Job Description
Westat is a leader in research, data collection and analysis, technical assistance, evaluation, and communications. Our evidence-based findings help clients in government and the private sector accelerate advancements in health, education, transportation, and social and economic policy. Our dedication to improving lives through research and our approach to projects grounded in investigative curiosity, statistical and data rigor, adaptive methods, and advanced technology are why clients find exceptional value in our work.
Job Summary
Westat is seeking a part-time Principal Research Associate with specialized expertise in dietary assessment methodologies and food and nutrient database development. This role is ideal for a seasoned nutritionist and technical expert who has contributed to the advancement of tools such as the Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Recall (ASA24) and has led innovations in linking retail food purchase data to USDA nutrient databases. The successful candidate will provide high-level technical guidance, contribute to methodological development, and support federal nutrition research initiatives through subject matter expertise.
This is a short-term assignment lasting approximately 9 to 12 months, with an average commitment of 8 to 10 hours per week. The role offers a remote work arrangement.
Job Responsibilities
- Serve as a technical and subject matter expert on dietary assessment projects, including ASA24 enhancements and ERS Linkages.
- Provide expert input on the development, adaptation, and integration of food and nutrient databases for research and public health applications.
- Support efforts to align proprietary food purchase data with USDA databases using synonym mapping, probabilistic linkage, and conversion factors.
- Contribute to the design and refinement of dietary data collection instruments and coding protocols.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including programmers, analysts, and nutritionists to implement and validate technical solutions.
- Conduct quality assurance reviews and contribute to technical documentation, reports, and peer-reviewed publications.
Basic Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Nutrition, Public Health, or related field.
- At least 15 years of experience in dietary assessment research, including work with federal nutrition programs.
- Extensive experience with ASA24 system development and USDA database linkages.
- Proven technical writing and presentation skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with USDA’s AMPM methodology and SurveyNet coding systems.
- Familiarity with ERS retail food data and nutrient cost estimation methods.
- Leadership roles in professional nutrition organizations or conferences.
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex nutritional data into actionable insights for public health policy.
Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post-offer background screening, if required for the specific position, which may include, for example, identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle driving record history, and criminal or sexual offender records history. Any background screening results will be evaluated through an individualized assessment based on the individual’s specific record and the duties and requirements of the position.
This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Career Area
Research
Pay Range
The anticipated hourly pay rate is $80.00 - $100.00 per hour and will commensurate with experience.
Bonus Eligibility
No
