Research Associate in Nutritional Sciences (Post Doc)

Job Description

This post-doctoral position is for a nutritionist or dietitian and will involve exciting research studies on diet in inflammatory bowel disease, mostly focussing on food additives and ultra-processed foods. The post will provide excellent opportunities for skill development and dissemination, whilst working alongside other postdocs, doctors and dietitians involved in the study. The post holder will lead and coordinate the research project on a day-to-day basis, with a key role including obtaining regulatory approvals changes, maintaining study documentation, co-ordinating subject correspondence and conducting study visits, sample processing, analysing laboratory samples, and ensuring measurements of primary and secondary outcomes are conducted according to standard operating protocols and storage of samples is HTA compliant. They will also be involved in data analysis and dissemination, including manuscript preparation, and co-ordination of correspondence and financial arrangements with the funders. Applying for grant funding and writing manuscripts will be a key role, and depending upon the experience of the candidate, some participant visits may be undertaken. The post-holder will be expected to work closely and effectively with other team members, including supporting doctoral students.

Key responsibilities

• Carry out research into food additives, food-related quality of life and other aspects of diet and nutrition in inflammatory bowel disease and other populations as directed by Prof Kevin Whelan (Department of Nutritional Sciences, King’s College London).
• Collaborate with a team of researchers (including PhD students) and staff at King’s College London and at the clinical sites in the running of the studies.
• Lead on recruitment of participants to the study, screening and monitoring of study participants (as appropriate for experience of the successful candidate).
• Order supplies for clinical investigations and other materials associated with the project.
• Lead on the collection, processing and storage of samples (stool, urine, blood) from study participants, and undertake laboratory analyses as required during the study.
• Ensure all data are carefully and promptly collated and entered into the database throughout the study and that records and samples are properly kept and audited.
• Engage in research and produce written research outputs, as set out in the research proposal and as agreed with the Principal Investigators.
• Develop ideas for future research studies and publications, and to develop these into grant applications and manuscripts.
• Participate in all project meetings, and deliver presentations in relation to the research.