Research Associate (Human Nutrition)

We have an exciting opportunity in the School of Medicine and Population Health for a post-doctoral researcher with passion for multi-disciplinary translational biomedical research.

You will join the Food and Nutrition Research team in our large and diverse academic Division of Population Health. Your standing and approaches will further strengthen our strong international research profile and our reputation for novel, research-led teaching.

We are seeking candidates with a good honours degree and postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience in biology or related area; experience in bench-top chemistry methods such as in vitro gastro-intestinal digestion models is essential, as is proven ability to establish new lab methods based on the literature and develop creative approaches for problem solving. Experience of working in chemistry/biochemistry labs, and analysis of samples for metabolites or nutrients is also essential.

This work is part of a NAPIC funded project - identifying sustainable alternative proteins is important for meeting the future protein needs of the world. Cultured meat represents a groundbreaking solution that can supply our protein requirements while greatly reducing strain across the world. The nutritional properties of cultured meat are still not well known - understanding the nutritional value of cultured meat is needed for establishing its utility as an alternative protein and for designing products that are nutritionally comparable to conventional meat. Your work in the project will involve assessing the protein quality and digestibility of cultured meat that has been developed in the UK.

You will take the lead in establishing an optimised gastro-intestinal digestion model that mimics human digestion for evaluating the nutrient profile of cultured meat. You will use it for assessing the digestibility and quality of proteins in cultured meat and will conduct nutritional profiling of the products and their amino acid compositions. You will also provide training to the industry partner on these methods and help establish the methods in their labs. The role will require using immunological and biochemistry methods for analysing samples for nutrients (such as kits and ELISA).

You will also have prior experience in the use of lab methods for food analysis. A strong understanding of protein and enzyme chemistry, and experience in establishing experimental methods and optimising them is crucial. Applicants from a biological sciences and lab background, with a passion for nutrition and translation lab-based research are encouraged to apply.

In addition, you will have strong spoken and written communication skills to collaborate closely with multiple partners. Excellent interpersonal skills are also essential as the work will involve working with external collaborators.

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