Research Associate

Vacancy terms: Full-time, Part-time (minimum 0.8 FTE 30 hours per week) or job share, fixed term contract for 24 months

Salary details: Hours per week: 37.5

About the role

The Diabetes Research Centre (DRC) and NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) Lifestyle Theme welcome applications from early career researchers on a clear upward trajectory in their field to join the group as a Postdoctoral Research Associate.

The DRC, part of the Leicester Diabetes Centre (LDC), and BRC Lifestyle Theme host a multidisciplinary team of internationally renowned researchers who work collaboratively to investigate how medications, diets and exercise used in the management of obesity and/or type 2 diabetes (or related chronic diseases) work to affect whole body health, either in isolation or when combined together. This includes a growing portfolio of industry collaborations and funding which require complex regulatory approvals and processes (including MHRA) alongside diverse research funding from research charities and the NIHR.

The post holder will work closely with principal investigators and other senior researchers to support the set-up, delivery and dissemination of clinical trials within our obesity and clinical portfolios. This will include contributing to and where appropriate leading on all aspects of the research process (e.g. funding acquisition, regulatory approvals, data collection, analysis, funder reporting and dissemination) to deliver existing research plans and contribute to new research ideas and income generation.

In doing so, the post holder will receive excellent training and career development across the full research process in an area of clinical and public health priority.

Please see the accompanying job summary form for full details of the role and responsibilities.

About you

As a Grade 7 Research Associate, you will have a PhD (or close to completion) in a relevant discipline alongside evidence of conducting clinical or experimental research programmes and knowledge or experience of applying for regulatory approvals in human research.

You will have a track record of research outputs (including peer-reviewed journal publications) in the area of exercise, nutrition or obesity, with potential to produce research outputs that are internationally recognised and aspiring to be world class in time for the next REF cycle (2029). You will have strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, and excellent written and oral communication skills, with an ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Jack Sargeant, Lifestyle & Health Research Group Manager – jack.sargeant@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 through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive. 

Advert closes midnight on: 28 June 2026

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