At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct a systematic review on sweet-taste preferences and adiposity, prepare publications.
- Company: Bournemouth University offers a vibrant campus with modern workspaces and on-site amenities.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days of annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a defined benefit pension.
- Other info: This position is internal only and part-time at 0.5 FTE.
- Why this job: This role contributes to understanding obesity through evidence synthesis in nutrition.
- Qualifications: Applicants should have training in evidence synthesis, nutrition, or behavioural science.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Assistant to support a systematic review examining whether sweet‑taste liking is associated with adiposity in humans. The project will provide an up‑to‑date, comprehensive assessment of the evidence base contributing to understanding the development of obesity.
Responsibilities
- Conducting a systematic review of all human studies assessing sweet‑taste preferences and adiposity
- Preparing a peer‑reviewed publication for a leading nutrition journal
- Presenting findings at international conferences (e.g., FENS, SSIB)
- Supporting knowledge‑exchange activities with health professionals, policymakers, and industry
- Contributing to researcher‑training dissemination, including specialist meetings
- Managing and overseeing the work of other staff members on the review team
This position is suited to applicants with training and/or experience in evidence synthesis, nutrition or behavioural science, and an interest in clarifying key assumptions in public‑health nutrition.
Employment Details
This role is offered on a 6‑month fixed‑term basis, running until 31 December 2026. It is part‑time at 0.5 FTE (18.5 hours per week), with flexibility around working days and hours.
Eligibility & Sponsorship
This position does not meet the eligibility requirements for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route within the UK Visa and Immigration service’s Points Based System. Therefore, BU will not be able to sponsor individuals who require permission to work to carry out this position.
Benefits
- PAY – a competitive salary with opportunities for pay progression
- PENSION – a valuable defined benefit pension with generous employer contributions
- HOLIDAY – Annual leave entitlement of 30 days plus bank holidays and winter closure (pro rata if part time)
- WORK LIFE BALANCE – flexible working arrangements including opportunities for hybrid working and flexitime (role dependant)
- Voluntary Benefits
- Health & Wellbeing: Employee assistance programme, dental care scheme, health cash plan
- Financial & Discounts: Discounts including a reduction of fees for family members who study at BU
- Travel: Cycle to work scheme, secure bike stores, showers and lockers, free bus travel between campuses, discounted bus travel
- Sports & Activities: Sport BU has a wide range of activities which staff can access
- Family: Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, on‑site nursery with discounts for BU staff
- Modern, vibrant campus locations: Bright and flexible work and meeting spaces, with on‑site food outlets and coffee shops
For further information about the position, please contact Katherine Appleton at k.appleton@bournemouth.ac.uk.
Postdoctoral Research Assistant (Fixed-term, 0.5 FTE, Internal Only) in Bournemouth employer: Bournemouth University
Bournemouth University provides a competitive salary and generous employer contributions to pensions. The campus features modern facilities and offers a variety of employee benefits, including discounts for family members studying at BU. Join a team dedicated to impactful research in public health nutrition.
