At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research on cultured meat's nutritional potential and develop innovative digestion models.
- Company: Join a diverse university community focused on sustainable nutrition research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, part-time hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible work environment with a focus on ethical decision-making and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable food solutions while advancing your research skills.
- Qualifications: PhD in biology or related field; experience in nutrition analysis and lab methods.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 38784 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a researcher with a passion for multi‑disciplinary translational biomedical research in the field of human nutrition. The work is part of a NAPIC funded project that studies the nutritional potential of cultured meat. Identifying sustainable alternative proteins is essential for meeting the future protein needs of the world.
Your work in the project will involve:
- Assessing the protein quality and digestibility of cultured meat developed in the UK.
- Establishing an optimised gastro‑intestinal digestion model that mimics human digestion for assessing the nutritional properties of cultured meat.
- Conducting nutritional profiling of the products and their amino acid compositions.
- Providing training to the industry partner on these methods and helping establish the methods in their labs.
- Using immunological and biochemistry methods for analysing samples for nutrients such as kits and ELISA.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead the day‑to‑day running of the research project, including documentation and ordering consumables.
- Develop the in vitro gastro‑intestinal digestion model and optimise it for data collection.
- Conduct data collection experiments using the model for measuring protein digestibility and protein quality in cultured meat samples.
- Analyse digesta samples and develop methods for estimating protein digestibility and protein quality.
- Liaise with industry partner for obtaining samples and assisting with nutritional analysis.
- Set up methods in industry partner site and provide training.
- Analyse data obtained from experiments using appropriate statistical methods.
- Report on progress and data to the Principal Investigator.
- Assist in the preparation of papers for publication.
- Make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
- Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification:
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn’t match perfectly with this role’s criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply.
Criteria:
- PhD in biology or related field (Essential).
- Experience in bench‑top chemistry methods such as in vitro gastro‑intestinal digestion models (Desirable).
- Experience in using gastro‑intestinal digestion models for assessing nutrition outcomes (Essential).
- Proven ability to establish new lab methods based on the literature and develop creative approaches for problem solving (Desirable).
- Strong understanding of enzyme activity kinetics (Essential).
- Experience of working in chemistry/biochemistry labs (Essential).
- Experience in analysing samples for metabolites or nutrients (Essential).
- Data management and analysis skills (Essential).
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise effectively with external stakeholders (Essential).
- IT literate across a wide range of applications including Word, Excel, Google and Microsoft Teams (Essential).
- Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to assess and organise resources, work to deadlines and manage your own workload (Essential).
- Flexible, reliable and professional approach to work (Essential).
Further Information:
- Grade: 7 (max point 7.3).
- Salary: £38,784 per annum pro rata (max point 7.3).
- Work arrangement: Part‑time.
- Duration: 9 month contract at 40% – to start in August or ASAP following interview – end date 30 April 27.
- Line manager: Senior Lecturer in Human Nutrition.
- Direct reports: n/a.
- Closing Date: 02/08/2026.
Research Associate (Human Nutrition) employer: The University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. As a Senior Technician in the Geotechnical & Water Engineering Research Group, you will benefit from generous annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to professional growth through mentoring and training opportunities. Located on a central campus, you'll be part of a diverse community that values innovation and collaboration, making it a rewarding place to contribute to meaningful research and education.
Contact Details:
The University of Sheffield Recruitment Team
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We think this is how you could land Research Associate (Human Nutrition)
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate (Human Nutrition)
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