At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to run a cutting-edge clinical trial on plant foods and health.
- Company: King's College London, a leader in nutritional sciences and research.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, develop research skills, and work with top experts in the field.
- Other info: Full-time role with a fixed-term contract until August 2028.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health through innovative nutrition research.
- Qualifications: BSc or MSc in Nutrition or Dietetics; experience in dietary intervention trials preferred.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Research Assistant in Nutritional Sciences role at King's College London.
About the Department
The Department of Nutritional Sciences explores the relationship between diet, health and disease from molecules to populations. Based at King’s Waterloo Campus, it 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. We are interdisciplinary by nature and this innovative approach works. In REF 2021, the Department and School were returned under Unit of Assessment 3 (Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy) where 70% of research was 4* (world‑leading) and 95% of research was 4* and 3* (world‑leading or internationally excellent), and importantly, 100% of the research environment was rated 4* (world‑leading). This resulted in the highest ranking in the UK for UoA3 for research, research output, research GPA and research power. We use this expertise to teach the next generation of health professionals and research scientists.
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.
Responsibilities
- Assist in the day-to-day running of the project, including preparation/sourcing of the dietary intervention products
- Coordinate meal deliveries and liaise with service providers
- Recruit study participants, deliver the dietary intervention and maintain study documentation
- Coordinate subject correspondence and conduct study visits
- Ensure measurements of primary and secondary outcomes are conducted according to standard operating protocols
- Collect and process biological samples and acquire relevant regulatory approvals
- Assist with data entry and analysis
- Report to Dr Eirini Dimidi within the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the School of Life Course & Population Sciences (Waterloo campus)
Employment Details
These are full‑time posts (35 hours per week) and will be offered a fixed‑term contract until 31/08/2028.
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 working on a human dietary intervention trial
- Experience in feeding trials
- Experience in the safe handling of food
- Experience recruiting participants to a study
Benefits and Working Environment
These positions offer an exciting opportunity to develop and refine nutrition research skills in an emerging scientific area, and to work closely with a dynamic team of diet, nutrition, gut and cardiometabolic health experts. The role is based within the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the School of Life Course & Population Sciences (Waterloo campus).
Research Assistant in Nutritional Sciences employer: King’s College London
At King's College London, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the field of nutritional sciences. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research and contribute to impactful projects, all while being part of a supportive team at our Waterloo campus, which is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach and world-leading research environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant in Nutritional Sciences
✨Join Food Science Communities
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✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from King’s College London!
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant in Nutritional Sciences
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at King’s College London, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at King’s College London.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to King’s College London. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at King’s College London. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at King’s College London
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to King’s College London’s mission.
