Research Assistant in Healthy Eating Initiatives in Out of Home Food Retail

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated **Research Assistant** to contribute to a vital project focused on improving population healthy eating habits within the retail food sector. If you have a passion for nutrition research and a keen interest in bridging academic insights with real-world industry applications, this role could be a significant step in your career.

The position, with a salary range of £33,951 - £39,906 per annum (pro-rata), offers a chance to be part of an innovative Academic-Industry partnership funded by the BBSRC Open Research Innovation Club (ORIC) ConsumerLab. You will work collaboratively with a prominent Out of Home (OOH) food retailer to understand and influence consumer engagement and perceptions of "health" in popular food settings like takeaways and food-to-go services.

Advantages for Your Career Path:

• Impactful Research: Play a direct role in shaping healthier out-of-home retail food environments and promoting healthy eating for the population. Your findings will have tangible real-world applications.
• Academic-Industry Collaboration: Gain invaluable experience working within a dynamic partnership, fostering strong connections with both academic researchers and industry professionals. This exposure is highly beneficial for future career prospects.
• Comprehensive Research Skill Development: You will be involved in the full research lifecycle, including:
  • Undertaking both quantitative (survey) and qualitative (interview) research studies.
  • Developing and deploying survey instruments in collaboration with a National Panel.
  • Collecting, managing, and analysing diverse datasets.
  • Conducting literature reviews and visualising/presenting research findings.
• Real-World Experience: The role involves working directly with consumers in diverse Leeds communities and online settings, providing practical experience in data collection and stakeholder engagement.
• Career Growth Potential: This position offers opportunities to enhance your research methodologies, data analysis skills, and ability to communicate complex findings to a range of stakeholders, including industry, civic, and third sector organisations.
• Excellent Benefits Package: Beyond the core role, the university offers a generous benefits package, including:
  • A substantial holiday allowance (42 days per year).
  • A competitive pension scheme with life assurance.
  • Access to state-of-the-art health and wellbeing facilities.
  • Opportunities for personal and professional development through training courses.
  • Additional perks such as on-site childcare, shopping discounts, and travel schemes.
• Flexible Working: The employer is open to discussing flexible working arrangements, promoting a healthy work-life balance.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Educational and Experience Requirements: A strong foundation is essential, requiring an undergraduate or Master's degree in nutrition, health, or a related field. Demonstrable experience in research methods, data collection, analysis, and reporting findings within a nutrition, health, consumer, or industry-related context is crucial.
• Research Methodology Skills: Proficiency in both quantitative and qualitative research techniques is a must. The ability to design and implement survey instruments and conduct interviews will be key.
• Proactive and Solution-Oriented Approach: The role demands a positive, proactive attitude, a willingness to take initiative, and a strong ability to contribute to meeting tight deadlines. Employers are looking for individuals who can actively seek solutions and drive the project forward.
• Visa Eligibility: Potential candidates should be aware of Home Office visa requirements. For first-time Skilled Worker visa applicants, specific salary concessions may apply. It is advisable to review the official government guidance on this matter.

This Research Assistant role is an excellent platform for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in public health through applied nutrition research. It offers a unique blend of academic rigour and industry collaboration, coupled with a supportive work environment and comprehensive benefits.