Research Assistant in Nutritional Sciences

The Department of Nutritional Sciences explores the relationship between diet, health and disease from molecules to populations. Based at King’s Waterloo Campus, the Department combines over 60 basic and applied scientists, dietitians, nutritionists, doctors and public health experts. Our mission is to find new ways to improve health and to prevent and treat nutrition-related disease. We began in 1953 as the first university department of nutrition in Europe and have been at the forefront of research in nutrition science and dietetics ever since.

We have developed new food applications to impact blood glucose control, collected big data through citizen science to understand individual responses to food, pioneered the low FODMAP diet as a treatment for IBS, and are developing new cereal processing techniques to unlock the natural iron and zinc in staple foods. Our Department is based in the School of Life Course & Population Sciences, which unites over 400 experts in women and children’s health, nutritional sciences, population health and the molecular genetics of human disease.

We are looking to recruit a Research Assistant with a BSc or MSc qualification in Nutritional Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences, or related scientific discipline. This post offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to an impactful research project commissioned by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) that aims to review and synthesize evidence to inform reassessment of iron dietary reference values (DRVs) for the UK population.

To achieve this, we will conduct two systematic reviews of primary research, one focusing on physiological iron requirements for children aged 0–18 years and one focusing on dietary iron bioavailability. Informed by the findings of the systematic reviews, we will undertake detailed modelling using data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) to generate a range of dietary iron bioavailability values and projected iron DRVs for different UK population groups.

This is a rare and incredibly exciting opportunity, as the findings of this project will be used by the UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) to support the guidance they provide to the UK Government on dietary intake recommendations for the UK population. There will further be opportunity for co-authoring a publication and developing new skills in research.

The postholder will become a core member of a research team that aims to contribute knowledge in the field of iron nutrition. Together with the research team, they will be responsible for conducting systematic literature reviews, including literature screening, data extraction and evidence synthesis. The post holder will be expected to conduct systematic searching of the scientific literature in major databases following established protocols and guidelines, and to identify relevant evidence, assess the quality of the evidence, and synthesise the evidence. They will further be expected to monitor study activities, maintain study records and prepare progress reports.

This is a part time post (17.5 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed-term contract until 31 March 2026.

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

• BSc or MSc qualification in Nutritional Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences, or related scientific discipline
• Experience in quantitative evidence synthesis (umbrella, scoping or systematic reviews) as evidenced through peer-reviewed publications, graduate thesis, coursework or formal training
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a study team
• Excellent communication and engagement skills (verbal and written)
• Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, actively addressing areas of potential bias
• Experience with online software for conducting systematic reviews (e.g. Covidence) is desirable
• Evidence of excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated interest in and/or research experience in the field of iron nutrition would be considered an asset

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community. We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King’s.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

We are not able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.

Grade and Salary: £38,482 to £39,132 pro rata per annum, including London Weighting Allowance