The University of Sheffield
Research Associate (Human Nutrition)
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The University of Sheffield
Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities, and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.
Overview
We have an exciting opportunity for a researcher with a passion for multi-disciplinary translational biomedical research in the field of human nutrition.
The work is part of a NAPIC funded project that studies the nutritional potential of cultured meat. Identifying sustainable alternative proteins is essential for meeting the future protein needs of the world. 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 assessing the nutritional properties of cultured meat. You will conduct nutritional profiling of the products and their amino acid compositions and also provide training to the industry partner on these methods and help establish the methods in their labs. The work will involve using immunological and biochemistry methods for analysing samples for nutrients (such as kits and ELISA).
You will have a strong track record and understanding of lab research and bench top chemistry methods, with 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 essential. 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 and excellent interpersonal skills to liaise with multiple partners including external collaborators.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day running of the research project, including documentation and ordering consumables
- Developing the in vitro gastro-intestinal digestion model and optimising it for data collection
- Conducting data collection experiments using the gastro-intestinal model for measuring protein digestibility and protein quality in cultured meat samples
- Analysing digesta samples, and developing methods for estimating protein digestibility and protein quality
- Liaising with industry partner for obtaining samples and assisting with nutritional analysis
- Set up methods in industry partner site and provide training
- Analysing data obtained from experiments using appropriate statistical methods
- Reporting on progress and data to the Principal Investigator
- Assist in the preparation of papers for publication
- You will make a full and active contribution to the principles of the ‘Sheffield Academic’. These include the achievement of excellence in applied teaching and research, and scholarly pursuits to make a genuine difference in the subject area and to the University’s achievements. Further information on the underpinning values of the Sheffield Academic can be found at: Sheffield Academic
- As a member of staff, you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post
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Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Criteria
Essential Or Desirable
Stage(s) assessed at
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A good honours degree and postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience in biology or related area
Essential
Application/interview
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A PhD in biology or related field
Desirable
Application/interview
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Experience in bench-top chemistry methods such as in vitro gastro-intestinal digestion models
Essential
Application/interview
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Experience in using gastro-intestinal digestion models for assessing nutrition outcomes
Desirable
Application/interview
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Proven ability to establish new lab methods based on the literature, and develop creative approaches for problem solving
Essential
Application/interview
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Strong understanding of enzyme activity kinetics
Essential
Application/interview
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Experience of working in chemistry/biochemistry labs
Essential
Application/interview
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Experience in analysing samples for metabolites or nutrients
Essential
Application/interview
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Data management and analysis skills
Essential
Application/interview
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Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise effectively with external stakeholders
Essential
Application/interview
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IT literate across a wide range of applications including word, excel, google and Microsoft Teams
Essential
Application/interview
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Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to assess and organise resources, work to deadlines and manage your own workload
Essential
Application/interview
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Flexible, reliable and professional approach to work
Essential
Application/interview
Further Information
- Grade
7 (max point 7.3)
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Salary
£38,784 (max point 7.3) per annum pro rata -
Work arrangement
Part-time -
Duration
9 month contract at 40% - to start in August or ASAP following interview - end date 30 April 27 -
Line manager
Senior Lecturer in Human Nutrition -
Direct reports
n/a -
Our website
https://sheffield.ac.uk/smph
For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Viren Ranawana, Senior Lecturer in Human Nutrition on viren.ranawana@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on Monday 17th August 2026. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage by early August 2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Karen Johnson (karen.johnson@sheffield.ac.uk)
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
What We Offer
- A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- access to menopause support in the workplace
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Closing Date : 02/08/2026
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.
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