Research Associate in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition

Part time/Fixed term - 25 hours per week/10 month contract

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Associate in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition to join our research team investigating the effects of dietary biotic strategies on athlete health and exercise performance. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a growing team in the Sport Health and Performance Enhancement Research Centre at NTU. You will have the exciting opportunity to contribute to a developing body of evidence at the intersection of nutrition, physiology, and microbiome science, supporting both mechanistic and applied investigations within human performance research.

In this position, you will design, conduct and oversee human trials examining the physiological and metabolic responses to biotic-based dietary interventions in athletes and active individuals. Your responsibilities will include performing applied laboratory assessments of exercise performance and metabolism, as well as wet-lab analyses related to immune function and gut health.

You will take a leading role in data collection, analysis and interpretation, and will prepare and share research outputs through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and grant applications. The postholder will also collaborate closely with academic and industry partners to support the translation of research findings into practical, real-world applications.

For more details, please take a look at the role profile. We'll still consider applications even if you don't meet every single one of the requirements, so don't be put off if you don't match them perfectly.

Interview date: W/C 12th January 2026

About Us

The School of Science and Technology at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is an exciting multidisciplinary environment for learning, teaching and research, with some of the best facilities in the UK. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality teaching and diverse, real-world research. We specialise in biosciences, chemistry, computing and technology, as well as engineering, forensic science, mathematics, physics and sport science. This mix of traditional and modern subjects encourages and inspires future innovators.

Our Department of Sports Science resides within the School of Science and Technology on the Clifton Campus and has a long and established history for delivering sport-related programmes. Recent investment into the Department has enhanced our physical resources, research environment and the student learning experience. With four well-equipped physiology laboratories, the British Olympic Association approved environmental chamber, the recently refurbished performance analysis suite and two biomechanics and neuromuscular performance laboratories in the £4m Natural Sciences Research Centre, we offer a friendly environment of excellence and invite you to join us.

For any informal queries about the role or the team, please contact Dr Neil Williams (Senior Lecturer in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition Science) at neil.williams@ntu.ac.uk 

Join Us

• 30 - 35 days annual leave per year plus statutory bank holidays and 5 university closure days pro rata
• Hybrid working - we encourage and offer a mixture of office working and working from home. You're empowered to define how you work best for the benefits of your stakeholders.
• Flexibility - take ownership over how you get your work done. We're open to different working patterns and approaches.
• Salary Sacrifice Retirement Savings Plan with life assurance and income protection. Available to colleagues who choose to opt out of the contractual pension scheme. Minimum colleague contributions of 0% matched with minimum NTU contributions of 8%.
• Access to a wealth of formal and informal professional development opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career.
• Range of health and wellbeing services, including a Health Cash Plan, voluntary benefits, discounts, and savings for all colleagues.

Come and be part of our success. Apply today via the ‘Apply’ button above.

Safe & Inclusive

At NTU, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates the diverse voices and experiences of our students and colleagues. By championing positive wellbeing, we promote an environment where all can thrive and reach their full potential. We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring and we encourage people from underrepresented communities and backgrounds to apply to join our team.

Please note that unfortunately, this role has been assessed as ineligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration points-based immigration system however, we recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position. For more information visit the Government Skilled Worker visa support page. However, applications are welcome from candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK, but who would be eligible to obtain a valid visa via another route. Please consult the Home Office website for further information.

Please note that this role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and successful applicants will be asked to declare any unspent criminal convictions.