Research Assistant

University of Leicester School of Business; Leicester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Leicester is seeking a motivated Research Assistant for the Diabetes Research Centre. This role focuses on 24-hour physical behaviours and long-term conditions, requiring a MSc and experience in lifestyle research. Join a prestigious project and contribute to innovative digital health solutions while advancing your research career.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Excellent pension scheme

Generous leave

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in conducting lifestyle research projects in clinical populations.
• Understanding of digital health tools.
• Willingness to undertake training and personal development.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to research on 24-hour physical behaviours and long-term conditions.
• Test digital platforms and synthesize relevant evidence.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams across the Leicester Diabetes Centre.

Skills

Research skills

Digital health interventions

Team collaboration

Education

MSc in relevant discipline

Job description

About The Role

The Diabetes Research Centre is looking to recruit a talented, motivated individual to join an established, successful research team and contribute to a programme of work in the area of 24-hour physical behaviours and long-term conditions (e.g., type 2 diabetes, obesity). This involves working closely with our physical activity and clinical digital tools (including the “Steps4Health” and “MyHealthMap” programmes) and the MyDesmond digital platform.

You should have relevant expertise in the topic area (e.g., digital health, health sciences, lifestyle sciences), along with the ability and willingness to test digital platforms and synthesise relevant evidence.

This position is based at the Leicester Diabetes Centre (Leicester General Hospital), an internationally recognised research facility for the prevention and management of diabetes and other long-term conditions. It also hosts the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) East Midlands, the NIHR Leicestershire and Northamptonshire Commercial Research Delivery Centre, and the Centre for Ethnic Health Research.

You will be part of the Diabetes Research Centre and aligned with the Lifestyle Theme of the NIHR Leicester BRC, working directly with various teams across the Leicester Diabetes Centre, including the Implementation, Digital Health, and IMPACT teams, as well as clinical delivery teams.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for an ambitious researcher to work on a prestigious flagship project within a novel priority area, contributing to the ongoing development of our Research Centre and your professional growth.

About You

As a Research Assistant, you should have a MSc in a relevant discipline and experience or understanding of conducting lifestyle research projects in clinical populations, which may have been gained through employment or academic work. Experience with digital health interventions or tools is also desirable.

You should have a strong interest in a research career, be willing to undertake training and personal development, and be capable of working independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team.

A full list of essential and desirable criteria can be found in the accompanying job summary form.

Additional Information

For informal enquiries, contact Professor Tom Yates at [e-mail] and Dr. Louisa Herring at [e-mail].

This role may also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff. Please discuss this with your line manager prior to applying. More details on secondments are available here.

The University of Leicester has a 100-year legacy of changing lives. Joining us means becoming part of a community of Citizens of Change, including staff, students, and alumni worldwide.

We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, embedding these principles into all aspects of our work, from teaching and research to staff and community support, guided by our values of Inspiring, Impactful, and Inclusive.

We prioritize staff wellbeing and environmental sustainability, offering a competitive salary, excellent pension scheme, generous leave, and opportunities for career development in a supportive environment.