Research Associate in Plant-Based Nutrition

Vacancy terms: Full-time, or job share considered, fixed term contract until 31 December 2028

Hours per week: 37.5

About the role

This exciting role offers the opportunity for talented early career researchers to join the University of Leicester and the thriving Leicester Lifestyle and Health Research Group hosted within the Diabetes Research Centre and the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). Collectively, these groupings provide the most well-resourced infrastructure for conducting clinical exercise and nutritional interventions in the country.

In this key role, the post holder will have the opportunity to work within an exciting and ambitious new programme of research investigating the impact of plant-based nutrition on human health.

Please see the accompanying job summary form for a full list of roles and responsibilities, and essential and desirable criteria.

About you

To be successful in the role of you will hold a PhD in a relevant subject area and have a track record within the field of nutritional research with some experience or good knowledge of working within the NHS. You will be able to work independently whilst having excellent communication and people management skills.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Jack Sargeant on jack.sargeant@nhs.net

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.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Advert closes midnight on: 13 January 2026

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