onsite Work
Day Job Location of Job: US:NC:Chapel Hill Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: No This is a State position employed by UNC Health Care System with UNC Health benefits. If, however, you are presently an employee of another North Carolina agency and currently participate in TSERS or the ORP, you will be eligible to continue participating in those plans at UNC Health. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran or political affiliation.
UNC Health makes reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as applicants and employees with disabilities. All interested applicants are invited to apply for career opportunities. Please email applicant.accommodations@unchealth.unc.edu if you need a reasonable accommodation to search and/or to apply for a career opportunity.