Senior Research Scientist - Food data and tools in nutrition research

Senior Research Scientist - Food data and tools in nutrition research

Job Title: Senior Research Scientist - Food data and tools in nutrition research

Post Number: 1004820

Closing Date: 28 Jan 2025

Grade: SC5

Starting Salary: £44,500-£49,300

Hours per week: 37

Project Title: Senior Research Scientist - Food data and tools in nutrition research

Months Duration: Indefinite

Job Description

Main Purpose of the Job

We are looking for a Senior Research Scientist to lead research activities around food composition data in nutrition and coordinate analysis capabilities in dietary assessment research relevant for QIB and the wider research community.

The post holder will be responsible for activities including:

1. Working with the FN-NBRI team and external stakeholders on new food composition data acquisition, ensuring the highest quality is maintained.
2. Developing data analysis capabilities from dietary assessment tool outputs for the wider research community.
3. Leading and supporting FN-NBRI research grant proposals.
4. Coordinating food data standardisation activities.
5. Developing training activities related to FN-NBRI core resources and capabilities.

Key Relationships

Within QIB, the post holder will work closely with the Head of the Food and Nutrition National Bioscience Research Infrastructure (FN-NBRI), the rest of the FN-NBRI team, QIB group leaders in Food, Microbes and Health ISP, Communications and Business Office, and QIB Extra. Externally, the post holder will work with various external collaborators including the OHID team at DHSC, external nutritionists and consultants, Eurofins, industry bodies, and a wide range of users from academia, industry, and NGOs across the food and nutrition field.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

1. Undertaking and overseeing new food composition data acquisition and curation, including sampling design studies, collating and evaluating data, and preparing data for publication. 30%
2. Supporting internal (QIB) and external scientists in using dietary assessment tools, developing data analysis capabilities from dietary assessment tool outputs. 20%
3. Leading on nutrition data research activities for grant submission, utilising FN-NBRI data resources. 15%
4. Active dissemination and stakeholder activities related to food composition data, nutrition, and health via social media, talks, scientific publications, and popular articles. 10%
5. Contributing towards Nutritional Information Solutions, including calculating and checking nutritional labels for SMEs. 5%
6. Ensuring CoFID data are promptly updated within the food composition database manager (FoodCASE) and made available to the wider research community. 5%
7. Training others on new plant bioactives data acquisition and input into the eBASIS database. 5%
8. Contributing to discussions of food data standardisation and FoodCASE with other European data compilers. 5%
9. Deputising for the FN-NBRI Head and any other duties commensurate to the post. 5%

Person Profile

Education & Qualifications

Requirement Importance

1. A BSc degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Food Science or related discipline - Essential
2. A PhD degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Food Science or related discipline - Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement Importance

1. Working knowledge of data analysis using R or Python - Essential
2. Knowledge and experience of using different dietary assessment tools - Essential
3. Knowledge of nutrition and health, particularly nutrients and their contribution to healthy diets - Essential
4. Knowledge or experience of handling food composition data and recipe calculation procedures - Essential
5. Knowledge of food composition data management tools - Desirable
6. Knowledge of dietary quality scores and generating them - Desirable
7. Driving licence - Desirable

Requirement Importance

1. Experience in working with multiple stakeholders - Essential
2. Laboratory experience related to food analysis and quality assurance - Essential
3. Experience of generating and/or using food composition data - Essential
4. Experience in contributing to applications and securing grant funding - Essential
5. Research experience and track record of scientific publications related to nutrition and dietetics - Essential

Management and Leadership

Requirement Importance

1. Promotes and strives for continuous improvement - Essential
2. Ability to lead a team to achieve timely project delivery - Essential
3. Excellent time management and organisational skills - Essential

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement Importance

1. Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team - Essential
2. Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem-solving skills - Essential
3. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral - Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement Importance

1. Attention to detail - Essential
2. Promotes equality and values diversity - Essential
3. Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff - Essential
4. Able to present a positive image of self, the group, and the Institute - Essential
5. Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required - Essential

Who We Are

Quadram Institute Bioscience

The Quadram Institute is at the forefront of a new interface between food science, gut biology, and health, developing solutions to worldwide challenges in food-related disease and human health.

The Quadram Institute is a diverse and multicultural scientific community. We thrive on our international and European links, appointing staff from across the world.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications will be 28 January 2025.

The Quadram Institute Bioscience is a registered charity (No. 1058499) and is an Equal Opportunities Employer.