At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to run a large clinical trial on plant foods and health.
- Company: King's College London, a leading institution in nutritional sciences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health research while developing your skills in nutrition.
- Qualifications: BSc or MSc in Nutrition or Dietetics; experience in dietary intervention trials.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity with a fixed-term contract until August 2028.
The predicted salary is between 39076 - 39076 £ per year.
About Us
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, one of six Schools that make up the Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine at King’s College London. The School unites over 400 experts in women and children’s health, nutritional sciences, population health and the molecular genetics of human disease. Our research links the causes of common health problems to life’s landmark stages, treating life, disease and healthcare as a continuum.
About the role
We are looking to recruit two Research Assistants in Nutritional Sciences to join our team and run a state‑of‑the‑art large clinical trial that investigates the impact of plant foods on gut and cardiometabolic health. The post holder will be involved in setting up, coordinating and conducting a large trial on a dietary intervention. The project will involve the preparation and provision of foods and meals to healthy participants, and the collection of clinical outcomes related to gut and cardiometabolic health.
The post holder will assist in the day to day running of the project, including (but not necessarily limited to):
- Preparation/sourcing of the dietary intervention products
- Coordination of meal deliveries
- Liaising with service providers
- Recruitment of study participants
- Delivery of the dietary intervention
- Maintaining study documentation
- Coordinating subject correspondence
- Conducting study visits
- Ensuring measurements of primary and secondary outcomes are conducted according to standard operating protocols
- Collecting and processing biological samples
- Acquiring relevant regulatory approvals
- Assisting with data entry and analysis
The post‑holder will be based within the department of Nutritional Sciences in the School of Life Course and Population Sciences (Waterloo campus) and will report to Dr Eirini Dimidi. It is a rare and incredibly exciting opportunity to work across the research spectrum at a centre of excellence for diet and health research.
About You
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
- BSc or MSc in Nutrition or Dietetics
- Ability to work independently and as part of a study team
- Experience managing and prioritising multiple tasks
- Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities
- Ability to use problem‑solving skills to solve routine and complex problems that arise
- Flexible approach to working in terms of travel, hours, locations, different roles on different studies
- Experience of working on a human dietary intervention trial
- Experience in feeding trials
- Experience in the safe handling of food
- Experience of recruiting participants to a study
Further Information
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.
This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service and Occupational Health clearances.
Grade and Salary: £39,076 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance
Contact Person: Dr Eirini Dimidi
Contact Details: Eirini.dimidi@kcl.ac.uk
Research Assistant in Nutritional Sciences employer: KINGS COLLEGE LONDON
Contact Detail:
KINGS COLLEGE LONDON Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant in Nutritional Sciences
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at King’s College London, especially in the Nutritional Sciences department. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into their research. Familiarise yourself with their projects, like the low FODMAP diet or the clinical trial on plant foods. Showing genuine interest will make us stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to dietary interventions and participant recruitment. We can even do mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost our confidence and refine our answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we can tailor our CV and cover letter to match exactly what they’re looking for.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant in Nutritional Sciences
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Research Assistant in Nutritional Sciences. Highlight relevant experience, especially any work with dietary interventions or clinical trials, so we can see how you fit into our team.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to detail how you meet the essential criteria listed in the job description. Be specific and give examples of your skills and experiences that align with what we're looking for.
Show Your Passion for Nutrition: We want to see your enthusiasm for nutritional sciences! In your application, share why you're excited about this field and how you can contribute to our mission at King’s College London. Let your passion come through!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the application process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at KINGS COLLEGE LONDON
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest research in nutritional sciences, especially around plant foods and their impact on health. Familiarise yourself with the department's past projects and current studies to show your genuine interest and understanding of their work.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples from your previous experiences that highlight your ability to manage multiple tasks, recruit participants, and handle dietary interventions. Be ready to discuss how you've adapted to challenges in past roles, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Come prepared with thoughtful questions about the role and the team. Inquire about the specific methodologies used in their trials or how they measure clinical outcomes. This shows you're engaged and eager to contribute to their research goals.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. The team is looking for someone who fits well within their dynamic, so being authentic can help you stand out. Show your passion for nutrition and health, and how you can bring that enthusiasm to the role.