Research Associate

Vacancy terms: Full time fixed term contract until 20 July 2026

Hours per week: 37.5

About the role

This is an excellent opportunity to join the Diabetes Research Centre as a Research Associate, contributing to the delivery and coordination of NIHR ARC studies and other key research projects, including externally funded Delphi survey studies. You will play a vital part in supporting the day‑to‑day running of research activities, helping to design protocols, secure ethical and governance approvals, monitor study progress, and prepare reports for investigators, sponsors, and ethics bodies. The role also involves undertaking literature searches, performing basic statistical analyses, and contributing to publications and presentations that advance the Centre’s research portfolio.

Working within an internationally recognised environment for health research, you will collaborate with colleagues across the University of Leicester and with partner institutions—including the Clinical Trials Unit and Leicester Biomedical Research Centre. You will be part of a supportive and ambitious community whose mission aligns with the University’s values of being inclusive, inspiring, and impactful. As a citizen of change, you will be encouraged to use your initiative, develop new skills, and contribute to the wider academic life of the University.

About you

You will hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in a relevant subject and bring experience of applied health or physical activity research. You will have demonstrable experience of conducting Delphi-based consensus survey studies and literature reviews, alongside an understanding of confidentiality and data protection in research settings. Your background will include contributing to journal publications and conference presentations, and you will be proficient in using Microsoft Office applications.

You will have strong written and verbal communication skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. A flexible, organised, and methodical approach to your work is essential, along with the ability to build effective working relationships across internal and external partners.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Carol Akroyd on c.akroyd@nhs.net 

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.

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: 10 March 2026

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