Senior Research Associate in Molecular Metabolism

The role

We are looking for an enthusiastic and skilled researcher to work as part of a team running a human randomised controlled trial (RCT) of very-low carbohydrate (ketogenic) diets and ketone supplements, and to support the subsequent follow-up analyses. The project will combine the physiological responses to the RCT with tissue-specific omics and Mendelian randomisation to strengthen causal inference. We are particularly seeking a candidate with skills in immunology to analyse the blood samples collected across the trial. We are seeking a creative, curious researcher keen to explore the potential in the collected samples and the ability to design subsequent follow-on experimental work to explore any generated hypotheses. 

The successful candidate will join Dr Vincent’s vibrant interdisciplinary team in Translational Health Sciences at the University of Bristol, made up of researchers working in epidemiology, clinical trials, and lab-based cell biology methods. This research is supported by a project grant from The Medical Research Council and is being conducted in partnership with co-investigators at Bath (Prof Javier Gonzalez, Dr Francoise Koumanov), Imperial College London (Dr James Yarmolinsky) and Cambridge (Dr Emma Hazelwood).

What will you be doing?

You will contribute to the implementation of the RCT, including participant recruitment, sample collection and the day-to-day running of the experiments. This project is an excellent training opportunity and involves many state-of-the-art techniques – including controlled dietary intervention, blood biochemistry, immunology, laboratory-based cell biology, indirect calorimetry, tissue biopsy handling and analyses, omics, and Mendelian randomisation. You will not be expected to necessarily have experience in all these techniques, as you will be joining a team with complimentary skills and training will be provided where needed.

You will be expected to play an effective role co-ordinating the work of others, disseminating research findings, timely production of reports and writing peer-reviewed journal articles. You will also provide support to other students and members of staff, for instance by providing advice and training, as well as formal supervision opportunities if this is of interest to the candidate.

You should apply if

You have:

• A Ph.D. (or working towards one) in a relevant subject such as, metabolic health, biomedical sciences, immunology, nutritional epidemiology, or equivalent experience is essential.
• You have experience in undertaking research using human participant samples (particularly in performing immunological assays) with excellent oral, interpersonal and written communication skills with an innovative research vision for development, implementation and delivery of successful projects.
• You are keen to join our vibrant and supportive interdisciplinary team and keen to explore new avenues of research, working both independently and collaboratively as part of local and international teams. 

Additional information

For informal enquiries please contact Emma Vincent (emma.vincent@bristol.ac.uk)

Contract type: Open ended with funding for 3 years

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 04/06/2025

Interviews to be held 12/06/2025

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We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

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