Research Assistant in Nutritional Sciences

Research Assistant in Nutritional Sciences

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Applications are invited for a motivated Research Assistant to join a project that aims to increase awareness and knowledge of iodine in adolescents and young women. This post will be under the direct supervision of Dr Sarah Bath, Associate Professor in Public Health Nutrition within the Discipline of Nutrition, Exercise, Chronobiology and Sleep, in the School of Biosciences.

The post is part of the project EUthyroid 2:
The next step towards the elimination of iodine deficiency and preventable iodine‑related disorders in Europe. The post is co‑funded through a grant from European Commission Horizon Europe (HORIZON‑HLTH‑2022‑DISEASE‑07) and United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI). EUthyroid2 is a multi‑country project (2023‑2027), and the UK is one of the intervention sites for both adolescents and young women (along with Queen’s University Belfast).

The recruitment of subjects is complete and therefore this post will be to facilitate the data analysis and publications based on the EUthyroid2 data. The post will involve processing dietary data and other outcome data (from questionnaires) from the UK participants, as well as contributing to data analysis and manuscript preparation. The post holder will work closely with the research team, including the post‑doctoral research fellow based at the University of Surrey.

The applicant should have a degree (BSc or MSc) in nutrition, dietetics, public health, epidemiology, or a related discipline. The applicant should have experience in handling, managing and processing research data, and with statistical analysis using statistical software (e.g. SPSS). They should have experience and knowledge of dietary assessment (including food frequency questionnaires). Good communication skills and scientific writing skills are also important.

The post holder will need to work within a team, as well as independently and they should be highly motivated.

The successful applicant will be part of the Iodine Research Group, led by Dr Sarah Bath. Our group examines the effects of iodine deficiency during pregnancy and the dietary sources of iodine. We are currently exploring the effect of plant‑based diets on iodine status, and the variability in the iodine concentration of milk and dairy products. The successful applicant will participate in our regular research meetings.

Hybrid/Guildford based – working arrangements can be discussed  are looking for someone to start in the role in July.

To apply please upload a CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the post.

For more information and to apply online, please download the further details and click on the ‘apply online’ button above.

In return we offer a generous pension, relocation assistance where appropriate, flexible working options including job share and blended home/campus working locations (dependent on work duties), access to world‑class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on‑site nursery.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore we particularly encourage applications from under‑represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.