Research Assistant in Nutritional Sciences

About Us

The Department of Nutritional Sciences explores the relationship between diet, health and disease from molecules to populations. Based at King’s Waterloo Campus, the Department of Nutritional Sciences combines over 60 basic and applied scientists, dietitians, nutritionists, doctors and public health experts. Our mission is to find new ways to improve health and to prevent and treat nutrition-related disease.

About the role

We are looking to recruit a Research Assistant with a BSc or MSc qualification in Nutritional Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences, or related scientific discipline.

This post offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to an impactful research project commissioned by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) that aims to review and synthesize evidence to inform reassessment of iron dietary reference values (DRVs) for the UK population.

To achieve this, we will conduct two systematic reviews of primary research, one focusing on physiological iron requirements for children aged 0–18 years and one focusing on dietary iron bioavailability. Informed by the findings of the systematic reviews, we will undertake detailed modelling using data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) to generate a range of dietary iron bioavailability values and projected iron DRVs for different UK population groups.

It is a rare and incredibly exciting opportunity, as the findings of this project will be used by the UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) to support the guidance they provide to the UK Government on dietary intake recommendations for the UK population.

There will further be opportunity for co-authoring a publication and developing new skills in research.

The postholder will become a core member of a research team that aims to contribute knowledge in the field of iron nutrition. Together with the research team, they will be responsible for conducting systematic literature reviews, including literature screening, data extraction and evidence synthesis.

The post holder will be expected to conduct systematic searching of the scientific literature in major databases following established protocols and guidelines, and to identify relevant evidence, assess the quality of the evidence, and synthesise the evidence. They will further be expected to monitor study activities, maintain study records and prepare progress reports.

This is a part time post (17.5 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed-term contract until 31 March 2026.

About You

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

• BSc or MSc qualification in Nutritional Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences, or related scientific discipline
• Experience in quantitative evidence synthesis (umbrella, scoping or systematic reviews) as evidenced through peer-reviewed publications, graduate thesis, coursework or formal training
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a study team
• Excellent communication and engagement skills (verbal and written)
• Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, actively addressing areas of potential bias

Desirable criteria

• Experience with online software for conducting systematic reviews (e.g. Covidence) is desirable
• Evidence of excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated interest in and/or research experience in the field of iron nutrition would be considered an asset

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