Research Assistant

Type of Contract: Part-time, Fixed Term for 6 months

THE ROWETT INSTITUTE, UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN have been awarded funding from the UKRI Transforming the UK Food System programme for a synergy grant to ‘Bridge Theory and Practice for Actionable Change in Transforming Food System (BRIDGE-ACT)”.  Our research will use mapping and visualisation techniques to develop a toolkit which will allow users to explore how different parts of the food system connect, identify key areas for intervention and develop strategies for creating positive change.  By equipping researchers and policymakers with the right tools to plan and deliver impact, BRIDGE-ACT will help drive meaningful improvements in food security, sustainability and public health across the UK.

The University of Aberdeen’s Rowett Institute is part of the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition and is a vibrant and exciting working environment for both established and early career researchers. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team and working in the excellent purpose-built facilities in the Rowett’s, Human Studies Intervention Unit. The post holder will join an active research group within the theme of Nutrition, Obesity and Disease.

This five-month funding-limited post is funded by a research grant award from UKRI, managed by the Transforming the UK Food System programme.

You will support delivery of a BRIDGE-ACT toolkit in two formats: and online platform and hand-on workshop materials. You will be responsible for supporting the research team to deliver key tasks associated with the toolkit delivery and promotion.

Throughout the project you will be fully supported by the academic supervisor Dr Marta Lonnie, from the University of Aberdeen’s Rowett Institute, and the grant co-applicants. A key aspect of your role will be to liaise with project stakeholders, outsourced subcontractors as well as organisation and planning of the project workshops and prelaunch webinar. You will also contribute to the toolkit promotion activities such as preparing policy brief document, academic publication and social media campaign.

The successful candidate is expected to have experience in working within the food systems research, and will have opportunity to further develop technical and personal skills, as experience level increases through the duration of the project.

Salary will be at the appropriate point on the Grade 5 scale, 40% of £32,546 per annum, pro rata.

Informal enquiries should be made to Dr Marta Lonnie, Nutrition, The Rowett Institute (marta.lonnie3@abdn.ac.uk).

In accordance with the UKVI immigration rules, it is with regret that this role DOES NOT MEET THE SALARY REQUIREMENTS for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.  For this role, the successful candidate must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment and obtain the right to work in the UK.  Information on other visa options is available at https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa.

To apply online for this position click the 'Apply' button above.

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 24 July 2025

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