Research Assistant in Human Nutrition in Newcastle upon Tyne

We are excited to launch this new opportunity for a Research Assistant in Human Nutrition to join us in the Human Nutrition & Exercise Research Centre, Population Health Sciences Institute, at Newcastle University. You will be joining a dynamic, supportive and ambitious research group based in the Newcastle University Medical School, led by Dr. Oliver Shannon. The project is funded by the BBSRC i-NutriLife hub and is exploring the impact of GLP-1 medications (used to treat obesity) on micronutrient status. It will also be exploring user attitudes towards addressing micronutrient deficiencies via vitamin- and mineral-fortified foods.

You will be involved in synthesising current knowledge on this topic via a systematic review and carrying out a large-scale survey underpinned by relevant behaviour change theory. You will work closely with an industry partner and will provide them with regular updates on progress and help produce a report at the end of the project. You will also be involved in writing manuscripts to submit for peer-reviewed publication. As well as working with colleagues at Newcastle University, you will collaborate with external investigators on this project at Leeds Beckett University (Dr. Alex Griffiths and Dr. Jamie Matu) and with an industry partner.

We are looking for someone with an undergraduate degree, and ideally Master’s degree, in Human Nutrition or a related discipline. You will have experience designing and administering surveys via online platforms (e.g., 'Online Surveys') to patients and members of the public. You will also have good experience with data handling and analysis, using packages such as R, Stata or SPSS. The ideal candidate will also have experience working with industry partners, writing reports, and publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals. This is a part-time (2.5 days/week). Duration of post is 9 months (project end date: 31 May 2027).

Key Accountabilities

• Collect, analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes.
• Co-ordinate own work with that of others, use problem solving to affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project(s).
• Present information on research progress and outcomes to a Principal Investigator or groups overseeing the research project.
• Write up results from own research activity and provide input into the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, books).
• Use research resources (including, where required, laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) as appropriate.
• Contribute towards a systematic review on micronutrient deficiencies in GLP-1 medication users.
• Develop an online survey, grounded in appropriate behaviour change theory (e.g., COM-B model, Behaviour Change Wheel), and administer this to a cohort of GLP-1 medication users.
• Handle quantitative data and conducting statistical analyses using packages such as R, Stata or SPSS.

The Person

• Experience of administering online, theory-informed (e.g., COM-B model) surveys to patients or members of the public.
• Strong statistical analysis skills using software such as R, Stata or SPSS, including familiarity with tests such as chi squared and Kruskal-Wallis tests.
• Attention to detail and ability to work at high levels of accuracy.
• Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences.
• Proven ability to analyse data and write-up results.
• Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues.
• Excellent IT skills in all major office applications.
• The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems.

Attributes and Behaviour

• Commitment to working positively as a member of a multi-skilled research team.
• Ability to negotiate and prioritise multiple, competing responsibilities and to work to deadlines.
• Commitment to continued professional development.
• Understanding of good practice in equality, inclusion and diversity.

Qualifications

• Honours degree in Human Nutrition, Dietetics, Biomedical Sciences, Psychology, Physiology, Sport & Exercise Science or a related discipline.
• Master’s degree in one of the above areas.

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams.