Research Fellow

Vacancy terms: Full-time, part-time (30 hours per week), or job share considered, fixed term contract for 42 months

Hours per week: 37.5

About the role

The Diabetes Research Centre (University of Leicester) and NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre are looking for a talented, motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the team as Grade 8 Research Fellow.

The Diabetes Research Centre (University of Leicester) and NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre Lifestyle Theme host a multidisciplinary team of internationally renowned researchers who work collaboratively to investigate how therapies used in the management of obesity and/or type 2 diabetes work to affect whole body health, either in isolation or when combined with exercise or nutrition therapies. This includes a growing portfolio of industry collaborations and funding which require complex regulatory approvals and processes (including MHRA). A flagship part of this portfolio is an ~£6M funding award from the NIHR to establish the “OPT-IN” adaptive platform trial. This platform will OPT-IN will establish a flexible, sustainable phase 2 obesity platform that can accelerate the testing of safe, effective obesity medications for people living with obesity within the UK.

The post holder will work closely with principal investigators and other senior researchers to oversee the set-up and delivery of the OPT-IN award, including contracting and programme management, delivery of the work outlined to time and target, dissemination of findings to academic and public audiences, and reporting to the funder and other relevant stakeholders. They will also contribute to applications for further funding to provide sustainability.

OPT-IN is the first large-scale obesity-focused adaptive platform trial internationally. As such the post holder will play a key role in setting up and delivering a highly novel trials infrastructure within an area of priority to the NHS.

About you

In this Grade 8 Research Fellow role, you will have a PhD and track record of postdoctoral work in the area of exercise or nutrition physiology, as well as knowledge of processes for applying for regulatory approvals for CTIMP trials. You will have a proven track record of running experimental research programmes to time and target, as well as the ability to produce research outputs that are internationally recognised and of a quality that is aspiring to be world-leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour in time for the next REF cycle (2029). Direct experience of applying for regulatory approvals for CTIMP trials, and knowledge of using novel platform trial designs are preferable, as well as experience working with industry partners. You will have excellent skills in team work and collaboration and experience of developing and maintaining effective research partnerships. In doing this, you will excellent communication skills, both written and presentation.

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. 

Advert closes midnight on: 24 March 2026

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