At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse longitudinal data on diet and health in young adults to uncover key insights.
- Company: Join a leading research team at Imperial College London focused on public health.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 41 days off, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Full-time role with potential for extension, starting June 2026.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in understanding health inequalities among young adults.
- Qualifications: PhD in public health or related field; strong stats skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are looking to appoint a Research Associate to conduct analysis of longitudinal cohort data to explore the development of diet, mental health and cardiometabolic health through early adulthood, and the influence of changing social and physical environments on these outcomes. This will include analysis of changes in diet across life transitions including transitions into employment, and their contribution of these transitions to the development of inequalities in cardiometabolic health between different population groups.
What you would be doing:
- Analyse longitudinal data from national and international cohort studies (e.g. the Raine Study, Western Australia) to assess trajectories of dietary intake over time, and the contribution of changing exposures across early adulthood to the development of inequalities in diet and cardiometabolic health.
- Lead analysis of longitudinal data from the DEBEAT study to understand the determinants of changes in diet and wider health behaviours across the transition from school to employment or higher/further education.
- Support data collection and lead data analysis of the Individual Placement and Support intervention, working with 3 local organisations who are delivering the intervention and collecting data.
- Develop new research ideas, to conduct further longitudinal research in late adolescence/early adulthood.
What we are looking for:
- A PhD degree in public health, epidemiology, or a closely related quantitative discipline.
- Strong interest in understanding the drivers of mental health and cardiometabolic inequalities across early adulthood.
- Experience of advanced statistical methods for longitudinal analysis.
What we can offer you:
- An opportunity to work with newly collected data from a bespoke early adulthood cohort, as well as other national and international cohort studies.
- An opportunity to develop your own research interests within a research group focussed on longitudinal development of health behaviours (e.g. diet and sleep) and cardiometabolic inequalities in adolescents and young adults.
- Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
Further information:
Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have not yet been officially awarded will be appointed as a Research Assistant. This post is available from 1st June 2026 and will be based at our White City Campus, Imperial College London. The role is full time and fixed-term initially to 31st March 2027 (10 months) with possibility of extension.
Research Associate on Young Adult Health in White City employer: SONICOM
Join a leading research team at Imperial College London, where you will have the unique opportunity to analyse cutting-edge longitudinal data and contribute to impactful studies on young adult health. Our supportive work culture fosters innovation and collaboration, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development, alongside a sector-leading salary and generous benefits including 41 days of annual leave. Located at the vibrant White City Campus, you will be part of a dynamic environment that encourages exploration and the pursuit of meaningful research.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate on Young Adult Health in White City
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field of public health and epidemiology. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of longitudinal data analysis and the specific studies mentioned in the job description. We recommend practising common interview questions and even doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for mental health and cardiometabolic inequalities! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, share your ideas on how you could contribute to their research. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about the work they’ll be doing.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who are eager to make a difference in young adult health research.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate on Young Adult Health in White City
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Research Associate role. Highlight any relevant research projects, especially those involving longitudinal data analysis or public health.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about young adult health and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention specific studies or methodologies you’re familiar with.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves advanced statistical methods, be sure to detail your experience with these techniques in your application. Mention any software or tools you’ve used for data analysis, as this will catch our eye!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at SONICOM
✨Know Your Data
Make sure you’re familiar with the longitudinal cohort studies mentioned in the job description, like the Raine Study. Brush up on the methodologies used in these studies and be ready to discuss how you would approach analysing similar data.
✨Show Your Passion for Public Health
Demonstrate your strong interest in mental health and cardiometabolic inequalities. Prepare examples from your past work or studies that highlight your commitment to understanding these issues, especially in young adults.
✨Master Advanced Statistical Methods
Since the role requires advanced statistical methods for longitudinal analysis, be prepared to discuss specific techniques you’ve used. Bring examples of how you’ve applied these methods in previous research or projects.
✨Bring Research Ideas to the Table
Think about potential research ideas you could develop within the scope of this role. Be ready to share your thoughts on new avenues for research related to diet and health behaviours in early adulthood during the interview.
