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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to research healthier snack foods and enhance eating behaviours.
- Company: Be part of the prestigious Leicester Lifestyle Health and Research Group at the University of Leicester.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, excellent pension, and generous annual leave in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact on health and nutrition while collaborating with industry leaders like PepsiCo.
- Qualifications: PhD or near completion in relevant fields, with strong analytical and communication skills.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities in a diverse and inclusive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 50000 £ per year.
The Leicester Lifestyle Health and Research Group (LLHRG) are pleased to open recruitment for an early career researcher to join the group as a Research Associate. The post-holder will work on an exciting new multicenter project examining the effects of altering the sensory characteristics of snack food products to enhance satisfaction and satiety. The role will involve establishing eating behaviour assessment protocols and working together with an industry partner to develop healthier snack food products. We will utilise randomised control trial methodologies to examine whether changing the sensory characteristics of snack items can influence oral processing behaviours and appetite, whilst maintaining consumer satisfaction.
The project is jointly funded by the Consumer Lab (one of six Diet and Health Open Innovation Research hubs funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)) and PepsiCo (one of the largest food and beverage manufacturers in the world). This funding structure provides a unique opportunity to merge academic interest with real world application.
The LLHRG are part of the University of Leicester, Diabetes Research Centre (DRC), Leicester Diabetes Centre (LDC), and NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre. The project will contribute to the diverse research portfolio in the area of 24-hour lifestyle behaviours, including physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep and nutrition in the prevention and management of obesity and long-term conditions, such as type 2 diabetes.
LLHRG are one of the most prestigious Lifestyle as Medicine research groups in the UK, making a major contribution to the University of Leicester's success at being ranked second overall in the Sport and Exercise Sciences unit of assessment (UoA24) within Research Excellent Framework (REF) 2021, and first for output quality (out of 61 institutions nationally). This success has led to £14 million in new funding from Research England's Expanding Excellence in England scheme which will enable LLHRG to expand. This includes 20 new staff members across academic, teaching, research, community engagement and administrative positions, in addition to 12 new PhD students. This expanding team will be supported by new office and research spaces within the Leicester General Hospital.
As a Grade 7 Research Associate, you will have a PhD (or near completion) in a relevant discipline alongside evidence of contributing independently to experimental or translational research studies and high-quality peer-reviewed journal publications. You will have strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, and excellent written and oral communication skills, with an ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team. You must also have the ability and willingness to learn, be able to synthesise evidence from various subject areas, and work closely with both academic and industry partners.
We particularly welcome applications from individuals with expertise in fields such as diet/nutrition, food science, health sciences, lifestyle sciences, and health psychology. Experience of working on externally or industry funded research projects would also be an advantage.
Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Dr David Clayton, david.clayton@leicester.ac.uk. Applications for job share will be considered. As part of the University's ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying.
The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people's lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you'll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.
As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive. We're committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Research Associate in London employer: Scholarshipdb
Contact Detail:
Scholarshipdb Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend relevant events, and connect with researchers at the University of Leicester. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to research methodologies and teamwork. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for the project! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, highlight your interest in enhancing snack food products and how your skills align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining the LLHRG team.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Associate role. Highlight your relevant experience in sensory characteristics, eating behaviour assessment, and any industry collaborations you've been part of. We want to see how you fit into our exciting project!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your analytical and problem-solving skills. Mention any previous research studies you've contributed to, especially those that involved randomised control trials or working with industry partners. This will help us see your potential impact on our team.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it's necessary. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scholarshipdb
✨Know Your Research
Before the interview, dive deep into the Leicester Lifestyle Health and Research Group's recent projects and publications. Familiarise yourself with their work on sensory characteristics of snack foods and how it relates to your own research interests. This will show your genuine enthusiasm and understanding of their mission.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about methodologies like randomised control trials and how you would establish eating behaviour assessment protocols. Brush up on your knowledge in these areas and be ready to discuss your previous experiences or hypothetical scenarios where you applied similar techniques.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working with industry partners like PepsiCo, be prepared to discuss your experience in multidisciplinary teams. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others, highlighting your communication skills and ability to synthesise evidence from various fields.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the future direction of the LLHRG's research or how they measure the success of their projects. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the role aligns with your career goals.