Research Associate; Human Nutrition

Overview

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 that has been developed in the UK.

You will take the lead in establishing an optimised gastro‑intestinal digestion model that mimics human digestion for assessing the nutritional properties of cultured meat, conduct nutritional profiling of the products and their amino acid compositions, and provide training to the industry partner on these methods and help establish the methods in their labs. The work involves using immunological and biochemistry methods for analysing samples for nutrients such as kits and ELISA.

• 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.
• As a member of staff, be encouraged to 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.

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.

• 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).

• 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.