Postdoctoral Research Associate

This full-time Innovate UK-funded post is available on a fixed term basis from September 2024 for 15 months.

The post

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the work of Professor Jo Bowtell and BioActivEx research group. The successful applicant will test the food sensory properties of a novel sustainable protein rich meal supplement, and conduct a clinical trial to measure the plasma amino acid profile in healthy older adults after consumption of different meals. 

In the UK, malnutrition is estimated to affect 35 per cent of community-dwelling adults who are admitted to care homes. Malnutrition is associated with increased frailty, disease burden, healthcare resource use and all-cause mortality. Low dietary protein intakes contribute to frailty development in this population. In a recent randomised crossover trial we provided a daily highly nutritious meal containing 0.6 g.kg^-1 protein for 12 weeks to under-nourished older adults living independently in the community. We found favourable effects on nutritional status, but it was challenging for older adults with lower appetites to consume this level of protein from palatable meals. This project involves the development and testing of a sustainable protein-rich meal supplement to meet the increased protein needs of older adults. The formulation of the supplement will be supported by conducting sensory testing with healthy older adults using our food sensory labs equipped with individual tasting booths. In addition, we will conduct a clinical trial to measure metabolic availability and plasma amino acid profile after healthy older adults consume different protein fortified meals. You will be responsible for the day to day running of the food sensory lab testing and the clinical trial, supported by the wider project team.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) with human physiology, nutrition, medical or allied healthcare experience and excellent communication and organisational skills to apply. Experience of food sensory testing and running clinical trials, involving similar measurement techniques will be particularly welcome.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon.

Further information

For further information please contact contacting:

Professor Jo Bowtell (Principal Investigator for the project) via email j.bowtell@exeter.ac.uk to arrange a call.

The closing date for completed applications is 28th July 2024.

Interviews are expected to take place on 6^th August 2024.

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