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SalarySalary: Research Assistant: £31,396 - £32,982 per annumResearch Associate: £33,966 - £44.263 per annumNewcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent . We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.Closing Date: 23 June 2024The RoleWe are looking to employ a Research Assistant/Associate to manage the day-to-day running of a human intervention study. You will work as part of an ambitious and collegiate team of research interested in Human Nutrition and health, and will receive support, training and mentorship for more senior members of the group. You will have previous experience conducting human intervention studies, and will be familiar with recruiting and coordinating participants, scheduling laboratory visits, obtaining venous blood samples, administering questionnaires and evaluating dietary intake. It is also advantageous to have experience of conducting wet lab analyses using techniques such as HPLC, although training will be provided. This 1-year position is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build research experience, especially those looking to pursuing a future career in academia. You will also have the opportunity to be involved in the presentation of research findings at conference and publication in a high impact peer-reviewed journal.You will be involved in the day-to-day running of a Human Nutrition intervention study exploring whether the inclusion of fruit juice in 5-a-day recommendations influences fruit and vegetable intake. The study will involve recruiting up to 45 participants who will attend the laboratory for a screening visit plus pre- and post-intervention experimental visits. Participants will be randomised to a control group, whole fruit and vegetable intervention group, or whole fruit and vegetable + fruit juice intervention group. We will collect venous blood samples for determining objective measures of fruit and vegetable intake and conducting NMR metabolomic analyses. We will also administer questionnaires and dietary assessments prior to and following the intervention to determine impact of the intervention on fruit and vegetable intake and measures of mood.This full time post is offered on a fixed term basis for a period of 12 months.For informal enquiries contact: Dr. OliverFind out more about the Faculty of Medical Sciences here:Find out more about our Research Institutes here:As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of . These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.This appointment is subject to satisfactory medical clearance.Key Accountabilities
- Although working under the general guidance of an academic or Principal Investigator, the postholder will contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of their studies, thus providing substantial 'added value'
- Develop and carry out the specified project using appropriate techniques and equipment as outlined in the personal requirements
- Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support where required
- Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and in time develop own research objectives and proposals for funding
- Begin to write, with appropriate support, proposals for individual research funding or, where funders do not permit this, contribute to the writing of collective bids
- Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations
- Contribute to the writing up of their research for publication and dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications
- Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline
- May be involved in the supervision, with guidance, of final year undergraduate research projects and in providing support to postgraduate research students or Research Assistants
- Will need to work with the support staff and, on occasions, with undergraduate and postgraduate students, and interact intellectually with other academic members of the Institute.
- May contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities
- Develop an awareness of University structures, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment
- Manage the day-to-day running of a nutritional intervention study, including recruitment and screening of participants and conducting testing sessions
- Conduct analysis of human plasma/serum samples using HPLC (training will be provided)
- Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills
- Detailed subject knowledge in the area of research
- Likelihood of advanced skills directly related to the research projects
- High level of analytical and problem-solving capability
- Ability to communicate complex information with clarity and to encourage the commitment of others
- Experience of research with clear transferable skills and some experience or awareness of the research environment
- Presentations at conferences and/or high-quality publications
- Experience of recruiting participants
- Experience of leading controlled human intervention studies
- Phlebotomy trained (Desirable)
- Experience of dietary assessment and questionnaire administration (Desirable)
- Wet lab experience, including use of HPLC for analysis of plasma/serum samples (Desirable)
- Has a track record of publishing research in peer-reviewed journals (Desirable)
- Friendly and personable
- Good time management
- Excellent attention to detail
- To have or be close to obtaining a PhD in Sport & Exercise Science, Human Nutrition, Physiology, Biomedical Science, Psychology or a related discipline
