Research Associate (Obesity and/or Type 2 Diabetes)

Vacancy terms: Full-time, or job share considered, fixed term contract for 24 months

Hours per week: 37.5

About the role

The Diabetes Research Centre and NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre are looking to recruit a talented, motivated individual to join an established, successful research team and contribute to a programme of work in the area of type 2 diabetes, obesity and weight management. In particular, they will contribute to a portfolio of work evaluating lifestyle, pharmacotherapy and other clinical interventions for the prevention and management of these long-term conditions, working closely with both academic and industry partners (including companies developing novel pharmacotherapy or technology for these conditions).

We welcome applications from individuals with various backgrounds/expertise relevant to the topic area (e.g. sport and exercise sciences, diet/nutrition, health sciences, human biology), but enthusiasm for the topic will be expected, along with the ability and willingness to both learn and synthesise evidence and work with colleagues from various subject areas.

The appointed individual will join the Leicester Lifestyle and Health Research Group, as part of the Lifestyle Theme of the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), working within the research group of Professor Melanie Davies CBE.

They will be based at the Leicester Diabetes Centre (Leicester General Hospital), which is internationally recognised for its research in long-term conditions such as obesity and diabetes (including type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and diabetes during pregnancy), and in lifestyle behaviours across the 24 hours day (physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep and diet). The Leicester Diabetes Centre also hosts the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) East Midlands, the NIHR Patient Recruitment Centre: Leicester, Leicester Real-World Evidence Unit, and the Centre for Ethnic Health Research.

This post provides an excellent opportunity for an ambitious researcher to work with an internationally recognised team within a novel priority area, and contribute to the ongoing development of our Research Centre alongside advancing their independent research career.

About you

As a Research Associate, you will have a PhD (or near completion) in a relevant discipline alongside evidence of contributing independently to peer-reviewed journal publications. You will have strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, and excellent written and oral communication skills, with an ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.

You will have background expertise relevant to the topic area (including contemporary knowledge of the latest research evidence) and experience in delivering experimental research programmes. They must also have the demonstrable ability and willingness to learn and synthesise evidence from various subject areas. Please see the job summary form accompanying this advert for further information on the role.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Dr Jack Sargeant on jack.sargeant@uhl-tr.nhs.uk

Applications for job share will be considered. 

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world

Advert closes midnight on: 08 December 2024

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